New Amelia Earhart bio delves into her unconventional marriage

Amelia Earhart, the legendary aviator, continues to fascinate audiences decades after her mysterious disappearance in 1937 during her ambitious quest to become the first woman to fly around the world. A new biography, "The Aviator and the Showman: Amelia Earhart, George Putnam, and the Marriage that Made an American Icon," explores the intricate dynamics of her life and marriage, suggesting that her relationship with a flamboyant publisher may have influenced her recklessness and ultimately contributed to her tragic fate. Authored by Laurie Gwen Shapiro, a devoted admirer of Earhart, the book delves into the aviator's life beyond her public persona. Shapiro, a documentary filmmaker and journalist, first encountered Earhart through a brief biography in her youth, sparking a lifelong fascination. After a period of professional development, she rekindled her passion for Earhart while researching her own book about a stowaway on Admiral Richard Byrd's Antarctic expedition, which was closely tied to George Palmer Putnam, Earhart's husband. Shapiro's exploration of Earhart's life reveals a more nuanced character than the pristine image she once held. "I was less interested in how she died than how she lived," Shapiro stated, emphasizing her desire to understand Earhart's skills as a pilot and the authenticity of her marriage. The author's investigation was fueled by access to over 200 hours of newly released tapes from the Smithsonian's Amelia Earhart Project, including interviews with Earhart's sister, Muriel. To thoroughly research her subject, Shapiro dedicated an additional six months to listen to these tapes and comb through archives at various institutions, including the University of New Hampshire and Purdue University. Her efforts included conducting interviews with previous biographers, aiming to piece together the rich tapestry of Earhart's life, characterized not only by her daring flights but also by her complex personal relationships.