Conquering the Sky
The Secret Flights of the Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk
In seven crucial days of spring 1908, the Wright brothers prepared for what they thought would be a season of secret flights at Kitty Hawk, the culmination of five years spent perfecting their planes. However, they were soon discovered by a host of fast-paced reporters and photographers, forcing the brothers to try to outsmart the world press and avoid close scrutiny of their flying machine and its prowess. Within a few pivotal days, the brothers were catapulted into unwanted worldwide fame as the international press reported their every move using rudimentary telegraphs and early forms of photography. This comedy-of-errors pursuit of pilots and press resulted in a series of bizarre and far-fetched news stories splashed across front pages around the world, by journalists who knew they had just witnessed a milestone in history and were desperate to get to the story first.
In Conquering the Sky , Larry E. Tise tells the fascinating untold story of how the Wrights finally introduced the world to the power of flight, taught a legion of gaping aeronauts how to put a plane in the air and keep it there, and astonished thousands of eye-witnesses both in America and in Europe with their amazing feats.
Wright, Orville, 1871-1948.
Wright, Wilbur, 1867-1912.
Aeronautics -- United States -- History -- 20th century.
Aeronautics -- United States -- Biography.
Aeronautics -- United States -- Flights -- History -- 20th century.
Wright Flyer (Airplane) -- History.
Science news -- United States -- History -- 20th century.
Trade secrets -- United States -- History -- 20th century.
Kitty Hawk (N.C.) -- History.
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Call Number | Location | Shelf Location | Status |
TRANSPORT Air/Space Tis | Sandhills Indoors | Nonfiction | In |