Abstract
The following study of the Phenomenon of Lindbergh is made with a view to help one in forming a true estimate of the nature, magnitude, and effectiveness of his educational influence. | That the Phenomenon of Lindbergh has exercised, and is exercising a tremendous and far-reaching influence no thoughtful follower of the press accounts of the flier's adventures and accomplishments since May 11, 1927 will deny. On that date, the day of his take-off from San Diego, California, the natal city of the "We" partner, the Associated Press gave him a meagre front page recognition, not in an attitude of faith and trust, hut as an advertising element, a "dark horse” incident for the story of the pending Orteig Trans-Atlantic Air Race. A history of Lindbergh must needs chronicle the days, May 11-21, 1927, as the Period of American Incredulity, "the darkest hour before the dawn" of his glory. It was then he stood alone: alone. as one "in whom no one but himself believed"; alone,-unknown beyond a small group of friends, backers, airplane builders, fellow-pilots and mechanics; alone,-hailed as foolhardy by the public sentiment of his own native land. But this chapter of Lindbergh history sheds great glory on the undaunted character ready to dare and to do that in which he himself had indomitable faith. The hours he stood alone were a greater test of character than the thirty-three and one-half hours he "flew alone" in his meteor-flash from obscurity to immortality.