The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Making and Flying Kites (1977 First Edition) — Edward F. Dolan Jr. | Doubleday, illustrated, Hobbies & Crafts — Kite Making

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.

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At Reading Vintage, I curate one-of-a-kind treasures for readers, makers, and collectors.