Books about the history of something are always interesting, but when they’re written by the very people who shaped that history, the interest increases exponentially. Our publishing house has already released the autobiography of a pioneer of the global automotive industry—Karl Benz—which has received positive reviews from readers. Today, we’ll make the leap from the automotive world to the world of aviation. Airplanes are now one of the most popular modes of transportation, especially when it comes to long distances. By the end of 2024, approximately 4.53 billion people had been transported, and in 2025, global passenger traffic grew by another 5.3%, reaching a record seat load factor of 83.6%. In the world of civil aviation, more than 25 million passengers travel each day—a huge number—but it’s unlikely that all these people will remember those who turned a beautiful fairy tale into everyday reality and gave the world the opportunity to take to the skies.
“First Flight” is not just a book about aviation. It is a story about the dreams, curiosity, and perseverance of the people who dared to take the first step toward the sky. The brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright went down in history as pioneers of controlled flight. Their journey was not an easy one: they had to conduct numerous experiments, study aerodynamics, build their own designs, and correct their mistakes time and time again. But it was precisely thanks to their patience and thirst for knowledge that the dream of flight became a reality. This book offers a glimpse into the events of the early days of aviation through the eyes of those who lived through them. What makes it particularly valuable are not only the technical ideas but also the spirit of the times—the belief that humans are capable of transcending the boundaries of the familiar and accomplishing what seemed impossible just yesterday.
This reissue is presented in both Russian and English. We sought to remain faithful to the original text while making it accessible to a modern and wide audience. The two-language format allows readers not only to learn about the history of the Wright brothers but also to experience the unique qualities of the original narrative. *First Flight* serves as a reminder that great changes begin with small steps. Sometimes it’s enough to believe in your idea, not be afraid of failure, and keep moving forward.
May this book serve as not only a chapter in the history of aviation for the reader, but also a source of inspiration—after all, there was a time when humanity, too, could only dream of taking to the skies.