Historian and author Richard J. Goodrich is an accomplished speaker, who is available for in person or Zoom events. In 2023, his Fear and Loathing in the Heavens lecture tour captivated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.

With the impending (June 18, 2024) release of his new book, L. A. Birdmen, Richard has added two new lectures about early aviation history to his public speaking repertoire.

Learn more about Richard's current lecture lineup by clicking one of these links:

• Lighter-than-Air: West Coast Aviators and the Dawn of Flight
• The "Flightiest City": How Aviation Put Los Angeles on the Map
• Fear and Loathing in the Heavens: The 1910 Return of Halley's Comet

An excellent speaker, an amazing topic. All thoroughly researched and delivered with style. I couldn't recommend highly enough.

- Jamie Wood, Historical Association, Lincoln Branch

This is a fascinating and relevant look at the nexus of the scientific process and media hype and rumor in a phenomenon that was understood yet had historic roots of fear and uncertainty. Dr. Goodrich introduces some prominent players whose fame has faded and describes some of the consequences of this misinformation to ordinary people.

- Kin Searcy, San Diego Astronomy Association

I wanted to say again how much we loved your presentation...it was very entertaining and your presentation manner was great.

- Jerry Stone, Hertford Astronomy Group

Dr. Richard J. Goodrich engaged our audience, most of whom came with their own thoughts and lore about Halley's Comet. By the end of the lecture, they were more familiar with the context and implications of the doomsday sayers, and Dr. Goodrich's presentation was also thoroughly entertaining.

- Azia Salbego, Benton County History Museum, Corvallis, OR

Dr Goodrich provided a fascinating, informative and highly entertaining sidelight on the reactions of early 20th century society to the 1910 return of the famous Halley's Comet. It was a thought provoking lesson to us all!

- Nigel Goodman, Edinburgh Astronomical Society

Richard's talk is excellent and highly entertaining; I haven't laughed so much at an astronomy talk for a long time! I ordered my copy of his book the next day.

- Neil Haggath FRAS, astronomy writer

Richard’s talk gives a fascinating insight into how the arrival of a comet was interpreted. Hearing the stories of doom that were portrayed in the media at the time was most interesting; I can understand how people got so alarmed! It was quite amusing to hear some of the methods of protection against the comet that were suggested too. I would highly recommend Richard’s talk, it’s throughly informative and entertaining..

Cath Adams - President of Wolverhampton Astronomical Society