The Wright Brothers Book Summary

In "The Wright Brothers," David McCullough reveals the inspiring tale of two ambitious siblings who dared to dream of flight against all odds. Orville and Wilbur Wright's relentless pursuit of innovation takes them from a humble bicycle shop to the windswept shores of Kitty Hawk, where they make history with the first powered aircraft. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, the book unveils their trials, setbacks, and remarkable ingenuity. McCullough not only highlights their groundbreaking achievements but also delves into their close-knit family bonds and the spirit of perseverance that fueled their quest. Discover how two ordinary men changed the course of human destiny and sparked the modern era of aviation.

By Tara Dixon-Engel, Mike Jackson

Published: 2007

"The bicycle was a great invention, but the airplane was a greater one."

Book Review of The Wright Brothers

A biography of the Wright brothers, who became famous as the inventors of the airplane.

Similar books you might like →

Showing 8 of 28 similar books

Similar Book Recommendations →

Chelsea Handler's Book Recommendations

Chelsea Handler is an American comedian, actress, author, and talk show host, best known for her late-night talk show Chelsea Lately on E!. Handler's bold, unapologetic humor and outspoken views on politics, gender, and social issues have made her a prominent figure in comedy and media. In addition to her TV career, she has written several best-selling books, including Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea, and has been a strong advocate for political activism and mental health awareness. Handler continues to be a leading voice in entertainment and social commentary, using her platform to challenge norms and promote change.

Media and Pop Culture

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

PoliticsMemoirs and BiographiesSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Drew Houston's Book Recommendations

Drew Houston is an accomplished American entrepreneur best known for co-founding Dropbox, a widely-used cloud storage service, in 2007. As the CEO, he has led the company to serve millions of users worldwide and become a key player in the tech industry. Although not primarily known for literature, Houston has shared his entrepreneurial insights and experiences through various interviews and public speaking engagements, offering valuable lessons to aspiring business leaders. His work has significantly influenced the way people and organizations manage and share digital content. Houston's innovative vision continues to shape the future of cloud computing and digital collaboration.

Business and LeadershipTechnology and FutureSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Jocko Willink's Book Recommendations

Jocko Willink is a retired Navy SEAL officer, renowned for his leadership during the Battle of Ramadi in the Iraq War, which earned him the Silver Star and Bronze Star. Transitioning from military service, he co-authored the best-selling book "Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win" with fellow SEAL Leif Babin, which has become a cornerstone in leadership and management literature. Willink has also written the "Way of the Warrior Kid" series, aimed at empowering young readers with principles of discipline and resilience. Additionally, he hosts the popular "Jocko Podcast," where he discusses leadership, discipline, and personal development. Willink's influence extends beyond literature through his Echelon Front leadership consultancy, helping organizations implement effective leadership strategies.

Business and LeadershipSuccess Stories and Life LessonsSelf-Improvement

Anya Taylor-Joy's Book Recommendations

Anya Taylor-Joy is an acclaimed actress known for her captivating performances in film and television. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Beth Harmon in the critically acclaimed Netflix series "The Queen's Gambit," which earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Taylor-Joy has also starred in notable films such as "The Witch," "Split," and "Emma," showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. In addition to her acting career, she has been praised for her contributions to promoting diverse and complex female characters in modern storytelling. Her work continues to inspire audiences and set a high standard in the entertainment industry.

Women Who LeadPopular PicksMedia and Pop Culture

David Blaine's Book Recommendations

David Blaine is an American illusionist, endurance artist, and magician, known for his daring and extreme stunts, such as being buried alive, encased in ice, and holding his breath underwater for a record-breaking amount of time. Blaine gained fame for his street magic performances, but his endurance feats have pushed the boundaries of what the human body can achieve. He has been widely recognized for his contributions to magic and illusion, combining elements of mysticism with physical and mental challenges. Blaine’s work has captivated audiences worldwide and has set new standards in the world of magic and performance art.

Media and Pop CultureCreativity and Innovation

Reshma Saujani's Book Recommendations

Reshma Saujani is the founder of Girls Who Code, an organization aimed at closing the gender gap in technology by empowering young women to pursue careers in coding and computer science. She gained national attention in 2010 as the first Indian-American woman to run for U.S. Congress. Reshma is also the author of several books, including Brave, Not Perfect, which encourages women to embrace failure and take risks. Her TED Talk on teaching girls bravery rather than perfection has garnered millions of views. Reshma continues to advocate for gender equality and innovation in education.

Women Who LeadSuccess Stories and Life LessonsEducation

Brad Feld's Book Recommendations

Brad Feld is a prominent American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author known for his influential work in the startup ecosystem. Co-founder of the Foundry Group, he has played a pivotal role in funding and mentoring early-stage technology companies. Feld is also a key figure behind the Techstars accelerator program, which has helped launch numerous successful startups. As an author, he has penned several essential books on entrepreneurship and venture capital, including "Venture Deals" and "Startup Communities," which provide invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. His writings and active blogging have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in the tech and startup communities.

Business and LeadershipFounders Playbook

Showing 8 of 14 related collections

The bicycle was a great invention, but the airplane was a greater one.

The Wright Brothers

By Tara Dixon-Engel, Mike Jackson