Like sex with gods : an unorthodox history of flying / Bayla Singer.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Singer, Bayla, 1940-

Series:

Centennial of flight series ; no. 3.

Centennial of flight series ; no. 3

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Aeronautics--History.

Aeronautics.

History.

Physical Description:

x, 219 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm.

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

College Station : Texas A&M University Press, [2003]

Summary:

Singer offers a unique approach to humanity's fascination with flying. Rather than merely tracing the factual prehistory of flight up to the success of the Wright Brothers, Singer considers the interaction and influence of dreams, fantasies, culture, and technology on the age-old quest to fly. Photos.

Contents:

Dreams and mythology. Deities aloft. Artificial wings and the imitation of god. Travel to extraordinary kingdoms

Theory and practice. Exuberant speculations. Human-powered flight : ornithopters. Gliders, parachutes, and kites. Balloons and dirigibles : sustained flight. The dream continues.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [207]-213) and index.

ISBN:

1585442569

OCLC:

50919952