The Wright Brothers

by David McCullough
The Wright Brothers cover
Good Books rating 4.59
History
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Technical
  • ID: 137
  • Added: 2025-09-03
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781471150395
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2015-05-07
  • Formats: 40
  • Reviews: 4

The Wright Brothers by David McCullough is a captivating account of the two brothers who pioneered human flight. This Pulitzer Prize-winning author delves into the personal lives and intellectual curiosities of Wilbur and Orville Wright, revealing the determination and courage that drove them to achieve the impossible. The book draws on extensive private family correspondence and personal diaries to provide an intimate look at the Wrights' journey./n/nBeyond the technical achievements, McCullough highlights the significant role of the Wrights' sister, Katharine, whose contributions were often overlooked. The narrative is enriched with details about their upbringing and the broader context of their era, offering a profound understanding of the human side of their remarkable story. This thrilling book is a testament to the power of perseverance and innovation.

Reviews
LibraryLin · 2025-11-27
excellent 4.50

McCullough captures the Wright brothers' personalities and motivations with engaging storytelling. The book provides a deep dive into their lives and achievements.

The reviewer appreciates how McCullough brings the Wright brothers to life, making their personalities and motivations clear. They highlight the book's engaging narrative and the detailed portrayal of the brothers' lives and achievements. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read that effectively conveys the significance of the Wright brothers' work in aviation history. They also note that the book is well-researched and presents a comprehensive overview of the subject matter.

Quick quotes

    McCullough does a wonderful job telling their stories and capturing their personalities.

    He conveys what motivated them and what was most important to them.

    The book provides a deep dive into their lives and achievements.

Sajith Pai's Book Notes · Sajith Pai · 2025-09-03
insightful 4.60

This review highlights the book as a top read that effectively portrays the Wright brothers' obsessive inventiveness and systematic approach to overcoming barriers. It also emphasizes the historical context and institutional factors crucial to their success.

Sajith Pai praises the book as one of his top reads of 2021, appreciating its detailed portrayal of two obsessive inventors from a small town who triumphed over better-resourced competitors. The narrative provides insight into the inventive process, showing how the brothers tackled technical challenges methodically and persistently. Additionally, the review values how the book situates the invention within its wider historical and societal context, illustrating the importance of institutions like the Smithsonian and the choice of Kitty Hawk for testing. This layered perspective enriches the understanding of the Wright brothers' accomplishment beyond just the invention itself.

Quick quotes

    It is a terrific portrait of two obsessed inventors from a small town in USA.

    The book is an easy breezy read as well, and is highly recommended.

    The book provides the historical and societal context in which the invention was made.

Goodreads · 2025-09-03
inspiring 4.50

The review underscores the brothers' exceptional courage, determination, and intellectual curiosity that led them to invent powered flight despite limited education and resources. It highlights the challenges they faced and their innovative spirit that changed history.

Readers are drawn to the portrayal of the Wright brothers as more than just inventors—they are shown as men of remarkable grit and continuous learning, raised in a book-filled home despite modest means. The story details their methodical approach to solving problems and their willingness to risk everything to achieve flight, which adds a human dimension to their technical achievements. The review appreciates the way McCullough captures their journey from childhood influences to historic accomplishment, making the story both inspiring and informative. It presents a vivid picture of their perseverance and the eventual recognition of their groundbreaking work in aviation.

Quick quotes

    Far more than a couple of unschooled Dayton bicycle mechanics who happened to hit on success.

    They never stopped reading.

    Nothing did, not even the self-evident reality that every time they took off in one of their contrivances, they risked being killed.

Simon & Schuster UK · 2025-09-03
excellent 4.75

The book is praised for its engaging narrative that reveals the Wright brothers as determined, intelligent men with exceptional courage and curiosity. It highlights their teamwork, genius, and the risks they took, making it essential reading that captures the marvel of their achievement.

This review emphasizes how David McCullough presents Wilbur and Orville Wright not just as bicycle mechanics but as extraordinary individuals driven by relentless curiosity and intellectual depth. The narrative skillfully portrays their courage and determination, showing that despite limited formal education and resources, they innovated through teamwork and persistence to change history. The book also recognizes the important role of their sister Katharine, adding depth to the family dynamic that supported their success. The reviewer appreciates the book’s ability to bring to life the brothers' story with empathy and fluency, making it a fast-paced and enjoyable read. It’s described as a timeless and essential story that celebrates one of mankind’s most astonishing feats, making it highly recommended for those interested in history and invention.

Quick quotes

    Wilbur was unquestionably a genius. Orville had such mechanical ingenuity as few had ever seen.

    Essential reading, this is a story of timeless importance, told with uncommon empathy and fluency.

    The Wright Brothers soars about what might be the most astonishing feat mankind has ever accomplished.

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