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Biomechanical Evaluation of Movement in Sport and Exercise: The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Guide
by Carl Payton Roger BartlettPublished in association with the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences, this is the only up-to-date, practical guide to using the range of biomechanics movement analysis machines, equipment and software available today. It includes detailed explanations of the key theory underlying biomechanics testing, along with advice concerning choice of equipment and how to use your laboratory equipment most effectively. The book covers the following important topics in detail: motion analysis using video and on-line systems measurement of force and pressure in the laboratory and field measurement of power using isokinetic dynamometry electromyography computational simulation and modelling of human movement research methodologies, data processing and data smoothing. Contributors include world leading researchers and pioneers such as Roger Bartlett, Carl Payton, Vasilios (Bill) Baltzopoulos, Adrian Burden, John H. Challis, and computer modelling maestro Fred Yeadon. Biomechanical Evaluation of Movement in Sport and Exercise is a must-have text for all biomechanics laboratories and students undertaking research.
Biomechanical Evaluation of Movement in Sport and Exercise: The British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences Guide (BASES Sport and Exercise Science)
by Carl J. Payton Adrian BurdenNow in a fully updated and revised new edition, this is still the only up-to-date, practical guide to the use of technology in sport and exercise biomechanics. It includes detailed explanations of the key theory underlying biomechanics testing and measurement, along with advice on choosing equipment and using it effectively. The second edition includes two completely new chapters on qualitative movement analysis and the assessment of movement coordination, and covers every key functional area in the biomechanics curriculum, including: motion analysis using video and on-line systems measurement of force and pressure measurement of torque and power using isokinetic dynamometry electromyography computational simulation and modelling of human movement research methodologies data processing. Published in association with the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES), it includes contributions from world leading researchers and pioneers in the field of sport and exercise biomechanics. Biomechanical Evaluation of Movement in Sport and Exercise is a must-have text for all biomechanics laboratories and for any student undertaking a research project or course in methods, measurement or analysis in biomechanics.
Biomechanical Modelling and Simulation on Musculoskeletal System
by Yubo Fan Lizhen WangThe book involves the basic principles, methods, anatomy and other knowledge for modelling and simulation of the musculoskeletal system. In addition, abundant examples are presented in detail to help readers easily learn the principles and methods of modelling and simulation. These examples include the impact injury and clinical application of the modelling of bone and muscle. In terms of impact injury, the book introduces the biomechanical simulation of impact injury in head, spine, ankle, knee, eyeball and many other parts. With regard to clinical application, it explores the optimization of orthopaedic surgery and design of orthopaedic implants. Readers will find this is a highly informative and carefully presented book, introducing not only the biomechanical principles in the musculoskeletal system, but also the application abilities of modelling and simulation on the musculoskeletal system.
Biomechanical Principles and Applications in Sports
by Jani Macari Pallis Jill L. McNitt-Gray George K. HungThis book provides an overview of biomedical applications in sports, including reviews of the current state-of-the art methodologies and research areas. Basic principles with specific case studies from different types of sports as well as suggested student activities and homework problems are included. Equipment design and manufacturing, quantitative evaluation methods, and sports medicine are given special focus. Biomechanical Principles and Applications in Sports can be used as a textbook in a sports technology or sports engineering program, and is also ideal for graduate students and researchers in biomedical engineering, physics, and sports physiology. It can also serve as a useful reference for professional athletes and coaches interested in gaining a deeper understanding of biomechanics and exercise physiology to improve athletic performance.
Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming V1
by D. MacLaren T. Reilly A. LeesThe International Symposium on Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming, held every four years under the aegis of the International Society of Biomechanics and the World Commission of Sports Biomechanics, provides a forum in which research related to swimming is reported and problems that confront swimming practitioners are debated. This volume contains the papers presented at the sixth symposium. The keynote addresses covered lactate metabolism, performance determining factors and the analysis of sprint swimming. The contributed papers range widely across sports science, coaching and training and sports medicine.
Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming VII
by A.P. Hollander D. Strass J. TroupFollowing on from the successful Biomechanics and Medicine in Swimming VI proceedings which covered the conference held in Liverpool, this book contains all twelve of the keynote addresses and selected, edited and revised papers presented at the Swimming Science VII conference in Atlanta. Leading international experts have contributed state-of-the-art research on the subject.
Biomechanics in Medicine and Biology: Proceedings of the International Conference of the Polish Society of Biomechanics, Zielona Góra, Poland, September 5-7, 2018 (Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing #831)
by Szczepan Piszczatowski Tomasz Klekiel Romuald Będziński Katarzyna ArkuszThis book presents the proceedings of the “International Conference of the Polish Society of Biomechanics – BIOMECHANICS 2018” held in Zielona Góra, Poland from September 5 to 7, 2018, and discusses recent research on innovations in biomechanics.It includes a collection of selected papers in all key areas of biomechanics, including cellular, molecular, neuro and musculoskeletal biomechanics, as well as sport, clinical and rehabilitation biomechanics. These themes are extremely important in the development of engineering concepts and methods to provide new medical solutions, especially in the context of an ageing population.Presenting the latest technical advances and research methods used in clinical biomechanics, this book is of interest to scientists as well as junior researchers and students of interdisciplinary fields of engineering, medical, and sports sciences.
Biomechanics in Medicine, Sport and Biology (Lecture Notes in Networks and Systems #328)
by Anna Hadamus Szczepan Piszczatowski Małgorzata Syczewska Michalina BłażkiewiczThis book contains fourteen chapters dealing with various aspects of the biomechanics of today. The topics covered are glimpses of what modern biomechanics can offer scientists, students, and the general public. We hope this book can be inspiring, helpful, and interesting for many readers who are not necessarily concerned with biomechanics daily.
Biomechanics of Cycling
by Rodrigo R. Bini Felipe P. CarpesBicycles have been a common device to enhance physical fitness level in gyms and training centers along with solid use in competitive sport. For that reason, biomechanics of cycling has grown as a research field with many publications addressing different perspective of the interaction between the cyclist and his bicycle. The most common end point of research on biomechanics of cycling is optimization of performance and reduction of injury risk. One goal of this book is to meet the growing need for a comprehensive presentation of contemporary knowledge on biomechanics of cycling which will positively influence the activity of cycling in a global fashion. In order to accomplish this purpose, ten chapters are presented with focus on varying methods for biomechanical analysis of cycling motion. The introduction section provides an overview of the main methods for assessment of cycling motion, including motion analysis, pedal force measurements, muscle activation, anthropometry and joint kinetics. These methods are discussed in depth in individual chapters followed by chapters on characteristics of bicycles and potential perspectives to improve their configuration in order to improve performance of cyclists and reduce their overuse injury risk. Moreover, a preliminary method to train technique in cyclists is shown. A final chapter provides authors perspective on the upcoming technology that should be effective in helping training of cyclists
Biomechanics of Injury and Prevention
by Yubo Fan Lizhen WangThis book summarizes the recent advancements for biomechanics of injury and prevention in mechanism, application and developing frontiers. Biomechanics plays an important role in achieving safety, health, comfort, and a high quality of life by revealing injury mechanism and providing prevention methods. The book covers injury and prevention to the entire human body, from head to toe, including injury and prevention in sports, traffic, accident, clinic and so on. In addition, bionics prevention method inspired by woodpecker is also introduced. The book provides the reader with not only the mechanism of injury but also the advanced injury diagnosis, treatment, and prevention devices based on biomechanics.
Biomechanics of Sport
by Christopher L. VaughanThis informative text features current and thorough reviews of the biomechanics of sport for improved performance, etiology, and pre-vention of injuries. Winter sports and aquatics are covered, with an emphasis on developing training programs for ski-jumping, alpine, and cross country skiing. Other sports featured include modeling perspectives in speed skating, swimming, and the mechanics of rowing and sculling. Track-and-field athletics, ball games, weight lifting, and training are examined in terms of per-formance, safety, and re-search methodology. Sports scientists and sports medicine specialists will find this book invaluable.
Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise
by Peter McginnisBy providing mechanics before functional anatomy, the book helps students understand forces and their effects before studying how body structures deal with forces. Students will learn to appreciate the consequences of external forces, how the body generates internal forces to maintain position, and how forces create movement in physical activities. Rather than presenting the principles as isolated and abstract, the text enables students to discover the principles of biomechanics for themselves through observation. By examining ordinary activities firsthand, students will develop meaningful explanations resulting in a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanical concepts. This practical approach combines striking visual elements with clear and concise language to encourage active learning and improved comprehension.
Biomechanics Of Sport And Exercise
by Peter M. McGinnisA standout among introductory biomechanics texts, Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise, Fourth Edition With Web Resource, takes a unique approach to introducing exercise and sport biomechanics. Using simple terms, the book presents mechanics before functional anatomy, helping students first understand external forces and their effects on motion; then explores how the musculoskeletal system responds and generates its own internal forces to maintain position; and finally shows how to apply biomechanical principles to analyze movement and ultimately improve performance. The fourth edition expands its commitment to enabling students to discover the principles of biomechanics through observation. Easy-to-understand experiments are presented for students to try in the classroom or on their own. Sample problem sidebars guide students through choosing the appropriate equation to determine the forces acting or motion occurring in a specific scenario and then helps them solve the equation. This practical approach—combining clear illustrations, sample calculations, and encouragement for active learning—helps students develop a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanical concepts. In addition to careful updates throughout the book, other new enhancements in the fourth edition include the following: New content explores the technologies and devices available to coaches, athletes, and the general public to measure aspects of athletes’ movements. New full-color art and diagrams enhance the text and help students visualize mechanics in real-world scenarios. Explanations of the equations used in the text make the content more accessible to students. New concept application boxes provide deeper analysis of the field use of biomechanics, with topics such as the Magnus effect in baseball pitching, the wetsuit effect in triathlons, power output in cycling, centripetal acceleration when running a curve, and the work-energy principles in modern shot putting. Other learning aids include bold key terms, chapter objectives, and a guide to key equations and abbreviations. The chapters include a total of 18 sample problems that students can solve using a step-by-step process. A companion web resource offers additional review questions and problem sets. Biomechanics of Sport and Exercise, Fourth Edition, introduces the biomechanics of human movement in a clear and concise manner while promoting an active, engaged learning experience. Students will discover the principles of mechanics for themselves, resulting in a strong understanding of the subject matter.
Biomechanics of Training and Testing: Innovative Concepts And Simple Field Methods
by Jean-Benoit Morin Pierre SamozinoThis book presents an account of innovative methods and, for most of them, gives direct and practical insights into how practitioners can benefit from their use in their everyday practice. It also explains how to interpret the data measured, and the underlying neuromechanical and biomechanical factors related to sports performance. Written and edited by the same researchers who proposed and validated these methods, this book not only presents innovative methods for an efficient training and testing process (most of which are based on very simple technology and data processing methods), but also discusses the associated background information. Although it is a young scientific discipline, sport biomechanics has taken on an important role in routine sports training, medicine and rehabilitation. It allows both a better understanding of human locomotion and performance and better design of training and injury prevention. In those processes, the testing of athletes is crucial, and the quality and quantity of the variables analysed directly influences the efficiency of physicians’, coaches’, physiotherapists’ and other practitioners’ interventions.
Biomechanik der Sportarten: Grundlagen der Sportmechanik und Messtechnik - Fokus Leichtathletik
by Veit WankDieses Lehrbuch bietet einen reichhaltig illustrierten und kompakten Überblick über die kausalen Zusammenhänge, die bei Bewegungsabläufen im Sport auftreten. Sie erlernen damit die Grundkenntnisse im Fach Biomechanik wie auch die wesentlichen biomechanischen Messverfahren und Methoden zur Datenerhebung und Datenauswertung. Dazu erhalten Sie einen umfassenden Einblick in die Strukturen sportlicher Bewegungen. Dabei steht ersten Bandes die Anwendung biomechanischer Analysen in der Leichtathletik im Mittelpunkt. Didaktisch ausgereift werden Ihnen anhand originaler Datenbeispiele von aktuellen Spitzenathleten die Möglichkeiten, die biomechanische Analysen zur Bewertung und Optimierung der sportlichen Technik bieten, anschaulich und gut verständlich erklärt. So können Sie sich optimal auf die Prüfung vorbereiten, dazulernen, nachschlagen oder sich einen Ein- und Überblick verschaffen. Dazu bietet eine Begleitwebseite Online-Zusatzmaterialien zur weiteren Veranschaulichung und Vertiefung. Zielgruppen: Studierende des Faches Sportwissenschaft (Lehramt, Bachelor und Master), besonders geeignet zum Studium und als Prüfungslektüre des Kernfaches Bewegungswissenschaft. Ebenso werden Athleten, Trainer und Leistungsdiagnostiker im leistungsorientierten Sport von diesem Werk profitieren. Das Buch bietet auch eine optimale und kompakte Wissenssammlung für Sportlehrer der gymnasialen Oberstufe (speziell für Neigungsfächer und Leistungskurse).Der Autor: Prof. Dr. Veit Wank ist Professor für Sportwissenschaft und Leiter des Lehrstuhls für Biomechanik, Bewegungs- und Trainingswissenschaft an der Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen. Seit 2007 ist er Sprecher der Sektion Biomechanik der Deutschen Vereinigung für Sportwissenschaft (DVS). Nach Studien der Sportwissenschaft, Biologie und Physik an der Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena arbeitete er als wissenschaftlicher Assistent und in verschiedenen Sportarten als Praxisausbilder an den Universitäten Jena und Karlsruhe. Er war selbst über viele Jahre aktiver Leichtathlet.
Biomimetics for Technical Products and Innovation: An overview for applications (essentials)
by Kristina WanieckBionics transfers knowledge about biological models into technical applications and can thus be used for the development of technical products and innovations. It is one of the most exciting approaches for future technical and social innovation, since most of the knowledge from biology has not yet been used. In this essential, Kristina Wanieck summarizes the most important basics of bionics for their application in practice. In addition, the author describes an approach that is open to topics and problems - i.e. independent of a specific question. These basics should make it possible to use bionics for a wide variety of questions and projects.This book is a translation of the original German 1st edition Bionik für technische Produkte und Innovation by Kristina Wanieck, published by Springer Fachmedien Wiesbaden GmbH, part of Springer Nature in 2019. The translation was done with the help of artificial intelligence (machine translation by the service DeepL.com). A subsequent human revision was done primarily in terms of content, so that the book will read stylistically differently from a conventional translation. Springer Nature works continuously to further the development of tools for the production of books and on the related technologies to support the authors.
Bionik für technische Produkte und Innovation: Ein Überblick für die Praxis (essentials)
by Kristina WanieckDie Bionik überträgt Wissen über biologische Vorbilder in technische Anwendungen und kann damit für die Entwicklung technischer Produkte und Innovationen genutzt werden. Es handelt sich dabei um einen der spannendsten Ansätze für zukünftige technische und gesellschaftliche Innovation, da das meiste Wissen aus der Biologie bisher noch ungenutzt ist. Kristina Wanieck fasst in diesem essential die wichtigsten Grundlagen der Bionik für ihre Anwendung in der Praxis zusammen. Darüber hinaus beschreibt die Autorin eine themen- und problemoffene Vorgehensweise – also unabhängig von einer konkreten Fragestellung. Diese Grundlagen sollen es ermöglichen, die Bionik für die verschiedensten Fragestellungen und Projekte zu nutzen.
Biophysical Foundations of Human Movement (3rd Edition)
by Bruce Abernethy Vaughan Kippers Stephanie Hanrahan Marcus Pandy Ali Mcmanus Laurel Mackinnon"Biophysical Foundations of Human Movement, Third Edition," introduces readers to key concepts concerning the anatomical, mechanical, physiological, neural, and psychological bases of human movement. The text provides undergraduate students with a broad foundation for more detailed study of the subdisciplines of human movement and for cross-disciplinary studies. Readers will learn the multi-dimensional changes in movement and movement potential that occur throughout the life span as well as those changes that occur as adaptations to training, practice, and other lifestyle factors. This third edition includes the latest research and improved presentation to address areas of growth and change in the fields of human movement. The following are important updates to this edition: - A new chapter on historical origins of human movement science provides students with an appreciation of the development of the field as well as its future directions. - Content regarding exercise physiology has been reorganized to provide more discrete coverage of key concepts in nutrition. - A new concluding section focuses on applications in the areas of prevention and management of chronic disease, prevention and management of injury, and performance enhancement in sport and the workplace, as well as the benefits of sport and exercise science to work, sport, and everyday living. - Ancillary materials support instructors in teaching across disciplines as they assist students in understanding the breadth of content in this comprehensive text. Using a modular approach to teaching sport and exercise science, "Biophysical Foundations of Human Movement, Third Edition," offers students a structured understanding of how the subdisciplines work independently and in tandem. Following a general introduction to the field of human movement studies, readers are introduced to basic concepts, life-span changes, and adaptations arising in response to training in each of the five major biophysical subdisciplines of human movement. Each subdiscipline is given a brief introduction, including the definition and historical development of the subdiscipline, the typical issues and problems it addresses, the levels of analysis it uses, and relevant professional training and organizations. Multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary approaches to human movement are also discussed along with contemporary applications. By studying the integration of knowledge from a number of the biophysical subdisciplines, students will be better prepared for advanced study and careers reliant on the integration of knowledge from various disciplines and perspectives. The third edition offers tools for retaining the material, including learning objectives and summaries in each chapter, a glossary, and lists of web-based resources. Throughout the text, special "In Focus" features highlight key organizations, individuals, and studies from around the world that have contributed to the current understanding of human movement. These features help readers appreciate the evolution of the field so that they may better understand its direction. Students interested in further study will find specialized texts for each of the subdisciplines listed in the Further Reading and References section of each chapter along with updated lists of websites. The third edition of "Biophysical Foundations of Human Movement" offers a comprehensive introduction for students, scientists, and practitioners involved in the many professions grounded in or related to human movement, kinesiology, and sport and exercise science. By considering the effect of adaptations in each of the biophysical subdisciplines of human movement, "Biophysical Foundations of Human Movement" also illustrates the important role physical activity plays in the maintenance of health throughout the life span.
BIOS Instant Notes in Sport and Exercise Physiology (Instant Notes)
by Karen Birch Keith George Don McLarenInstant Notes in Sport and Exercise Physiology looks at the key topics in exercise physiology and examines how each of the physiological systems responds to acute and chronic exercise. As well as reviewing special topics such as nutrition, altitude, temperature, and ergogenic acids, it assesses the importance of exercise to health and quality of life and considers the importance of exercise to adults, children and the elderly.
BIOS Instant Notes in Sport and Exercise Psychology (Instant Notes)
by Trish Gorely Dave Shaw Rod CorbanInstant Notes in Sport and Exercise Psychology provides concise coverage of sport and exercise psychology at the undergraduate level, and also covers the crucial basic psychology that underpins the subject. It has four main themes: theoretical approaches and research methods sport psychology at both the individual and group level of analysis exercise psychology practical applications including performance enhancement and ethics. Suitable for students in sport and exercise science, sport psychology, sport studies and sports management, it will be useful for coaches and athletes who wish to gain an up-to-date understanding of the key concepts, theories and research in this area.
Biplane
by Richard BachTo discover that time is not a straight line aimed toward infinity, Richard Bach undertook a magnificent journey. Biplane is the story of that solo flight into the American skies -- a flight that became a personal quest to discover everything that lies beyond the ordinary.
The Bird: The Life and Legacy of Mark Fidrych
by Doug WilsonThe first biography of the eccentric pitcher, rookie All-Star starter, 70s pop icon, and first athlete on the cover of Rolling StoneMark Fidrych exploded onto the scene in the summer of 1976 with the Detroit Tigers, capturing the hearts of Americans from coast to coast. Lanky with a curly mop, a nickname born of his resemblance to Sesame Street's Big Bird would only hint at the large personality that was about to take baseball in a new direction. Known for wildly endearing antics such as throwing back balls that "had hits in them," manicuring the mound of any cleat marks, talking to himself (and the ball for that matter), and shaking hands with just about everyone from groundskeepers to cops after games, The Bird infused each game with the fun, All-American spirit of 1970s baseball. A two-time All-Star player, Fidrych won nineteen games, along with the Rookie of the Year Award, becoming one of the biggest individual drawing cards baseball has ever seen.Recreating the magic of an unforgettable era of baseball, The Bird shows how Fidrych was the player that brought a smile to your face, becoming a crossover pop culture icon and household name. Through meticulous research and interviews, Doug Wilson vividly recounts Fidrych's struggles and final shining moments in the Minors, the tragic injury that signaled the beginning of the end of his career, through to his sudden death in 2009.The Bird gives readers a long overdue look into the life of the refreshing rookie the likes of which baseball had never seen before, and has never seen since.
The Bird: The Life and Legacy of Mark Fidrych
by Doug WilsonFOR THOSE WHO REMEMBER HIM, MARK FIDRYCH is still that player who brings a smile to your face, the irresistibly likable pitcher whose sudden rise brightened the star-spangled season of 1976 and reminded us of the pure joy of the game. Lanky, mop-topped, and nicknamed for his resemblance to Big Bird on Sesame Street, Fidrych exploded onto the national stage during the Bicentennial summer as a rookie with the Detroit Tigers. He won over fans nationwide with his wildly endearing antics, such as talking to the ball (and throwing back the ones that "had hits in them"), getting down on his knees to "manicure" the mound, and shaking hands with just about everyone from teammates to groundskeepers to cops during and after games. Female fans tried to obtain locks of his hair from his barber and even named babies after him. But The Bird was no mere sideshow. The non-roster invitee to spring training that year quickly emerged as one of the best pitchers in the game. Meanwhile, his boyish enthusiasm, his famously modest lifestyle, and his refusal to sign with an agent during the days of labor disputes and free agency made him such a breath of fresh air for fans that not only did attendance in Detroit increase--by tens of thousands--for games he pitched, but opposing teams would specifically ask the Tigers to shuffle their rotation so Fidrych would pitch in their cities, too. A rare player who transcended pop culture, Fidrych was named starting pitcher in the All-Star Game as a rookie (the first of his two All-Star nods) and became the first athlete to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. Baseball researcher Doug Wilson delivers the first biography of this once-in-a-lifetime player. Through extensive interviews and meticulous research, the author recounts Fidrych's meteoric rise from Northborough, Massachusetts, to the big leagues, his heartbreaking fall after suffering torn knee cartilage and a torn rotator cuff, his comeback attempts with the Tigers and in the Red Sox system, and one unforgettable night when The Bird pitched a swan song for the Pawtucket Red Sox against future star Dave Righetti in a game that remains part of local folklore. Finally, Wilson captures Fidrych's post-baseball life and his roles in the community, tragically culminating with his death in a freak accident in 2009. The Bird gives readers a long-overdue look into the life of a player whom baseball had never seen before-- and has never seen since.
Bird at the Buzzer: UConn, Notre Dame, and a Women's Basketball Classic
by Jeff GoldbergOn March 6, 2001, the top two women’s college basketball teams in the nation, UConn and Notre Dame, played what was arguably the greatest game in the history of the sport. When UConn’s Sue Bird hit a twelve-foot pull-up jumper at the buzzer over national player of the year Ruth Riley in the Big East Tournament championship game, it marked the end of an epic contest that featured five future Olympians and eight first-round WNBA selections. Bird at the Buzzer re-creates this unique season with a detailed account of the games that led up to—and beyond—the tournament finale; profiles of the two coaches, UConn’s Geno Auriemma and Notre Dame’s Muffet McGraw; close-ups of the players who made the year so memorable; and, finally, an in-depth recap of the game worthy of being designated ESPN’s first-ever women’s basketball “Instant Classic.” Author Jeff Goldberg shows us the drama on the court and behind the scenes as the big game pitted Riley and the upstarts from Notre Dame against what many believed was the most talented team in UConn history, under Hall of Fame coach Auriemma. A see-saw affair in which neither team led by more than eight points, the 2001 Big East championship game encapsulates the quintessential inside story of the individual talents and skills, team spirit and smarts, and the moment-by-moment realities of college athletics that made this season a snapshot of sports at its finest.
Bird Dream
by Matt Higgins"[R]iveting... a must-read. A highflying, electrifying story of a treacherous sport in which every triumph is an eye blink away from becoming a disaster." --Kirkus (STARRED)A heart-stopping narrative of risk and courage, Bird Dream tells the story of the remarkable men and women who pioneered the latest advances in aerial exploration--from skydiving to BASE jumping to wingsuit flying--and made history with their daring.Bird Dream shows that recent decades have witnessed an unprecedented revolution in human flight. By the end of the twentieth century BASE jumping was the most dangerous of all the extreme sports, with thrill-seeking jumpers parachuting from bridges, mountains, radio towers, and even skyscrapers. Despite numerous fatalities and legal skirmishes, BASE jumpers like Jeb Corliss of California thought they had discovered the ultimate rush. But all this changed for Corliss in 1999, when, high in the mountains of northern Italy, he and other jumpers watched in wonder as a stranger--wearing a cunning new jumpsuit featuring "wings" between the arms and legs--leaped from a ledge and then actually flew from the vertiginous cliffs. This dude's flying, thought Corliss with a start. This changes everything.What Corliss had witnessed was a wingsuit, an innovation more flying squirrel than bird or plane. Wingsuits were not new; they had fascinated men for centuries. Yet a modern design had improved safety and performance, allowing wingsuit pilots to leap from a helicopter or high cliff and soar for miles--using little more than their bodies--before deploying a parachute to reach the ground safely. The best pilots could fly close to the earth, rapidly navigating narrow canyons and mountain ranges. Still, colossal dangers remained, and the beauty of exploring human flight with such unprecedented grace would exact the ultimate cost for some pilots--they would pay with their lives.Drawing on intimate access to Corliss and other top pilots from around the globe, Bird Dream tracks the evolution of the wingsuit movement through the larger than life characters who, in an age of viral video, forced the sport onto the world stage. Their exploits--which entranced millions of fans along the way--defied imagination. They were flying; not like the Wright brothers, but the way we do in our dreams.Some dared to dream of going further yet, to a day when a wingsuit pilot might fly, and land, all without a parachute. A growing number of wingsuit pilots began plotting ways in which a human being might leap from the sky and land. A half dozen groups around the world were dedicated to this quest for a "wingsuit landing," conjuring the pursuit of nations that once inspired the race to first summit Everest.Given his fame as a stuntman, the brash, publicity-hungry Corliss remained the popular favorite to claim the first landing. Yet Bird Dream also tracks the path of another man, Gary Connery--a forty-two-year-old Englishman--who was quietly plotting to beat Corliss at his own game. Accompanied by an international cast of wingsuit devotees--including a Finnish magician, a parachute tester from Brazil, an Australian computer programmer, a gruff hang-gliding champion-turned-aeronautical engineer, a French skydiving champion, and a South African costume designer--Corliss and Connery raced to leap into the unknown, a contest that would lead to triumph for one and nearly cost the other his life.Based on five years of firsthand reporting and original interviews, Bird Dream is the work of journalist Matt Higgins, who traveled the world alongside these extraordinary men and women as they jumped and flew in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Offering a behind-the-scenes take on some of the most spectacular and disastrous events of the wingsuit movement, Higgins's Bird Dream is a riveting, adrenaline-fueled adventure at the very edge of human experience.Library Journal (STARRED)"[A]ction-packed... An engrossing and exhaustively researched account of extremists who challenge failure and death on a regular basis. Highly recommended."SUSAN CASEY, autho...