[AERONAUTICS] PEYREY, François. *Les Oiseaux artificiels*. * - Lot 8

[AERONAUTICS] PEYREY, François. *Les Oiseaux artificiels*. *L'idée aérienne* – *L'aviation*. First edition of this leading historical and technical overview of the origins of aeronautics. A fine copy in an elegant binding. Paris, Dunod and Pinat, 1909. in-8, half-maroquin with ebony corners, spine with fine raised lines, gilt head, illustrated cover preserved. XIV and 667 pp., 253 black-and-white illustrations and photographic documents in the text and as inserts. First edition of this history of aviation, published just a few years after the first powered flights and with a preface by Brazilian pioneer Alberto Santos-Dumont. Journalist and historian François Peyrey (1873–1934) traces the odyssey of the “dream of flight,” the pioneers’ experiments, aerodynamic principles, and the various aircraft conceived or built up to the early 20th century. A copy in excellent condition, complete with its illustrated cover.