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The Wright Brothers

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The Wright Brothers

By: Fred C. Kelly
Narrated by: Noah Waterman
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About this listen

 In this fascinating biography, Fred C. Kelly, a former newspaperman, author, and an old friend of the Wrights, tells the story of the 2 brilliant, dedicated, flight-obsessed bicycle mechanics from Ohio who first realized mankind's age-old dream of conquering the skies. Long considered the definitive Wright Brothers biography (the manuscript was read and approved by Orville Wright), Kelly's work recounts the Wrights' small-town boyhood, their early interest in all things mechanical, the establishment of the Wright Cycle Shop, and the complete behind-the-scenes story of how they designed, built, tested, and flew (December, 1903) the first "Flyer."(P)1994 by Blackstone Audiobooks Americas Engineering Home & Garden Science & Technology Aviation Transportation
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Editor reviews

When this definitive biography of the Wright brothers was published, their historic flight was already 40 years in the past. Many have forgotten that their demonstration of the "device that had baffled the ablest scientists through the centuries" was just the start of their inventive careers (when the flight occurs, the audiobook still has five hours to go). This is the story of their curiosity and drive, from kite-making boys in the 1880s to ingenious visionaries who saw in their rickety machine the possibilities for military scouting, mail delivery, exploration, and sport. The reading by Noah Waterman, a little reminiscent of Walter Winchell, lends a newsreel quality that seems to me just right. (Rick L.)

What listeners say about The Wright Brothers

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Profile Image for Preselector

Put the brakes on Noah

This is an old book so rather stiff and lacking intimacy. However it tells a story that was still in living memory which is quite nice. It’s a bit uneven skating over some bits and spending too much time on others like the Langley dispute at the end. Also Noah reads way too fast but listening to it at 0.8x normal makes it a much easier listen.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Derek Carrillo

The Wright Brothers (Unabridged)

Such a wonderful, informative and detailed history of the Wright brothers, could not stop listening to this book until I got to the end.

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Profile Image for Jennifer Edwards

Worst Narration I Ever Heard

What would have made The Wright Brothers better?

Re-record it with a properly trained reader

Would you be willing to try another book from Fred C. Kelly? Why or why not?

yes, the writing was ok

Who might you have cast as narrator instead of Noah Waterman?

anyone else

What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?

it is a history of science, my reaction is that it is a fairly well written short history of the Wright brothers and their accomplishments. A good introduction for someone casually interested, however lacks the depth some other authors have achieved.

Any additional comments?

Someone plese tell the narrator to find a different occupation.

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