The Aeroplane

audiobook

The Aeroplane

by Claude Grahame-White, Harry Harper

EN·~6 hours·21 chapters

Chapters

21 total
1

PREFACE

5:40
2

CHAPTER I WHAT EARLY HISTORY TELLS

10:19
3

CHAPTER II THE WORK OF SCIENTISTS

19:00
4

CHAPTER III FIRST FRUITS OF STUDY

14:26
5

CHAPTER IV OTTO AND GUSTAV LILIENTHAL

14:57
6

CHAPTER V GLIDING FLIGHT

17:51
7

CHAPTER VI “THE BIRD MAN”

13:56
8

CHAPTER VII WILBUR AND ORVILLE WRIGHT

13:09
9

CHAPTER VIII THE WRIGHT MOTOR-DRIVEN PLANE

17:15
10

CHAPTER IX DAWN OF FLIGHT

13:37

Description

From the first clumsy attempts with kites and gliders to the daring flights of visionaries who risked ridicule, this narrative charts humanity’s obsession with conquering the sky. It brings the pioneers to life, revealing their childhood curiosities, relentless experiments, and personal triumphs that turned fragile contraptions into believable aircraft. Through vivid illustrations and clear explanations, readers watch the gradual accumulation of data that finally enabled the Wright brothers to lift off in 1903.

Beyond that breakthrough, the book follows the swift evolution of design, showing how early aviators learned to tame wind, power engines, and the very limits of altitude. It also touches on the expanding roles of aircraft—from daring cross‑Channel hops to the first notions of passenger travel—while keeping the human spirit at the core. Enthusiasts will appreciate a balanced blend of technical insight and heartfelt storytelling that makes the saga of flight both accessible and inspiring.

Details

Language

en

Duration

~6 hours (399K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Release date

2014-05-30

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the authors

Claude Grahame-White

Claude Grahame-White

1879–1959

An early aviation star, this daring English pilot helped turn flying from a spectacle into a serious new field. He was known for headline-making flights, energetic promotion, and a lifelong belief in the future of air travel.

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Harry Harper

Harry Harper

1880–1960

An early aviation journalist and popular writer, he helped bring the excitement of flight to a wide audience in the years when powered aviation was still new. His books mix first-hand enthusiasm, reporting, and clear explanation, making them lively windows into the pioneering age of flying.

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