Amelia Earhart’s Husband George Putnam ‘Pushed Her to the Brink’ New Book Claims

A new biography on Amelia Earhart sheds light on her complex relationship with her husband, George Putnam, suggesting that he may have pushed her to her limits. The book, titled “The Aviator and the Showman: Amelia Earhart, George Putnam, and the Marriage that Made an American Icon,” delves into the often turbulent marriage between the iconic aviator and her husband, George Putnam. The couple’s relationship, which had elements of both romance and a mutually beneficial professional partnership, is explored in depth in this newly released biography.

Laurie Gwen Shapiro, the author of the book, brings forth a fresh perspective on Earhart and Putnam’s dynamic by drawing on a range of new firsthand sources, including previously unheard audio interviews. Putnam, a well-known publisher at the time, played a significant role in Earhart’s career, helping her write her first book and recognizing her potential for success. However, Shapiro suggests that Putnam’s ambitions for publicity often led him to push his authors to extreme lengths, with Earhart bearing the weight of these demands more than anyone.

The biography portrays the couple’s partnership as innovative for its time, supporting Earhart’s lofty goals while also driving her towards increasingly dangerous stunts to promote her work. This influence, the book suggests, may have contributed to the daring and, at times, reckless nature of Earhart’s final flight. The narrative captures Putnam’s initial fascination with Earhart, describing it as a mixture of admiration for her abilities and a desire to achieve commercial success through their collaboration.

Putnam first crossed paths with Earhart in 1929, selecting her to be the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean as a passenger. Despite still being married to his first wife at the time, Putnam and Earhart worked closely together on various projects, culminating in their marriage in 1931. The biography aims to provide a deeper understanding of Earhart as a person, highlighting her personal struggles, dreams, and the complexities of her relationship with Putnam.

By humanizing and contextualizing Earhart’s story, the book invites readers to explore the less-known aspects of her life beyond her aviation achievements. “The Aviator and the Showman: Amelia Earhart, George Putnam, and the Marriage that Made an American Icon” is now available for those interested in delving into the nuances of one of history’s most celebrated figures. This biography offers a unique perspective on Earhart and Putnam’s intertwined lives, painting a vivid picture of their partnership and the impact it had on Earhart’s career and legacy.

As readers immerse themselves in this new account of Amelia Earhart’s life, they are invited to reflect on the complexities of relationships, ambition, and the pursuit of success amidst the challenges of the early 20th century. Through Shapiro’s research and storytelling, Earhart’s journey takes on new dimensions, unveiling the role that her marriage to George Putnam played in shaping her legacy as an American icon. This book serves as a tribute to Earhart’s pioneering spirit and the enduring impact of her contributions to aviation history.