"By far the best volume on Curtiss."—Peter L. Jakab, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution
"In this lively and spirited biography, the author has caught the excitement, suspense, and camaraderie of the pioneer days of flying quite vividly."—Publishers Weekly
Description
Glenn Curtiss (1878–1930) was a self-taught aeronautical engineer, a self-made industrialist, and one of the first airplane pilots, the model for “Tom Swift.” C. R. Roseberry’s biography begins with Curtiss’s years in Hammondsport, New York, his experiments with designing and learning to fly his own airplanes, and his many “firsts” in aviation history. Establishing one of the first aviation schools, Curtiss also developed a highly successful aviation company and designed one of the most popular early American planes—the Curtiss JN-4 (the “Jenny”).
More than just a biography, this is also a well-documented history of the development of aviation and the key figures associated with it during the first three crucial decades of this century. Through an examination of Curtiss’s dealings with people such as Alexander Graham Bell, his original partner, and Wilbur and Orville Wright, his most important rivals, Roseberry provides insight into the overall development of flight in America.
Aviation enthusiasts, historians, those interested in American technology and industry, and all who enjoy a good story will welcome this book.
About the Author
C. R. Roseberry was a journalist and, during World War II, a Navy Intelligence officer. His other books include The Challenging Skies, Steamboats and Steamboat Men, A History of the New York State Library, and Capitol Story.
6 x 9, 524 pages, 102 black and white illustrations
September 1991