A review by johndiconsiglio
The Wright Brothers by David McCullough

3.0

There’s nothing especially dramatic or compelling about the Brothers Wilbur & Orville. Their personalities are almost intentionally drab. No secret love children or alcoholic tantrums. Shame, because the upright Wrights are a bit of a bore. Ever the pop historian, McCullough works hard to equate their Midwestern stoicism with American ingenuity. His level of detail is remarkable, down to the layers of sawdust on their workroom floor. Some fun with the history of crackpot flying machines. Great photos. But, ultimately, the pioneers of flight were grounded men. Where’s a tawdry sex scandal when you need one?