Saw it mentioned in the most recent AOPA Pilot and immediately ordered it. Over 1/2 way through and it is one of the most enjoyable books I've read.
I was surprised at how little of knew of the real story. And I knew almost nothing of their personalities and character.
Two things (among many) that really hit a chord with me:
1) Wilbur's patient, methodical and unpertable pre-flight. Total concentration, never rushed. Will not fly until he's ready to fly, no matter the external pressures. (something we all need to do).
2) Their diary entries sound a lot like our build logs:
From Orville's diary:
"Friday, October 23rd: Worked on skids during morning, and after dinner finished putting on hinges."
PS: David McCullough's "John Adams" was also a favorite. I mention it because in reading it you'd find that the dysfunction in Washington is the "same #$%, different day" after 200 years. Point being, that the US ignored the Wrights. The first truly world shattering public flight demonstration, and resulting world news, occurred in France.
I was surprised at how little of knew of the real story. And I knew almost nothing of their personalities and character.
Two things (among many) that really hit a chord with me:
1) Wilbur's patient, methodical and unpertable pre-flight. Total concentration, never rushed. Will not fly until he's ready to fly, no matter the external pressures. (something we all need to do).
2) Their diary entries sound a lot like our build logs:
From Orville's diary:
"Friday, October 23rd: Worked on skids during morning, and after dinner finished putting on hinges."
PS: David McCullough's "John Adams" was also a favorite. I mention it because in reading it you'd find that the dysfunction in Washington is the "same #$%, different day" after 200 years. Point being, that the US ignored the Wrights. The first truly world shattering public flight demonstration, and resulting world news, occurred in France.