Lilienthal, Otto. The bird flight as the basis of flying art. A contribution to the systematics of flight technology. VIII, 187 pp. With coloured frontispiece, 80 text woodcuts and 8 folded lithographic plates. OLone with gold stamped back and V cover title. Berlin, R. Gaertner, 1889. Borst 3808. Neufforge 540. Intestinal system 887. Brockett 7557. Liebmann-Wahl 1324. – First edition of the groundbreaking, fundamental work from the pen of the "first flying man", which represents the beginning of modern aviation. Since 1871 Lilienthal had organized experiments together with his brother Gustav and conducted intensive research. Only the results, as set out in this book, made it possible to design aircraft. In 1891 Lilienthal constructed his first glider due to these researches. – Only minimally here and there a little stained and with tiny traces of usage. A tiny edge tear on the frontal leaf with frontispiece and another on the first folding board, otherwise in very good condition.