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Jan 08, 2017pauldib rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
The scope of imagination, the bonds of family, and the power of obsession are all elements of this historical narrative. Few siblings will have a closer relationship than the brothers Wilbur and Oliver Wright had. The whole story of the first powered flight of a heavier than air craft is built on this relationship. They worked like two halves of the same brain. Just being able to work together in some business was their original goal. Toward this end, it seemed reasonable to take advantage of the current craze for bicycles and start their own repair shop. Eventually the decision was made to build and market their own superbly crafted models. Over time the business expanded into a profitable enterprise. Suddenly the bug bit and the idea of flight began to capture their imaginations. The brother taught themselves by extensive research and constructing ever more capable gliders. They also knew how to choose skilled and loyal assistants, including their much loved and highly educated younger sister. Over the course of several years they persisted in refining and testing their designs until they were ready to create a lightweight motor to mount on the airframe. Finally, at Kitty Hawk, they achieved their dream. Both the period leading up to the flight and their adventures and achievements during the years following it are exquisitely documented. The author, David McCullough, never disappoints. He has fashioned a book that chronicles the singular event of flight while also infusing the story with wonderful details and insights into the characters, both central and peripheral to the events. One of the most fascinating parts of the book, to me, was the story of the Wright family, their closeness and devotion to one another. They really did operate as a unit. Curiously enough, neither of the brothers ever married, perhaps because they always kept themselves so busy. This is a quick and, admittedly, cursory review. Suffice it to say that I enjoyed the heck out of it.