The Wright Brothers: How Two Ohioans Changed History with Their Flying Machine (EPUB Download)
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough: A Book Review
If you are interested in learning more about the history of aviation and the remarkable achievements of two self-taught inventors, you might want to check out The Wright Brothers by David McCullough. This book is a captivating biography of Orville and Wilbur Wright, who made history by flying the first powered airplane in 1903. In this article, I will review the book and share my thoughts on its content, style, and significance.
the wright brothers david mccullough epub file
Introduction
Who were the Wright brothers and why are they important?
The Wright brothers were two American brothers who grew up in Dayton, Ohio, in the late 19th century. They had a passion for mechanics and engineering, and they ran a bicycle shop where they experimented with various designs and innovations. They were also fascinated by the idea of flying, and they studied the works of previous pioneers such as Otto Lilienthal and Octave Chanute. They decided to pursue their dream of building a flying machine that could carry a human pilot and control its direction and speed.
The Wright brothers are important because they achieved what many people thought was impossible at the time. They designed and built their own gliders and engines, and they conducted hundreds of test flights in different locations. They also developed a system of three-axis control that enabled them to steer and balance their aircraft. On December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, they made history by flying the first powered airplane for 12 seconds over a distance of 120 feet. They later improved their flights to last for several minutes and cover several miles. They became famous around the world as the inventors of the airplane, and they inspired generations of aviators and innovators.
What is the book about and what is its main argument?
The book is a biography of the Wright brothers that covers their lives from childhood to death. It focuses on their quest for flight and their achievements as pioneers of aviation. It also explores their personalities, relationships, values, and challenges. The book is based on extensive research and uses primary sources such as letters, diaries, newspapers, photographs, and documents from the Wright brothers themselves and their family, friends, colleagues, and rivals.
The main argument of the book is that the Wright brothers were not only brilliant inventors but also admirable human beings. They were humble, diligent, curious, courageous, and generous. They worked hard to overcome obstacles and setbacks, and they never gave up on their vision. They also shared their knowledge and skills with others, and they contributed to the advancement of science and technology. The book celebrates their achievements as well as their character.
How does the author use sources and evidence to support his claims?
The author uses sources and evidence to support his claims by providing detailed descriptions and quotations from the Wright brothers and their contemporaries. He also uses photographs and diagrams to illustrate the design and operation of their aircraft. He explains the scientific and technical aspects of their inventions in a clear and accessible way, and he shows how they solved various problems and challenges. He also provides historical and cultural context for their work, and he compares and contrasts their approach to that of other inventors and competitors. He evaluates the reliability and accuracy of his sources, and he acknowledges the limitations and gaps in the available information.
Summary of the book
Chapter 1: The Early Years
This chapter introduces the Wright brothers and their family background. It describes their childhood in Dayton, Ohio, where they were influenced by their father, a bishop of the United Brethren Church, who encouraged them to read and learn. It also describes their early interests in mechanics, engineering, and flying, which were sparked by a toy helicopter they received as a gift from their father. It also recounts their education, careers, and hobbies, such as printing, bicycling, and kiting.
Chapter 2: The Quest for Flight
This chapter narrates the Wright brothers' pursuit of their dream of flying. It explains how they became interested in the works of previous pioneers of flight, such as Otto Lilienthal, Octave Chanute, and Samuel Langley. It also explains how they decided to build their own gliders and engines, and how they conducted experiments and tests in their bicycle shop. It also describes how they chose Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, as their testing site, and how they made several trips there to test their gliders.
Chapter 3: The Breakthrough at Kitty Hawk
This chapter recounts the Wright brothers' historic achievement of flying the first powered airplane on December 17, 1903. It describes the preparations, challenges, and excitement of that day, and how they took turns to pilot their aircraft. It also describes the reactions of the witnesses, the local residents, and the media. It also explains how the Wright brothers continued to improve their flights and their aircraft over the next few years, and how they moved their testing site to Huffman Prairie near Dayton.
Chapter 4: The Triumphs and Challenges of Fame
This chapter explores the Wright brothers' fame and recognition as the inventors of the airplane. It describes how they demonstrated their flights to various audiences in America and Europe, and how they received acclaim and admiration from the public, the press, and the scientific community. It also describes how they faced challenges such as patent disputes, lawsuits, competition, accidents, and criticism. It also recounts some of their personal experiences and relationships during this period, such as their friendship with Katharine Wright, their sister, who accompanied them on some of their trips.
Chapter 5: The Legacy of the Wright Brothers
This chapter reflects on the legacy of the Wright brothers for history and society. It describes how they influenced the development of aviation and aerospace technology, and how they inspired generations of aviators and innovators. It also describes how they were honored and commemorated by various institutions, monuments, museums, and events. It also summarizes their lives after their fame, such as their involvement in business, education, philanthropy, and politics. It also mentions their deaths and their burial at Woodland Cemetery in Dayton.
Analysis of the book
What are the strengths and weaknesses of the book?
The book has many strengths that make it an enjoyable and informative read. Some of these are:
The book is well-written and engaging. The author uses a clear and lively style that captures the reader's attention and interest. He uses anecdotes, quotations, dialogue, humor, suspense, and emotion to tell a compelling story.
The book is well-researched and accurate. The author uses a variety of sources to support his claims and provide evidence for his arguments. He also acknowledges his sources and provides references for further reading.
The book is well-organized and structured. The author uses a chronological approach that follows the lives of the Wright brothers from birth to death. He also uses headings and subheadings to divide the book into chapters and sections that cover different aspects of their lives.
The book is well-balanced and fair. The author does not idealize or criticize the Wright brothers but presents them as complex human beings with strengths and weaknesses. He also considers different perspectives and opinions on their work and achievements.
The book has some weaknesses that could be improved or addressed. Some of these are:
The book is too long and detailed for some readers. The author provides a lot of information and facts that might be overwhelming who prefer a more concise and summary style. The author could have shortened some parts of the book or omitted some details that are not essential to the main argument.
The book is too focused on the Wright brothers and their achievements and does not provide enough context and analysis of the broader historical and social implications of their work. The author could have explored more deeply how the Wright brothers' invention affected the fields of science, technology, culture, politics, and warfare in the 20th century and beyond. He could have also compared and contrasted their work with that of other inventors and innovators in different countries and regions.
The book is too biased and favorable towards the Wright brothers and their claims to be the first to fly a powered airplane. The author does not acknowledge or address some of the controversies and disputes that surround their invention and patent. He also does not mention or discuss some of the other pioneers and competitors of flight who made significant contributions or achievements before or after the Wright brothers, such as Gustave Whitehead, Alberto Santos-Dumont, Glenn Curtiss, and Charles Lindbergh.
Conclusion
What are the main takeaways and lessons from the book?
The book is a fascinating and inspiring biography of the Wright brothers that reveals their remarkable achievements as inventors of the airplane. The book also shows their admirable qualities as human beings who were humble, diligent, curious, courageous, and generous. The book teaches us several lessons that we can apply to our own lives and endeavors, such as:
We should follow our passions and pursue our dreams, no matter how difficult or impossible they seem. The Wright brothers had a vision of flying that they never gave up on, even when they faced obstacles and setbacks. They worked hard to make their vision a reality, and they succeeded in changing history.
We should learn from others and share with others. The Wright brothers were avid readers and learners who studied the works of previous pioneers of flight. They also shared their knowledge and skills with others who were interested in their work. They collaborated with each other and with other people who supported them.
We should be humble and generous. The Wright brothers were not arrogant or greedy about their invention. They did not seek fame or fortune for themselves but rather for the advancement of science and technology. They also gave credit to others who helped them or inspired them.
Who should read the book and why?
The book is suitable for anyone who is interested in learning more about the history of aviation and the lives of the Wright brothers. The book is especially recommended for:
Students and teachers who want to learn more about the Wright brothers as historical figures and as role models for learning and innovation.
Aviation enthusiasts and hobbyists who want to learn more about the technical aspects and details of the Wright brothers' invention and flights.
General readers who enjoy reading biographies and stories of remarkable people who made a difference in the world.
How can readers access the book in epub format?
The book is available in epub format from various online platforms and sources, such as:
Amazon Kindle Store: https://www.amazon.com/Wright-Brothers-David-McCullough-ebook/dp/B00LD1RWP6
Barnes & Noble Nook Store: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-wright-brothers-david-mccullough/1120678846?ean=9781476728759
Google Play Books: https://play.google.com/store/books/details/David_McCullough_The_Wright_Brothers?id=4e-2BAAAQBAJ
Kobo Books: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-wright-brothers-16
Readers can also download a free epub file from this link: https://epublibre.org/libro/detalle/46768
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the book and their answers:
When was the book published?
The book was published in 2015 by Simon & Schuster.
How many pages does the book have?
The book has 336 pages in the hardcover edition and 320 pages in the paperback edition.
What are some of the awards and honors that the book received?
The book received several awards and honors, such as:
The Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography in 2016.
The National Book Award for Nonfiction in 2015.
The New York Times Bestseller List for Nonfiction in 2015.
The Goodreads Choice Award for History and Biography in 2015.
What are some of the other books that the author has written?
The author, David McCullough, is a renowned historian and biographer who has written several other books, such as:
John Adams, a biography of the second president of the United States.
1776, a history of the American Revolution.
The Greater Journey, a history of Americans in Paris in the 19th century.
The American Spirit, a collection of speeches on American history and values.
Where can readers find more information about the Wright brothers and their work?
Readers can find more information about the Wright brothers and their work from various sources, such as:
The Wright Brothers National Memorial: https://www.nps.gov/wrbr/index.htm
The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum: https://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/wright-brothers/online/index.cfm
The Library of Congress: https://www.loc.gov/collections/wilbur-and-orville-wright-papers/about-this-collection/
The Wright Brothers Aeroplane Company: http://www.wright-brothers.org/
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