The Wright Flyers 1899–1916

Most of us know of the Wright Brothers and their historic flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903. I was also among those who had no clue what happened next to Orville and Wilbur Wright. The Wright Flyers: 1899-1916 rectified that situation.

Though this is a short book, it is packed with facts and interesting historical footnotes. There are many records and accomplishments the brothers achieved during the seventeen years described covered in the book, firmly cementing them as inventors that greatly influenced the aeronautical industry. Including the dimensions and materials used to build their planes was a welcome addition, something you don’t normally find. There were also plenty of pictures to aid the descriptions. When one considers that many of the planes were scrapped, pictures represent all we have left of what the Wright Brothers created. I felt the Further Reading section included more than enough suggestions to make even the most voracious reader happy.

I never realized how dangerous it was for these pioneers of the sky, as many of them risked their lives to contribute to this fledging science and some of them lost the gamble and paid with the ultimate sacrifice. Author Richard P. Hallion possesses a succinct style of writing, and the book flows quickly from chapter to chapter. I felt the sidebar stories were important, though some of them included much of the same facts already related in the body of the story. Regardless, this is a solid effort and a great place to start if your knowledge of the Wright Brothers and their accomplishments needs to be increased. Four stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Osprey Publishing for an advance electronic copy of this book.