Glenn Curtiss

A biography of one of the most significant figures in the history of American aviation. It also provides a documented history of the development of the field of aviation and those involved in it through the first three decades of the 20th century.

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Glenn Curtiss (1878–1930) was a self-taught aeronautical engineer, a self-­made industrialist, and one of the first airplane pilots, the model for "Tom Swift." C. R. Roseberry’s biography begins with Curtiss’s years in
Hammondsport, New York, his experiments with designing and learning to fly his own airplanes, and his many "firsts" in aviation history. Establishing one of the first aviation schools, Curtiss also developed a highly successful aviation company and designed one of the most popular early American planes—the Curtiss JN-4 (the "Jenny").

More than just a biography, this is also a well-documented history of the development of aviation and the key figures associated with it during the first three crucial decades of this century. Through an examination of Curtiss’s dealings with people such as Alexander Graham Bell, his original partner, and Wilbur and Orville Wright, his most important rivals, Roseberry provides insight into the overall development of flight in America.

Aviation enthusiasts, historians, those interested in American technology and industry, and all who enjoy a good story will welcome this book.