D RAGONWINGS by by Laurence Yep The True

D RAGONWINGS by by Laurence Yep The True Story

Laurence Yep § He was born in San Francisco in 1948 and still lives in California. § Dragonwings is part of his Golden Mountain Chronicles series. § His other series include Chinatown Mysteries and the Dragon of the Lost Sea fantasies. § He adapted Dragonwings into a stage play performed in New York.

But there’s a story Behind the story

Fung Joe Guey § He was also known as Feng Ru or Fung Yue. § Born in the Guangdong Province of China in 1883, he immigrated to the U. S. when he was twelve. § He ended up in Oakland, California. § He taught himself mechanical and electrical engineering.

The First Success From The Oakland Tribune, September 23 rd, 1909

The First Success § It was September 21 st (or September 22 nd ) 1909 at approximately 6 p. m. § He flew in the hills of Piedmont, California, a small town surrounded by Oakland. § The flight was at a height of around ten feet. § After 20 minutes, a broken propeller bolt caused him to crash. § Fung suffered minor injuries – mostly bruises – in the accident. This bust of Fung was first at the site of his workshop, which is now part of Laney College.

The Second Plane § This new plane was made out of steel pipes and silk fabric. § It first flew successfully in January of 1910 for about four minutes. § He made several other flights in 1910, attracting a lot of attention.

Return to China § Sun Yat-sen requested that Fung return to China, possibly to develop military uses for the plane. § Fung arrived on March 21 st, 1911, bringing a plane or two with him. This is a replica of Fung’s first plane built and flown in China in 1912. It’s housed in a museum in Nanjing. § Fung also wanted to bring electricity and other technology to his homeland. § Sun Yat-sen made him the first head of the air force.

Tragic Death § He died on August 25 th or 26 th, 1912. § He was making an exhibition flight in front of around 1, 000 spectators. § While attempting to ascend sharply, his plane likely stalled out. Fung’s monument at the Mausoleum of the 72 Huanghuagang Martyrs § He crashed into a bamboo grove, causing bamboo to pierce his body. § His memorial stone reads: “Pioneer of Chinese Aviation. ”

D RAGONWINGS Brought to you by:

Sources