It’s Simple (But Also Out of Their Hands)

This book tells the dramatic story of Wilbur and Orville Wright, two bicycle mechanics from Dayton, Ohio, who changed history by inventing the first powered, heavier-than-air aircraft. David McCullough paints a rich picture of the brothers’ intelligence, determination, and strong familial bonds. Despite lacking formal engineering education, they persevered through relentless experimentation and sharp business instincts. The narrative highlights their exceptional courage, intellectual curiosity, and mechanical ingenuity, as well as the broader historical and societal context in which they worked. McCullough also reflects on the darker implications of their invention and its impact on the world.