"Jet-Age Test Pilot"
by Tex Johnston
Started flying in the 1930s. In the 1940s was testing the grand-daddy of all modern airliners, the B-47 Stratojet. Later was the chief test pilot for the Boeing 707 prototype and was the PF who did the famous barrel roll over Lake Washington, Seattle.
"The Wrong Stuff"
by Cdr. John Moore, USN Ret.
Great account of carrier-based operations with early jets and various (and sometimes bizarre) experiments.
"Fighter Pilot's Heaven (Flight testing the early jets)"
by Donald Lopez.
Testing Shooting Stars and Sabre jets in the 1940s/50s.
Later, he become the Deputy Director of the Smithsonian Institute's National Air and Space Museum
And something different....
"Red Star in Orbit"
by James Oberg
Fascinating account by a former US Airforce and NASA engineer of the cold war Soviet space programme with all of its internal machinations, deadly politics and intrigues.
Also endorse previous recommendations for Bob Hoover and Ben Rich (Skunk Works).