June 13, 1908 THE LITERARY DIGEST [Leyendecker Cover Art & EARLY WRIGHT BROTHERS COVERAGE]

(Aviation)

New York: Funk & Wagnalls, 1908. First Edition. Original wraps. 9 X 12 Inches. Very Good. Item #9516

"SECRET OF THE WRIGHT AIR-SHIP" - Page 861

Important early 1908 complete issue of "The Literary Digest" featuring one of the few illustrated covers by J.C. Leyendecker. Includes the all-important four-page spread on the Wright Brothers airplane. While Orville and Wilbur had filed for a patent in 1903 and had done early public flying test runs in 1905 it wasn't until 1908 that they had mastered their plane and set off to share this information with the world. THIS IS ONE OF THE ORIGINAL EARLY MAGAZINE'S THAT SHARED THE INVENTION! This feature includes a photograph of the flyer in air as well as a diagram of how the wings work. In 1908, the Wright brothers transformed aviation from a little-known experiment into a public reality through a series of highly successful demonstrations in the United States and Europe. Their flights proved that airplanes could be controlled, carry passengers, and remain airborne for extended periods, earning them worldwide recognition. The year also saw the first fatal airplane accident when a mechanical failure caused a crash that killed passenger Thomas E. Selfridge and seriously injured Orville Wright. By the end of 1908, the achievements of Wilbur Wright and Orville had convinced the world that powered flight was practical and marked the beginning of the aviation age. This issue also includes U.S. and world news of the day including hunger among New York schoolchildren as well as political news from Germany and Japan.

Condition: Original staples clean and intact. Light rubbing and soiling to covers. Closed tear at bottom left corner of front cover.

Price: $250.00