A comprehensive history of aviation from 1783 to 1903, covering balloon flights, gliders, airships, and early experiments leading to powered flight. Illustrated with over 150 contemporary images, this humorous yet scholarly work celebrates pioneers. Characteristics ISBN-10 0850451655 Book cover finish(es) Hardcover ( round back binding ) Dust jacket Condition The book is in very good condition with a bright dust jacket and an interior in mint condition. Author(s) David W. Wragg Publisher Osprey Publishing Ltd Number of pages 192 Published date 1974 Language(s) English Size 19.5 x 25 x 2 cm Description The first forward movement through air of a heavier-than-air machine under its own power, terminating at a point not lower than take-off, occurred in 1903—but an awful lot happened in aeronautics before that! Flight before Flying is mainly concerned with the 120 years from 1783 to 1903, spanning the first balloon flights to the first aeroplane flights. Along the way, it explores experiments with gliders and airships, the early internal combustion engine, and other forms of power, as well as work on kites, rockets, and parachutes that paved the way for modern aviation technology. To provide context, the book also includes a chapter on the “pre-flight” years before 1783 and concludes with a brief look at the subsequent development of the aeroplane and the airship. David Wragg’s account, illustrated with over 150 contemporary images, is both humorous and engaging. At the same time, it offers considerable historical and technological insight, telling a stirring story of human courage and inventive endeavour that shaped the skies of today.
