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The Wright Brothers

Chapter 2: AUTHOR’S PREFACE
By Fred C. Kelly
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American LiteratureBiographiesEngineering & TechnologyHistory - Modern (1750+)

About This Book

A close biography follows Wilbur and Orville Wright from childhood curiosity and mechanical aptitude through systematic experiments in gliding and aircraft control. It recounts their progression from printing and bicycle repair to powered flight, describing early test camps and the first successful airplane. The account examines public skepticism, demonstrations in Europe, interactions with the U.S. Army, and subsequent commercial and legal challenges. Throughout, the author emphasizes careful observation, patient experimentation, and practical problem-solving as the foundations of their achievement in achieving controlled, sustained flight.

AUTHOR’S PREFACE

The aim in this book has been to satisfy the curiosity of the average, non-technical reader regarding the work of the Wright Brothers, and to do so as simply as possible. No attempt has been made to go into minute technical details. Nor does the book cover the scientific researches and numerous inventions by Orville Wright since the death of his brother.

To give credit to everyone who has been gracious with help in the preparation of what I have written would require so long a list, with risk of names being unintentionally omitted, that I shall not attempt it.

But one name naturally and obviously comes first and foremost—that of Orville Wright himself. He has read my manuscript and given generously of his time in verifying the accuracy of various statements and in correcting inaccuracies which otherwise would have appeared.

Next in importance to that of Orville Wright has been the help received from his secretary, Miss Mabel Beck, whose memory and knowledge of Mr. Wright’s voluminous files enabled her quickly to produce documentary evidence to make certain of accuracy.

FRED C. KELLY

Peninsula, Ohio