In this fascinating biography, Fred C. Kelly, a former newspaperman, author, and an old friend of the Wrights, tells the story of the 2 brilliant, dedicated, flight-obsessed bicycle mechanics from Ohio who first realized mankind's age-old dream of conquering the skies. Long considered the definitive Wright Brothers biography (the manuscript was read and approved by Orville Wright), Kelly's work recounts the Wrights' small-town boyhood, their early interest in all things mechanical, the establishment of the Wright Cycle Shop, and the complete behind-the-scenes story of how they designed, built, tested, and flew (December, 1903) the first "Flyer."
(P)1994 by Blackstone Audiobooks
Staff Reviews
When this definitive biography of the Wright brothers was published, their historic flight was already 40 years in the past. Many have forgotten that their demonstration of the "device that had baffled the ablest scientists through the centuries" was just the start of their inventive careers (when the flight occurs, the audiobook still has five hours to go). This is the story of their curiosity and drive, from kite-making boys in the 1880s to ingenious visionaries who saw in their rickety machine the possibilities for military scouting, mail delivery, exploration, and sport. The reading by Noah Waterman, a little reminiscent of Walter Winchell, lends a newsreel quality that seems to me just right. (Rick L.)

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