The Men Who Gave Us Wings : Britain and the Aeroplane, 1796–1914

Why did the British, then the leading nation in science and technology, fall far behind in the race to develop the aeroplane before the First World War? Despite their initial advantage, they were overtaken by the Wright brothers in America, by the French and the Germans. Peter Reese, in this highly readable and highly illustrated account, delves into the fascinating early history of aviation as he describes what happened and why. He recalls the brilliant theoretical work of Sir George Cayley, the inventions of other pioneers of the nineteenth century and the daring exploits of the next generation of airmen, among them Samuel Cody, A.V. Roe, Bertram Dickson, Charles Rolls and Tommy Sopwith. His narrative is illustrated with a wonderful selection of over 120 archive drawings and photographs which record the men and the primitive flying machines of a century ago.As featured on BBC Radio Surrey and in Essence Magazine. Why did the British, then the leading nation in science and technology, fall far behind in the race to develop the aeroplane before the First World War? Despite their initial advantage, they were overtaken by the Wright brothers in America, by the French and the Germans. Peter Reese, in this highly readable and highly illustrated account, delves into the fascinating early history of aviation as he describes what happened and why. He recalls the brilliant theoretical work of Sir George Cayley, the inventions of other pioneers of the nineteenth century and the daring exploits of the next generation of airmen, among them Samuel Cody, A.V. Roe, Bertram Dickson, Charles Rolls and Tommy Sopwith. His narrative is illustrated with a wonderful selection of over 120 archive drawings and photographs which record the men and the primitive flying machines of a century ago. [Elib] Why did the British, then the leading nation in science and technology, fall far behind in the race to develop the airplane before the First World War? Despite their initial advantage, they were overtaken by the Wright brothers in America, by the French and the Germans. Peter Reese, in this highly readable and highly illustrated account, delves into the fascinating early history of aviation as he describes what happened and why. He recalls the brilliant theoretical work of Sir George Cayley, the inventions of other pioneers of the nineteenth century and the daring exploits of the next generation of airmen, among them Samuel Cody, A.V. Roe, Bertram Dickson, Charles Rolls and Tommy Sopwith. His narrative is illustrated with a wonderful selection of over 120 archive drawings and photographs which record the men and the primitive flying machines of a century ago. Cover; Title Page; Copyright Page; Contents; Acknowledgements; Prologue; The Pioneers; Chapter 1: The Father Of Flight; Chapter 2: Shape Of Things To Come; Chapter 3: Multi-Wings, Wind Tunnels And Tethered Planes; Chapter 4: The British Troubadour; Chapter 5: Lift Off In America; Struggle For Air Consciousness; Chapter 6: Rejecting The Wrights' Offers; Chapter 7: Thumbs Down For The Aeroplane; Chapter 8: Challenging The Doubters; The Achievers; Chapter 9: Early Flyers - Flying For The Hell Of It; Chapter 10: First Flyers - Pushing The Margins About The Author: In his books on the battles at Bannockburn, Flodden and Dunbar, Peter Reese has established a reputation as a gripping and versatile writer of military history. He has written extensively on Anglo-Scottish conflicts, the English Civil Wars and the pioneering days of manned flight. He is also a notable biographer - he has published a critical assessment of Scottish commanders and acclaimed biographies of William Wallace, Samuel Cody and General George Monck. HISTORY / Military / Aviation A highly illustrated account of the British pioneers of manned flight. Includes vivid descriptions of the exploits of Edwardian airmen like Samuel Cody. nd A.V. Roe. Over 120 archive illustrations showing the early years of aviation.