Skunk Works: A Personal Memoir of My Years at Lockheed
Personal Years: Skunk Works is Ben Rich’s memoir of Lockheed’s secret aerospace operation, covering projects from the U-2 to the Stealth fighter. The listing describes a 400-page illustrated English edition focused on engineering, aviation history and the people behind these programmes.
At a glance
- A first-person account by Ben Rich, described as the head of Lockheed’s Skunk Works for nearly two decades.
- Covers aerospace projects including the U-2 and Stealth fighter, alongside Cold War and Gulf War aviation history.
- The listing describes engineering stories, personal anecdotes and accounts from pilots and the CIA.
Reference price: $29.99
Price checked: Nov 13, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines aerospace engineering history with a personal memoir and aviation narratives.
- Customer feedback describes the book as engaging, informative and easy to read.
- The 400-page illustrated edition offers a substantial account for readers interested in aviation history.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Little, Brown Paperbacks |
|---|---|
| Publication date | Feb. 1 1996 |
| Edition | Illustrated |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 400 pages |
| Weight listed | 1.05 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 13.97 x 3.68 x 20.96 cm |
| ISBN-10 | 9780316743006 |
|---|---|
| ISBN-13 | 978-0316743006 |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in Lockheed, aerospace engineering and military aviation history.
- Readers who prefer personal memoirs and narrative history to a purely technical reference.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a current technical manual or a concise overview.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
75% 75% - 4 stars
20% 20% - 3 stars
4% 4% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
0% 0%
Customer feedback highlights an engaging, informative story that readers describe as easy to read, which suits the listing’s memoir-style account of aerospace history. Opinions on value are mixed, so whether the 400-page book feels worthwhile may depend on a reader’s interest in Lockheed and military aviation.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the book as interesting, informative and engaging.
- Feedback also praises its readability.
Mixed feedback
- Opinions differ on whether the book offers good value for money.
Frequently asked questions
What is Skunk Works about?
It is presented as Ben Rich’s account of Lockheed’s Skunk Works, including the development of aircraft such as the U-2 and Stealth fighter and the people and engineering behind the operation.
What edition details are listed?
The listing identifies an illustrated English edition published by Little, Brown Paperbacks, with a print length of 400 pages.
Is this a technical reference?
The supplied description presents it as a memoir and narrative history with engineering and aviation stories, rather than identifying it as a technical manual.
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