Like Sex with Gods: An Unorthodox History of Flying Volume 3 (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781585442560)

"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.

Author: Bayla Singer
ISBN-10: 1585442569
ISBN-13: 9781585442560
Publisher: Texas A&M University Press
Language: English
Published: 05/08/2003
Pages: 232
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.22lbs
Size: 9.64h x 6.47w x 1.00d

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 04/15/2003 pg. 596
Library Journal 05/15/2003 pg. 102
Booklist 06/01/2003 pg. 1720
Choice 01/01/2004 pg. 932