The Wright Brothers

De: David McCullough

Narrado por: David McCullough

The #1 New York Times bestseller from David McCullough, two-time winner of the Pulitzer Prize—the dramatic story-behind-the-story about the courageous brothers who taught the world how to fly—Wilbur and Orville Wright.

On a winter day in 1903, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, two brothers—bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio—changed history. But it would take the world some time to believe that the age of flight had begun, with the first powered machine carrying a pilot.

Orville and Wilbur Wright were men of exceptional courage and determination, and of far-ranging intellectual interests and ceaseless curiosity. When they worked together, no problem seemed to be insurmountable. Wilbur was unquestionably a genius. Orville had such mechanical ingenuity as few had ever seen. That they had no more than a public high school education and little money never stopped them in their mission to take to the air. Nothing did, not even the self-evident reality that every time they took off, they risked being killed.

In this “enjoyable, fast-paced tale” (The Economist), master historian David McCullough “shows as never before how two Ohio boys from a remarkable family taught the world to fly” (The Washington Post) and “captures the marvel of what the Wrights accomplished” (The Wall Street Journal). He draws on the extensive Wright family papers to profile not only the brothers but their sister, Katharine, without whom things might well have gone differently for them. Essential reading, this is “a story of timeless importance, told with uncommon empathy and fluency…about what might be the most astonishing feat mankind has ever accomplished…The Wright Brothers soars” (The New York Times Book Review).

Lost Opportunity for Audible and Amazon

Is there anything you would change about this book?

No Whispersync? Amazon and Audible blew a great opportunity to showcase that technology... McCullough received national exposure on the CBS Sunday Morning show to pre-sale.
I'm only 20% into the book and I love it so far!!!

McCullough Does it Again

Would you consider the audio edition of The Wright Brothers to be better than the print version?

Both are equally satisfying. Of course the book has pictures which helps give additional depth to the story, but the audio is read by the author which is a special treat.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Orville - he was so mercurial and different than his brother Wilbur.

What about David McCullough’s performance did you like?

He is the voice of American History - a national treasure. Perfect.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Soaring on the wings of a dream.

Any additional comments?

I am always amazed at how Mr. McCullough can bring such life, emotion and depth to our nation's historical events and characters. In this instance he gives "wings" to the story of the Wright Brothers and for the first time in a long time gives them them the credit and attention they are due. As he has said "history is the story of people" and in this instance he demonstrates that by bringing the Wright Brothers to life for a whole new generation, many of whom likely know little if anything about these two amazing, daring and creative men. Mr. McCullough's writing is in my opinion unparalleled in the historical narrative genre - its clear, concise and most importantly holds your attention. This book is, as are all of his books, a must read, and it is especially nice to have it available as an audio book read in his familiar and comfortable voice. If such a position existed, Mr. McCullough should be named our nation's Historian Laureate. Bravo!

McCullough does it again!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, my friends are well-read and intelligent.

What did you like best about this story?

It a marvelous and patriotic tale. I love the new, interesting facts that I learned as well as McCullough's crafting history into a great drama.

Did David McCullough do a good job differentiating all the characters? How?

Excellent. I felt as if I knew the Wright's family members.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Why bother when it won't be as good as the book?

As an aeronautical engineer...

Any additional comments?

...what an awesome book! As an aeronautical engineer, we are taught to adore heros who are academics - Prandtl, von Karman, Helmholtz. Of course I was familiar with the Wright Brothers, but not to this level, and what a disservice to not have known until now. McCullough sets out to illustrate the hard work and dedication of the brothers, and this he accomplishes nicely. Even though I knew the story, I still felt intense suspense as they neared the first manned, powered, controlled flight! And don't mind the reviews that say McCullough is no great reader - he's perfect for this story. Should be required reading for every aero engineer, and American!

American self reliance ..Wright brothers

Another example of America excellence that our president doesn't seem to think as exceptional. American Individual self reliance was the key.

Exceptional story of extraordinary people...

Another hit for the author...detailed and riveting. As a pilot and native of Dayton this fills the void in the mystery of the challenges the Wright Family had to meet to bring the world powered flight. Amazing.

McCullough does it again!!!

I throughly enjoyed listening to Mr. McCullough read his latest work. He has a wonderful way of telling the story and including the secondary and tertiary characters that really give dimension to these moments in history. Wonderfully done. I felt like I was right there with Wilbur, Orville and Charlie. So good.

Bravo!!!

very charming story of what appears to be Quaker till the end Americans legends!!! great story.

A very interesting story of flight

Found this to be a really interesting story of the Wright Brothers.

It's a lot fun to listen to and a lot of motivation.

Great history...but not narrator

Any additional comments?

Narrator's voice was a weak monotone and occasionally seemed like it might fade out. I greatly enjoyed the book and had to try to overlook narrator's voice which just did not do service to the magnificent story of the Wright brothers and their achievement.