Build it, then send it skyward. This first-edition handbook walks beginners through why kites fly, what materials to use, and how to construct and decorate forty-five designs.
Edward F. Dolan Jr. keeps the tone practical while John Lane’s line drawings make each step clear. It’s a sturdy hardback in jacket—great for makers, teachers, or anyone starting a kite club.
Quick Specs
- Item Type: Hardcover book with dust jacket
- Size: 9.5 × 6.5 × 0.05 inches
- Material: Quarter-cloth (black spine) with red paper boards; printed dust jacket
- Color: Red boards, black spine; white/teal jacket with color kite art
- Origin or Maker: Doubleday & Company, Inc., Garden City, New York
- Year or Era: 1977
- GENRE: Hobbies & Crafts — Kite Making
- Language / Pages: English / 151 pages
- Identifiers: ISBN 0-385-09437-9;
- Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 75-29565
Edition & Features
- Edition/Printing: First Edition (stated)
- Dust Jacket: Present; price $5.95 on front flap (not price-clipped)
- Illustrations/Maps/Plates: Black-and-white line drawings by John Lane; diagrams and step sequences
- Extras: Directions for constructing forty-five different kites; includes index
Condition
- Grade: Very Good book / Good dust jacket
- Notes: Jacket shows chips and short tears at head/foot and along edges (see photos 1, 7–9); crease and closed tear to lower front panel (photo 1); small stain to bottom page edge near fore-edge (photo 9); prior owner note on front free endpaper referencing “Kitty Hawk Kites” (photo 3). Boards clean and bright under the jacket; pages crisp and unmarked on spot check; binding tight.
See all photos—sold as pictured.
Condition Grade Key: Near Fine: minimal wear; tight; clean.
Very Good: light wear; clean text; minor flaws.
Good: noticeable wear; sound reading copy; some marks.
Fair: heavy wear; complete but worn; priced accordingly.
Provenance & Notes
Owner inscription: “Purchased at Kitty Hawk Kites to make kites for shop class reference” on front free endpaper; retailer price sticker on jacket flap.
About the Author / Maker:Edward F. Dolan Jr.
Edward F. Dolan Jr. wrote accessible science and hobby guides for young makers. Illustrator John Lane’s clear diagrams supported hands-on learning across the series.
Ready to build your first kite—or teach a roomful of beginners? This copy makes it easy.
Disclaimer
The vintage items I share with you have been previously owned and loved and may show some wear. Please use the pictures as a guide.
Care & Handling: handle with clean, dry hands; store upright at about 68°F and 40–50% RH; keep out of direct sun and damp areas. Questions or need more photos—just ask.
About Reading Vintage
At Reading Vintage, I curate one-of-a-kind treasures for readers, makers, and collectors.
