The Rise of the Flying Machine

This important work of history tells the story of the aviation pioneers who devoted their lives, and often their fortunes, to the evolution of the aeroplane as it exists today. As early as November 1809 Sir George Cayley published a masterly essay practically inventing the aeroplane. It lay forgotten for 62 years, until found by Alphonse Pénaud. In August 1871 Pénaud flew his Planophore, the fir...