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Books and Media
For many ornithopter enthusiasts, it all began with an intense fascination with the flight of birds or other animals. We've chosen some of the best books on the subject, so whether you are a bird lover or an ornithopter builder, you'll have all the information you need and some great photos too!
 


    
How Birds Fly  $15.95
David Goodnow's How Birds Fly reveals the mysteries of flapping flight through sequences of high-speed photographs. Kids will enjoy this book, and adults will appreciate its concise but informative text. The book describes forward flight as well as special maneuvers like takeoff and landing. Describes anatomical adaptations for flight. Goodnow raised many of the birds at his own home, and his photography has appeared in National Geographic, Outdoor Life, and other leading publications. 92 pages.


    
Birdflight as the Basis of Aviation   $19.95
Otto Lilienthal's groundbreaking book, originally published in 1889 and used by the Wright Brothers to develop their airplane. Otto Lilienthal made a thorough scientific investigation of bird flight, in the process revealing important principles that enabled the development of fixed-wing aircraft. He invented the sport of hang gliding and made many successful flights. Lilienthal's ornithopter experiments are also described in this book. Even today, Birdflight as the Basis of Aviation offers one of the best accounts of how birds fly, perfect for hands-on application. 176 pages.

 
Flapping Wings Newsletter  $12.95/year
The Ornithopter Zone's quarterly newsletter was started by Patrick Deshaye in 1984. Each issue contains news, articles, and project info sent in by readers. Ornithopter plans are featured in many issues. Your subscription fee includes a one-year membership in the Ornithopter Society. more

 
 

Ornithopter Design Manual  $39.95
The Ornithopter Design Manual is available exclusively
to members of the Ornithopter Society. This thoroughly revised print edition of the design manual, written by Nathan Chronister, incorporates the substantial knowledge gained over the past ten years.

You may purchase the Ornithopter Design Manual and one-year membership at the same time. Otherwise, non-members attempting to purchase the manual will receive a three-year membership instead of the manual.