Somehow, I missed this excellent review of N-4 DOWN by COL Jayson A. Altieri (Ret.)from 2022 in Aviation Digest United States Army, which is frustrating as the reviewer really “gets” the book and its lessons.

I love the whole review, but this is my favourite section…

“For readers who enjoy a compelling story of man against the elements and himself, and for those who want insights about the limits of any new technology when pushed to the edge, N-4 Down provides both. The author does a masterful job of weaving a story that combines the race to be the first man to successfully fly and land on the North Pole, 1920s aviation technologies, and the geopolitical situation in Europe following the First World War. Drawing from a number of primary resources and previously unpublished documents, Mr. Piesing’s story of innovation, daring, hubris, and betrayal provides a detailed account of one of the biggest news stories of the age prior to the 1929 stock market crash. For many military readers, N-4 Down also provides a useful insight into the complexities and challenges of international or “coalition” type operations, highlighting factors like interoperability and how politics play in such endeavors.

N-4 Down is both insightful, timely, and highly recommended to a diverse group of readers. As the dawn of a new interplanetary race begins with competitors like SpaceX and Virgin Galactic attempting to open the high ground of space to private enterprise, the technological limitations of commercial manned-space travel to low Earth orbit, the Moon, and Mars may see a similar crisis unfold in the future. The lessons learned from N-4 Down may provide important insights for another generation of men and women pushing the boundaries of new technology in
an unforgiving environment.”