Important document of Samuel Pierpont  Langley's early experiments in aviation

Complete in 2 Parts

Issued as:

Smithsonian Contributions to Knowledge

Volume 27, No. 1
 

Langley Memoir on Mechanical Flight.

Part I. 1887 to 1896.

by

Samuel Pierpont Langley

Edited by Charles Manly

Part II. 1897 to 1903.

by

Charles Manly

Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C.;  1911.  Large 4to. x, [2] 320 pp101 full page plates., index.

A handsomely preserved and rebound 1st edition copy of the Smithsonian published record of Langley and Manly’s early experiments in aviation including their Potomac river based trial flights. Profusely illustrated with photographs of the early experimental models and the several incarnations of the Langley flying machine – the “Aerodrome.” While Langley’s efforts at successful manned flight were superseded by the Wright Brothers, his experiments, successes and failures were an important part of the effort to produce a heavier-than-air flying machine.

This copy had been issued to Dickinson College in the original printed wraps and never bound in boards. It had also never been read, as the page edges had remained unopened. I have had the original publication professionally bound in an attractive two tone gray cloth casing, preserving the original printed card stock covers. Printed paper title label is mounted to spine. The original cover and several preliminary pages have the inkstamp ownership of Dickinson College. There is also a small “v” shaped chip missing from the top edge of the original paper cover. Several succeeding pages have a short closed tear at the top edge. In general, though the contents are quite superb, as the book had never been read. I have carefully opened the page edges so the book may be easily read without risk of damage. This stout volume measures 13.5 x 10.25 inches and is quite heavy at 10 pounds. Newly bound and in unread condition, showing only the light wear present to the original covers and a few preliminary pages. Contents VG+ to NF in new boards.

As always, shipped carefully packed in box and insured at my expense