Published By: Whittaker & Co.
St Mary's Books is proud to present this incredibly rare 1908 edition of "Artificial and Natural Flight" signed by the author, Sir Hiram Maxim, and famous aviator Gustav Hamel in 1912, just two years before he disappeared and was presumed dead. Bound in red cloth with gold gilt lettering, this hardback edition contains i-xv and 165 pages of text peppered with black and white photographs, diagrams, and more. Sir Hiram Maxim was a brilliant inventor, credited with the automatic machine gun, and holding patents on hair-curling irons, mouse traps, and steam pumps. Though his experiments in aviation were never successful beyond the amusement park ride "the captive flying machine", he continuously attempted to bring the public's attention to the issue of flight, with this signed book being one such example. In this text, Maxim highlights his experiments with steam-powered, heavier-than-air machines and argues artificial flight requires high-powered, lightweight engines. This copy is in very good condition, with few notable blemishes other than that the cloth is slightly faded, the corners of the boards are slightly bumped, and there is an "Eric Fisher" ex-libris paste-down on the front free endpaper - the interior of the book, however, remains bright, clean, and readable. This wonderful copy of "Artificial and Natural Flight" containing two rare signatures - the author and inventor who shaped the modern era, Sir Hiram Maxim, and a pioneering aviator shortly before his tragic disapearance, Gustav Hamel - is now looking for a new home where it will be appreciated.
Book Condition: Very Good
Author: Sir Hiram Maxim
Binding: Hardback
Ref: 123202
Price £1250.00
