Introduces the history, principles, equipment, and navigational techniques of non-powered lighter-than-air flight and includes special sections on balloon clubs and annual events.
A Newbery Medal Winner Professor William Waterman Sherman intends to fly across the Pacific Ocean. But through a twist of fate, he lands on Krakatoa, and discovers a world of unimaginable wealth, eccentric inhabitants, and incredible balloon inventions.Winner of the 1948 Newbery Medal, this classic fantasy-adventure is now available in a handsome new edition. "William Pene du Bois combines his rich imagination, scientific tastes, and brilliant artistry to tell astory that has no age limit."—The Horn Book
From that famous day in June 1783 when the Montgolfier brothers launched their first balloon over Paris until the present, people have continued to marvel at the grace and ease with which man can ascend aloft and float through the sky. In addition to a history of early balloon flight, the book describes how balloons are made, how they fly, and what it takes to become a qualified pilot. It discuses as well the record breakers, competition flying, and the weird and wonderful balloon shapes that appear whenever balloon enthusiasts gather together. Lavishly illustrated with over 90 full-color photographs, this volume is a tribute to all balloonists past and present.
The hot air balloon has a fascinating history of much trial and error, scientific research and bold adventure. This book chronicles the development and advances in the endeavor and also provides insights into the people who developed the sport--many of whom lost their lives in the process. The book traces the history of ballooning from the Montgolfier brothers' first experiments with a paper balloon in Annonay, France, in 1782, through the next several decades, when the sport's waning novelty forced aeronauts to develop bigger, better and more dangerous tricks. It concludes at the beginning of the 20th century, when the age of the airplane rendered hot air balloons all but obsolete.
There has always been a sense of romanticism attached to balloons, as they glide effortlessly and soundlessly in a world of their own. However, the history of balloon flight is often underestimated, as are the fascinating scientific breakthroughs that can be attributed to it.