We were so pleased to have Harry Haskell present a lecture last Tuesday about his new book, Maiden Flight, a fictionalized narrative of the love story between the Wright Brothers’ sister, Katharine Wright, and Harry’s grandfather Henry J. Haskell.
Maiden Flight (Academy Chicago, an imprint of Chicago Review Press; October 1, 2016) is based on personal letters, newspaper reports, and other documents of the period—in particular, Katharine’s lively and extraordinarily revealing love letters to Harry. Cast in the form of three interwoven first-person “memoirs,” imaginatively reconstructed by the author, Maiden Flight allows Katharine to step outside of Wilbur and Orville’s shadow. Haskell sheds new light on the central role she played in their private lives, as well as on her often misunderstood contribution to her brothers’ scientific work.
In his lecture, Haskell provided a lively sneak peek into what the novel promises. We laughed, we cried, and we blushed! Haskell shares a fascinating story about a strong, passionate, captivating woman, Katharine Wright.
In addition to the lecture, we enjoyed several special exhibits about Katharine Wright and Harry Haskell, from both Special Collections & Archives, as well as Harry Haskell’s personal collection. Furthermore, we are pleased to say that Haskell has graciously allowed us the temporary loan of the items he brought, and these can are presently on exhibit in our reading room.
Harry Haskell discussing Katharine’s first flight (in France with Wilbur, 1909).
Harry Haskell
Original materials from the private collection of Harry Haskell
Katharine Wright exhibit
Katharine Wright’s pressed flowers and report cards, WSU Special Collections & Archives
Katharine Wright school books and photographs, WSU Special Collections & Archives
Katharine Wright correspondence, WSU Special Collections & Archives
Dawne Dewey, Head of Special Collections & Archives, with Harry Haskell, grandson of Katharine Wright’s husband Harry Haskell