2014 Reprint of 1928 Edition. Earhart captured the hearts and imaginations of people around the world when she became the first woman to cross the Atlantic by airplane. This book, her personal account of the historic flight, sparkles with her high-spirited charm and adventurous determination. To the story of her historic flight Earhart adds an autobiographical account of her young adult life and fascination with airplanes, and a serious-minded discussion of the future of flight and the important role of women in aviation. "20 Hrs. 40 Min." remains a classic tale of adventure to this day.