Great book

While this may not be the stunning masterpiece of his past books, it is nonetheless an excellent historical work. McCullough masterfully describes the personalities of the characters...and his voice was perfect for a story detailing a Midwest family...as someone else said, "a salt of the earth voice"....it was like listening to 10 hours of Walter Cronkite.

6 people found this helpful

Great Story but narration is a little boring

What did you love best about The Wright Brothers?

The way they were able to make anything they needed on their own. True pioneers

What did you like best about this story?

Great story and learned a lot about the Wright Brothers I didn't know

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

No, it was a tired narration

9 people found this helpful

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!

4 people found this helpful

Not as much as expected

I feel badly not giving the book a more positive review. Unlike many of McCullough's other biographies, I was disappointed in the lack of depth in this book as well as the vast parts of the Wright Brothers' lives that were given minimal treatment, if any.

The positives:
This book focuses on the incredibly strong personal character of the Wright brothers and their family, and highlights the interesting Victorian times that formed their characters.

Much detail is paid to the airplane and they flying, as should be. I also appreciated the strong emphasis on the Wright's family relationships as exhibited through their letters.

I enjoyed much of the anecdotal background material. The examples of the difficulties in getting to Kitty Hawk and in communicating from there, for example.

The negatives:
I was quite surprised at the degree of positive spin that is represented in this book. The Wrights could be much more small and vindictive (for example in their patent fights) than this book relates.

Not much attention is paid to the business side of their aviation business: How they made their money, their arrangements for licensing their designs and how they made money in the licensing, their patent fights and the poor relationship with Glenn Curtiss. For example, McCullough spends a reasonable amount of effort discussing the context of JP Langley's failed exploits on the Potomac. But as an equally important matter of context, the author barely touches Alexander Bell's Aerial Experiment Association (AEA), Curtiss' experiments and innovations in aviation, or the ensuing patent wars which consumed the Wright Company and Curtiss for many years. In omitting these important factors in the Wright's lives, the opportunity to relate motivations and the way they handled these issues are also lost.

22 people found this helpful

Great glimpse of the beginning of flight

I listened to McCullough's book about the Brooklyn Bridge and wasn't just wild about it because of the mind-numbing technical detail which didn't make much sense without illustrations and almost deleted this book from my list, but I'm glad I didn't. McCullough did a terrific job of giving a picture of the earliest days of aviation, and bringing the Wright brothers to life.

3 people found this helpful

Disappointing

I am so surprised by how much I disliked this book. The narration was my biggest stumbling block. This is a perfect example of the problems that can happen when the author narrates his own book. I have loved many of McCullough's other books--with particular favorites being John Adams and Truman. However, these were both books that the author did not narrate himself. If you are a McCullough fan be sure to listen to the sample first. Also, be aware for me it wasn't just the narration, I thought that the writing sounded tired and worn out as well. The whole experience was slow, tiresome and really sad. Can't recommend.

49 people found this helpful

Saga of Excellence Adds Another Chapter

There is a quality in the writing of David McCullough that combines careful research with vivid characterization and brilliant scene setting and adds to those things deep empathy so that the readers or listeners care about the people about whom he writes. This book is interesting, moving, and satisfying in its depiction of the times in which the Wrights lived and the people with whom they lived and worked. There is something compelling in hearing the author read his own words. His voice is on the thin side because of his age, but his own emotional involvement with the subject draws me into the story in an irresistible fashion. Listening to this book provides a wonderfully memorable experience. Highly recommended!

13 people found this helpful

To soar like a bird

I had not read anything about the Wright Brothers since high school. When I saw that one of my favorite authors David McCullough had a new book out I rushed to buy it.

I am amazed at how much scientific study and experimentation the brothers did even before they started to build their craft. McCullough goes into depth about their early life. He provides a detailed glimpse of the Wright family including Sister Katharine.

Wilbur and Orville Wright in 1903, off the outer banks of North Carolina at Kitty Hauk were the first to pilot a machine that took off under its own power into the air in full flight and sailed forward with no loss of speed and landed at a point distant from its start. In Dayton their practice field was just a cow field so they had to learn to turn the plane and fly in circles, they were the first to do this flying a motorized plane. Charlie Taylor worked for the brothers in their bicycle shop and he build their lightweight engine for the Wright Flyer.

I find it interesting that at the same time as the Wright Brother there was also George Eastman, Isaac M. Singer, Edwin Land, Henry Ford and other great inventors, it was the high point of the age of invention.

McCullough did an enormous amount of research into the family correspondence, diaries, and lab notes to prepare for writing this book. The book is well written, another great book form the author. The author narrated his own book.

25 people found this helpful

Outstanding

Best of the year. Author tells a great, inspiring, story. Well researchered. Always enteraining. Strongly recommended to David McCullough readers and listeners

17 people found this helpful

When history regains the breath of life.

If you could sum up The Wright Brothers in three words, what would they be?

Engaging, Moving, Spiritual

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Wright Brothers?

Realizing what it was like to see men fly for the first time ever.

What about David McCullough’s performance did you like?

He has a down-to-earth quality to his voice. He's seems to be from their hometown. It's as if he knows the Wright Brothers personally.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

I am always happy when I get a book that brings life to characters from history who have my whole life been just a static list of accomplishments. I found myself invested in the Wright Brother's story from start to finish. The ending was a sentimental "Ah!" for me. Brought tears to my eyes. I love this book.

19 people found this helpful