Like Sex with Gods: An Unorthodox History of FlyingTexas A&M University Press, 08.05.2003 - 232 Seiten "Human flight is not a simple matter of science and technology. It is a continuing epic of dreams and obsession, of yearning and striving to harness the intellect in the service of the emotions." In Like Sex with Gods: An Unorthodox History of Flight, Bayla 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, Bayla Singer considers the interaction and influence of our dreams, fantasies, culture, and technology on the age-old quest to fly. This enlightening study begins with the deities and other denizens of the heavens that humanity has created in its religion, literature, and art. At first a monopoly of the gods, flight came to interest humanity as a way to free itself from the physical and intellectual bonds of the earth. The myth of flight eventually gives way to the pursuit of actual flight. Singer shows in compelling detail the many flying machines that have been created, including balloons, gliders, and kites. The accomplishment of the Wright Brothers and our successful trips into space are merely stops on a continuing journey, as our ancient dream of flight continues to push us to new and loftier places. Filled with compelling stories and detailed illustrations, this book provides absorbing reading for aviation experts, those fascinated with the intimate relationship between technology and culture, and all of us who have even a passing interest in flying. |
Inhalt
Deities Aloft | 13 |
Artificial Wings and the Imitation of God | 35 |
Travel to Extraordinary Kingdoms | 59 |
Exuberant Speculations | 83 |
Humanpowered Flight Ornithopters | 101 |
Gliders Parachutes and Kites | 117 |
Balloons and Dirigibles Sustained Flight | 146 |
The Dream Continues | 174 |
Glossary | 185 |
Timeline | 191 |
Notes | 195 |
Annotated Bibliography | 207 |
215 | |
Andere Ausgaben - Alle anzeigen
Häufige Begriffe und Wortgruppen
Aerodynamics Aeronautical American ancient arms artificial associated attempt Aviation balloon became become begins Bell birds body brothers called carried century Chapter Christian completely considered continued cultures Daedalus death deities describes developed divine dreams eagle early earth elements example experiments exploration fall feet fiction fire flight flying force give gods Greek hand heaven History horse human Ibid imagination imitate important invention Italy John Kalevala king kites known land Langley later London look machine magic material means mechanical moon myth natural offers original perhaps physical play poet Pop Art presented Press published religion represent riding rise sails scientific seems shape society soul space spiritual story success suggests symbolic thing thought thousand tion Translated turn University Western wind wings Wise Wright York young
Beliebte Passagen
Seite 213 - Wonders that may be performed by Mechanical! Geometry." In Two Books. Concerning Mechanicall Powers, Motions. Being one of the most easie, pleasant, usefull, (and yet most neglected) part of Mathematicks. Not before treated of in this language.