The Wright Brothers: The Remarkable Story of the Aviation Pioneers Who Changed the World - Hardcover

Mackersey, Ian

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0316861448 ISBN 13: 9780316861441

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group, 2003

Synopsis

The conquest of the air at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on December 17, 1903, was one of the supreme achievements of the 20th century. On that day, two unknown bicycle mechanics, Wilbur and Orville Wright, launched the first successful powered airplane. They changed the world forever. In The Wright Brothers, Ian Mackersey gives us an intriguing new biography of these eccentric figures, whose genius unlocked the secrets of mechanical flight to realize one of man's oldest dreams.

About this title

About the Author:

Ian Mackersey is a writer and documentary film- maker, whose biographies of the beautiful reclusive pilot Jean Batten, the 'Garbo of the Skies', and of Charles Kingsford Smith, were highly acclaimed.

Review:

On 17 December 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright launched the first successful powered aeroplane, ensuring a place for themselves in the history books, and changing the world forever. Acclaimed aviation biographer Ian Mackersey tells the story of the former bicycle mechanics. It's a fascinating tale of fame, lawsuits and jealousy, involving the domineering figure of Bishop Milton Wright, their priest father, and Katherine, their adoring sister whose marriage led Orville to never speak to her again. Well researched and accessible, Mackersey succeeds in bringing to life these colourful characters and the age in which they lived. Published two weeks prior to the centenary of the Wright Brothers' first manned flight, this book provides a handsome souvenir of the occasion and is sure to do well with the attendant media attention.

About this edition

• Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0316861448
• ISBN 13: 9780316861441
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 544