[Rarebooks] When Irish Eyes are Flying...

[Joslin Hall Rare Books]

Corkey, Alexander. THE TRUTH ABOUT IRELAND or,
THROUGH THE EMERALD ISLE WITH AN AEROPLANE.

Oskaloosa, Iowa; Shockley Bros. & Cook: 1910.

A very early aeroplane travelogue and probably the first book with aerial 
views of the Irish countryside. The author notes-

"The aeroplane is man's latest invention. ... One of the most delightful 
uses of the aeroplane is in sightseeing. Aerial tourist travel will soon 
become popular, as a bird's-eye view of a country is the most satisfactory 
of all".

All is not always well however, and early aeroplane tourism could produce 
some hair-raising moments-

     "After his second circle around the flat plain, which is half a mile 
square, Mike started east, and in a couple of minutes the earth was 2,500 
feet below us. The suddenness of the appearance of this vast abyss between 
us and land seemed to unnerve Mike for a moment. I almost collapsed. Then 
Mike did a foolish thing. He imagined he could glide down from this height, 
and he shut off the motor. We glided some 300 feet, and then I could feel 
the aeroplane begin to sink under us. What happened I do not just know. The 
first intimation I had of real danger was Mike's face as he quickly turned 
to start the motor. I could hear the big propellers whiz behind me. In 
starting the motor Mike released a lever for an instant. As we were 
descending with lightning speed this was almost the cause of a fatal 
disaster. The aeroplane began to rock violently, and I was almost thrown 
from my seat. The accident to Orville Wright and Lieutenant Selfridge at 
Washington the year before flashed before my mind. I wondered if Mike could 
regain control of the machine. I caught the sides of my seat and braced 
myself against the foot-rail. Even then I had difficulty holding on. I 
glanced at Mike. His face was pale. His eyes shone. Every muscle and nerve 
was tense. He was like a rider on a runaway horse, determined to assert his 
mastery. His self-control was perfect. In spite of Mike's coolness I am 
surprised we escaped. As the aeroplane kept sinking and rocking like a ship 
in a storm, I closed my eyes and resigned myself to my fate...".

Hardcover. 5.5"x8", 135 pages, 10 b/w plates; publisher's green cloth with 
black titles; a little light wear at tips, etc., but a beautiful, bright 
copy. [05014] $150.00

Illustration-
<http://www.joslinhall.com/images03/th-05014.jpg>

More Aviation-
<http://www.joslinhall.com/aviation.htm>

More Ireland-
<http://www.joslinhall.com/Ireland.htm>


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