Description: Speed depicts the life of Bob Gilliland, an accomplished pilot and principle test pilot for the SR-71 Blackbird, and his journey with this record-breaking aircraft that helped win the Cold War.
Brief description: Keith Dunnavant is the author of eight books, including Spy Pilot, a true story of Cold War intrigue and redemption, as well as definitive biographies of Paul "Bear" Bryant, Joe Montana, and Bart Starr. He goes deeper into the Blackbird story in his documentary film, First Flight, Last Flight. Once a prominent sportswriter and magazine entrepreneur and editor, Dunnavant directed coverage of sports, business, media, culture, and politics. He has been a featured historian on ESPN, CBS, HBO, Showtime, Epix, and SEC Network.
Review Quotes: "Bob Gilliland spent his entire career pushing life's boundaries. In Speed we see him play a pivotal role as the SR-71 Blackbird dramatically extended the aviation frontier. You'll love this thrill ride into the life of a legendary test pilot. This book brings you so close to the action that you can feel the excitement and smell the jet fuel."--Gen. Steve Ritchie, the only U.S. Air Force fighter pilot ace of the Vietnam War