Making Things

[Beloit, WI]: [Author], 1955. Memoirs of inventor, industrialist & early aviator. Originally writing for his grandchildren, Warner found there was more interest for his memoirs than he had thought, according to a reproduced letter laid in. The memoirs discuss his childhood tinkering with batteries and machinery, early industrial projects & jobs, electric motors, speedometers, his purchase of an early Curtiss aeroplane, sale of his business and founding of others. Stapled pamphlet, as pictured; self-published, undated, circa 1950-55. General wear; covers tanned with minor crease to front corner, minor scuffs; laid-in letter creased with small stain. Text clean; 29 pages. From Wikipedia: "Arthur Pratt Warner (April 18, 1870, Jacksonville, Florida - March 22, 1957, Beloit, Wisconsin) was an American inventor, businessman and pioneer aviator. His inventions include the electric brake and the speedometer. He was the first American private citizen to purchase an airplane, the "first commercially built airplane". He paid Glenn Curtiss $6000 for a disassembled one. Once he had assembled it (without instructions or manuals), he became the first person to fly in Wisconsin, at Beloit on November 4, 1909. He got 50 feet (15 m) off the ground and traveled a quarter mile (0.4 km). This also made him the eleventh American pilot. A self-taught engineer, with his brother Charles he invented the first automobile speedometer, which made him rich. The Warner Instrument Co. was incorporated in 1903, with Warner as vice president and general manager. In 1912, he sold his speedometer company for $1.2 million. In 1917, the Warner Manufacturing Co. came into existence, with Warner as president, to make automobile and truck trailers. Inventions that he developed in connection with this business included the electric brake and power clutch. He retired in 1934." . First Edition. Staple Bound Pamphlet. Good. 6" by 9".