No Bird Ever Soared in a Calm: A Review of The Wright Brothers

David McCullough takes on the subject of the mystery of flight and the dynamic duo who tamed the winds in his latest work, The Wright Brothers. McCullough is regarded as one of the greatest historians of our time, giving us Pulitzer Prize winners John Adams and Truman, and this slender volume on one of man's greatest achievements is no disappointment. At just a little over 300 pages, this novel is a breeze to read, both for the length and McCullough's flowing prose. Three sections of photographs enhance the reading experience, and quotes from the papers of both Wilbur and Orville Wright help the readers get to know these two brilliant men who forever changed the course of aviation.

 One of the things that I really like about McCullough's book is that he highlights the differences between these two brothers, but then demonstrates how they functioned almost as twins. While Orville (on the right, wearing the snappy socks) is described as being the better dresser of the two, painfully shy in public, but a real prankster at home, Wilbur (on the left) is depicted as much more serious and less concerned with his outward appearance. However, these two brothers completed each other, and while they fought over many aspects of their flying machine, in the end it was their teamwork that resulted in the historic first flight at Kitty Hawk.

A lot of times when thinking about the first flight, we simply see the image above and think, "Wow, that's great!" However, this book really drives home the fact that it took YEARS for the brothers to get to the point where Orville (pictured in the flyer) and Wilbur were ready for the takeoff captured in the photo above. Wilbur was not the kind of person to go into any sort of venture unprepared, and so he spent a great deal of time studying existing materials on the topic of man-made flying machines. He also pored over volumes about the flight of birds, and it was from watching birds in flight that the Wright Brothers developed their signature "wing warping" mechanism to control their Flyer.

The first part of the book deals with the Wright Brothers' growing up years and home life. They seemed to be interesting in everything you can think of: printing presses, bicycles, cameras, anything mechanical. But the "problem of flight," as Wilbur referred to it, really stuck into their brains like nothing else, and they were determined to solve the problem. Those who knew the brothers often remarked on how hardworking they were, and it was this trait, coupled with their keen intellect and mechanical ability, which helped them achieve their goal of manned flight.

After finishing the book, I read a few reviews online and noticed that some critics are slamming McCullough's work. They claim that he fails to make the Wright Brothers "human" in the same way he did John Adams and Harry S. Truman. I disagree. People who are continually in the spotlight, such as Presidents, often develop a public persona which differs from the "real" person, often times as a coping mechanism for all of the media attention. However, Wilbur and Orville Wright were always simple, hardworking men from Dayton, Ohio. They never tried to be anything other than what they were. McCullough can't make them any more "human" simply for the fact that they never had larger-than-life alter egos which could be stripped away. Also, the fact that they were just the average American citizens makes their story so much more intriguing!!!

Orville and Wilbur Wright in 1910

I have to admit, the story of the Wright Brothers has always been near and dear to my heart. I am an aviation enthusiast, from the early Wright Flyers all the way up to the space program. Anyone who knows me can vouch for just how much I love visiting the National Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C. I have spent countless hours there, perusing the various planes, rockets, and space probes. However, one of my favorite exhibits is the one dedicated to two bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio. Two regular guys with above-average intelligence and work ethic who solved the "problem of flight." At the center of this exhibit is the actual 1903 Wright Flyer which made the historic first flight. While it has been re-covered with newer muslin, the Flyer itself is the one which flew over Kitty Hawk at 10:35 a.m. on December 17, 1903. For those who may not believe in the authenticity of this artifact, I suggest you read the following post on the Air & Space Museum website. This is where it all began, and simply standing next to the Flyer is an awesome experience.

Even though I took this photo a few years ago, it is still amazing for me to look at it and remember being in the room. I've been back to D.C. several times since originally taking this photo, and I always manage to spend some time with the Wright Flyer. To me, it is a symbol of the power of problem-solving and hard work, a true example of genius being, as Thomas Edison noted, "1% inspiration, 99% perspiration."

In conclusion, I would like to thank Mr. McCullough for taking the time to write this study of the Wright Brothers. I think that anyone who is even half as interested in flight as I am would find it an enjoyable read and a true testament to the American Spirit!