I have a fair amount of original books and periodical runs, from pre-Wright Era, mostly from Austria, Germany, France, and some of the Early U.S. large volumes, as well, Beautiful illustrations (scarce photos) and artwork in some of them, but don't get into them as much as other Eras...Currently trying to find new homes for them, but it is a task made difficult, by the expensive shipping/mailing costs to Europe..One favorite is a long run of L'Aerophile, but Especially the very special set of gilded, hand tooled, special libray bindings for the first three years of 1893-1895. Previous owner was an advanced collector who said the were very painful to part with. Some of the other French volumes are quite elaborate, with many bizarre designs, illustrated. and the usual, pre-Wright Tissandier publications etc. I have a very nice publication written and signed by Clement Ader, that came with a large collection purchase from France, It was marked as one of the collectors most important and valuable items. Today's aviation collectors seem to have "relatively" little appreciation of Ader.
By the way, if you believe that the REAL REASON the Wright Brothers were granted Aero Club of America's Aviator's certificates numbers 4 and 5, (instead of the #1 and 2 they deserved) through an "innocent" process of issuing the first five "in alphabetical order," (as is currently accepted all over the "Internet" and even the EAA websites history!) You would be Wrong!