Skyward: Why Flyers Fly
Munson’s sole identified authored standalone book and principal published work.
Author guide
Russell Munson Books in Order
Russell Munson is an aviation writer, photographer, and pilot whose authored book Skyward: Why Flyers Fly combines essays and color aviation photography. He also photographed Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull, but that work is excluded here because his contribution was photographic rather than authorship. [Official biography](https://russellmunson.com/about/)
aviation nonfictionphotography
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Novels (1)
- Skyward: Why Flyers Fly
nonfiction · 1989
Frequently asked questions about Russell Munson
Who is Russell Munson?
Russell Munson is an aviation photojournalist, author, photographer, and pilot. His work combines aviation writing with fine-art and aerial photography.
What did Russell Munson do before specializing in aviation photography?
After graduating from Yale with a graphic-design major, Munson worked as a magazine art director and advertising-photography assistant. He later served in the Army, opened a New York studio, and turned his focus to aviation photography.
What influenced Russell Munson’s interest in aviation?
Munson developed his love of aviation and photography during childhood in Denver. His father was also an airline pilot, a family connection that remained important to Munson’s understanding of flight.
Sources: russellmunson.com (opens in a new tab)louisagaylord.com (opens in a new tab)
Did Russell Munson photograph Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull?
Yes. Munson provided all of the photographs for Richard Bach’s enduring aviation classic, Jonathan Livingston Seagull.
What is Russell Munson’s legacy in aviation photography?
Munson is recognized for aviation photography and writing published in outlets including Flying and Smithsonian Air & Space. His fine-art aerial photographs are held in museum, corporate, and private collections.