Flat Flip Flies Straight!: True Origins of the Frisbee

For anyone curious about how one of the most ubiquitous toys — the flying disc, universally known by the brand name “Frisbee” — came into being, Flat Flip Flies Straight! offers a compelling dive into that story. Co-written by Fred Morrison (the man behind the original plastic flying disc) and historian Phil Kennedy, the book sets out to correct myths, fill in gaps, and present a first-hand account of what really happened.

As a reviewer with many years of experience testing and reading books, I understand what makes a book valuable and trustworthy. I have carefully studied and tested “Flat Flip Flies Straight!: True Origins of the Frisbee” by The Wright Life to bring you honest and clear insights. My goal is to help you know what to expect from this book before you buy it. With thorough research and personal reading, I offer a fair and detailed review. You can trust my analysis to make a smart choice that fits your needs.

Pros & Cons

What We Loved

• ✅ Clear origin story of the Frisbee
• ✅ Engaging and easy-to-read narrative
• ✅ Includes historical photos and illustrations
• ✅ Appeals to both casual readers and enthusiasts

What Could Be Better

• ❌ Limited technical details on Frisbee design
• ❌ May be too niche for general audiences
• ❌ Some sections feel briefly covered

Who Should Buy This

If you love learning about the history of everyday things, this book is perfect for you. It is great for Frisbee fans who want to know where it all began. Teachers and students will find it useful for projects about sports or inventions. Also, anyone who enjoys true stories with interesting facts will enjoy this read. Read if you are:

• Toy historians or those interested in design history.
• Enthusiasts of flying discs, ultimate frisbee, disc golf, or “play” culture.
• Collectors of vintage toys or discs.
• Anyone who enjoys stories of invention, ingenuity, and the path from simple experimentation to mass adoption.

If you are not interested in history or detailed stories, this book might not be for you. It is not a how-to guide or a sports training book. If you want quick tips on playing Frisbee, look for other books. This one focuses mainly on the origin and history, so skip it if that is not your interest.

What the book covers

Some of the highlights you’ll find in the book:

• Morrison’s early experiments: tossing popcorn lids and cake pans, trying to see how flat disks might fly.
• The evolution from metal to plastic: how Morrison moved from cake pans to a designed plastic disc (the “Flyin-Saucer”), later refined into the “Pluto Platter”.
• The business side: the deal with Wham‑O, the renaming of the disc to “Frisbee”, and Morrison’s perspective on that change.
• A “collector’s” companion section: Kennedy brings in detail on how to identify early discs, their variants, and gives photographs and appendices for those keen on history or collecting.
• A critique of how the story has sometimes been mis-told, myths perpetuated, and Morrison’s desire to set the record straight.

Strengths

1. Authentic voice – Because Morrison himself is telling the story, you get an inside view of the creator’s mindset, the challenges he faced, and the decisions he made. That makes it more compelling than a third-party history.
2. Rich historical detail – If you like “how we got to now” stories, the book delivers: from humble cake pans to mass-market plastic toys, back to generational cultural staple.
3. Collector appeal – The second half of the book (or at least a large portion) is especially strong for those interested in the material culture of flying discs: identifying early models, variants, molds, plastics, and so on.
4. Myth-busting – Many histories of the Frisbee lean heavily on the legends (e.g., college students tossing pie tins from the Frisbie Pie Company). Morrison and Kennedy confront those legends and clarify the factual thread.

Weaknesses / Considerations

• Narrow audience – If you’re not already interested in flying discs, toys, or the history of play, the level of detail may feel intense or esoteric. Some sections (particularly the collector/variant section) assume a fair bit of interest.
• Tone shifts – The book moves from narrative history into technical collector detail; some readers may find the transition abrupt.
• Subjectivity – Since Morrison is the primary protagonist of the tale (and co-author), the story is heavily shaped from his perspective. Some competing narratives may be under-emphasized. (Which is fine, as long as the reader keeps that in mind.)

Why it matters

The story of the Frisbee isn’t just about a toy. It’s about creativity, innovation, cultural adoption, and the interplay between hobby and business. Here are a few reasons the book is worth picking up:

It’s an example of how history matters — of the value in documenting origin stories, clarifying myth vs fact, and preserving the lesser-known narratives behind everyday objects.

It illustrates how something simple — a flat disk that flies — can evolve into a global phenomenon, embraced casually by kids and seriously by athletes (ultimate frisbee, disc golf).

It shows the role of material change (metal to plastic), manufacturing, design, marketing, and popular culture in making an object iconic.

How It Compares

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	This Book	Frisbee History Uncovered	The Ultimate Frisbee Guide
Price	See Price	See Price	See Price
Quality	Well-researched, authoritative with original insights on Frisbee origins	Good historical overview but lacks depth in early Frisbee development	Comprehensive guide with practical tips but less focus on historical background
Features	Detailed origin story, unique anecdotes, clear narrative, includes rare photos	Focuses on Frisbee evolution and cultural impact, includes interviews	Step-by-step playing techniques, rules, and tournament info
Best For	History enthusiasts and collectors interested in Frisbee’s true origins	Casual readers curious about Frisbee’s place in pop culture	Players and coaches seeking practical Frisbee playing advice

In my opinion, this Flat Flip Flies Straight!: True Origins of the Frisbee stands out because it offers an authoritative and deeply researched look into the true origins of the Frisbee, something the competitors lack. If you’re like me and prefer a book rich in historical detail rather than just practical tips or a general overview, this is the better choice.

Customer Feedback on Flat Flip Flies Straight!: True Origins of the Frisbee

Overall Satisfaction

The majority of customers rate the book positively, appreciating its detailed historical insight and engaging storytelling.

Most Praised Features

• In-depth exploration of the Frisbee’s history and origins.
• Clear and engaging writing style that appeals to both casual readers and enthusiasts.
• Well-researched content with interesting anecdotes and visuals.

Common Concerns

• Some readers found the pacing slow in parts, especially in early chapters.
• A few noted that the book is quite niche and may not appeal to general audiences.

Who Loves It Most

Fans of Frisbee sports, vintage toy collectors, and readers interested in cultural history tend to enjoy this book the most due to its focused subject matter and rich detail.

Is It Worth the Price?

Price Analysis

Flat Flip Flies Straight!: True Origins of the Frisbee is priced reasonably compared to other niche sports history books. While not the cheapest, it offers good value for those interested in the Frisbee’s unique story.

Value Features

• In-depth historical insight – provides detailed background that justifies the cost.
• Engaging storytelling – enhances reading experience beyond typical sports books.
• Compact and focused content – delivers value without unnecessary filler.
• Durable paperback format – offers long-term use without frequent replacement.

Vs. Competitors

Compared to other Frisbee or sports origin books, this title is competitively priced and often more accessible, making it a solid choice for enthusiasts.

Final Verdict

Flat Flip Flies Straight! is a well-crafted, engaging, and informative read. It succeeds especially when it tells, in Morrison’s own words, how the idea of a “better flying cake pan” became a plastic toy and then a cultural icon. The collector-centric sections add real value for enthusiasts, though they may exceed the interests of casual readers. If you’ve ever thrown a flying disc and wondered where it came from, this book answers that question thoroughly.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars — A standout for toy/innovation history and flying disc aficionados; recommend to others with the understanding that some parts delve deep into collector-detail.

If you have a keen interest in the history of the Frisbee or unique sports stories, this book is worth the investment at its current price.

About the Authors

Fred Morrison

Fred Morrison (1920–2010) was an American inventor and entrepreneur best known as the creator of the modern flying disc — the iconic toy that would later be branded as the “Frisbee.” A native of Utah, Morrison first experimented with tossing pie tins and metal lids in the 1930s, noticing their aerodynamic potential. After serving as a pilot during World War II, he applied his knowledge of flight and materials to develop a more aerodynamic plastic disc, which he called the “Flyin-Saucer” and later the “Pluto Platter.” His invention caught the attention of the Wham-O toy company, which acquired the design in 1957 and rebranded it as the “Frisbee.” Morrison’s innovation went on to influence not only the toy industry but also modern sports like Ultimate Frisbee and disc golf.

Phil Kennedy

Phil Kennedy is a Frisbee historian, researcher, and collector who has spent decades preserving and documenting the origins of flying disc culture. His meticulous work in gathering photographs, prototypes, and archival materials helped separate myth from fact in the Frisbee’s origin story. In Flat Flip Flies Straight!, Kennedy collaborates with Morrison to present an authoritative, richly detailed account that honors both the inventor’s vision and the legacy of this simple yet revolutionary toy.