One Sentence Summary
The Wright Brothers, written by David McCullough, is a comprehensive biography of the Wright Brothers that explores their lives, struggles, dreams, and accomplishments through the lens of human interest.
Book Genre
Non-Fiction Biography
Main Topic of the Book
The main topic of the book is the biography of the Wright Brothers – Wilbur and Orville – and their pivotal roles in human flight.
Key Ideas
- The Wright Brothers had a lifelong passion for mechanics and aviation.
- They faced many obstacles in their pursuit of invention, such as financial and media criticism.
- Their work was rooted in the philosophy of perseverance and the power of imagination.
- They made the first successful powered flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on December 17, 1903.
- The Wright Brothers propelled human progress in the field of aviation with their inventions.
Main Parts of the Book and a Short Summary
This book is a comprehensive biography of the Wright Brothers’ lives, struggles, dreams, and accomplishments. It is divided into five main parts.
- I. Early Years and Beginnings: This part details the brothers’ early lives, starting with their birth in Ohio and following their education and genesis of the early ideas behind their aviation pursuits. It includes insight from letters written by Wilbur and Orville themselves.
- II. The Breakthrough Years: This part focuses on the brothers’ attempts at creating an aircraft capable of powered flight and the obstacles they faced along the way, including technological dilemmas and financial disapproval. It also showcases their ultimate breakthrough on December 17, 1903.
- III. On the Road to Success: This part looks at the successes of the brothers after their breakthrough and the impact of their discoveries. It also examines the rivalry between other aviators like Santos-Dumont.
- IV. Flying Around the World: This part discusses the invention of their subsequent aircrafts and the brothers’ world-wide tours. It also examines the death of Wilbur Wright in 1912.
- V. Wilbur and Orville Wright: This part looks back at the achievements of the brothers and their lasting legacy, showcasing how their work impacted the world of aviation.
Key Takeaways
- The Wright Brothers, Wilbur and Orville, have revolutionized aviation with their dream and hard work.
- They faced many obstacles in their pursuit for powered flight, including financial issues and media scrutiny.
- The Wright Brothers turned their dreams into reality and ultimately accomplished the impossible.
- In doing so, they sparked changes in society and propelled human progress.
Author’s Background and Qualifications
David McCullough is an acclaimed American biographer, historian, and recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Biography. He is best known for his biographical works such as Truman, John Adams, The Johnstown Flood and 1776. He is one of America’s leading historians and his works on the Wright Brothers is no exception.
Target Audience
This book is best suited for history enthusiasts, aviation lovers and people seeking to learn more about Wilbur and Orville Wright’s lives and journeys. It is also suitable for a general audience who wants to learn about the inspirational story behind success.
Publisher and First Publication Date
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Publication Date: May 5, 2015