Like sex with gods : an unorthodox history of flying

This work 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, Singer considers the interaction and influence of our dreams, fantasies, culture and technology on the age-old quest to fly. The narrative 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 mythology of flight eventually gives way to the pursuit of actual flight. Singer shows 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 flying continues to push us to new and loftier places.