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Wonderful Balloon Ascents   By:

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Wonderful Balloon Ascents by F. (Fulgence) Marion takes readers on a delightful journey through the history of hot air balloon flights. This captivating book offers a comprehensive look at the early days of human flight, shedding light on the pioneers and their daring adventures.

The author dives into the subject matter with great enthusiasm and meticulous attention to detail. Marion's extensive research is evident throughout, as he weaves together a narrative that is both informative and engaging. He effortlessly transports the reader back to a time when the idea of flying seemed impossible, and the hot air balloon emerged as a groundbreaking invention.

One of the book's greatest strengths is its ability to bring the characters to life. Marion explores the lives of notable explorers and inventors, providing glimpses into their motivations, triumphs, and, at times, their failures. The excitement and ambition of these pioneers are contagious, making it impossible not to become invested in their stories.

Furthermore, the book is beautifully illustrated, featuring carefully curated images that further enhance the reading experience. The illustrations, coupled with Marion's vivid descriptions, allow readers to visualize the majestic balloons soaring through the skies, making it feel as though they are right there, witnessing these groundbreaking moments firsthand.

Marion's writing style is accessible and engaging, making it suitable for both casual readers and those with a more scholarly interest in the subject matter. He strikes a perfect balance between historical documentation and storytelling, ensuring that the book remains captivating from start to finish. The inclusion of firsthand accounts and anecdotes adds depth and intimacy to the narrative, creating a well-rounded exploration of the early days of hot air balloon flights.

One potential drawback of the book is its occasional tendency to delve into technical details. While these sections may appeal to avid enthusiasts or history buffs, they might be overwhelming for readers seeking a more general overview. However, Marion's ability to make even the most complex concepts accessible ensures that these moments do not detract from the overall enjoyment of the book.

In conclusion, Wonderful Balloon Ascents by F. (Fulgence) Marion is a remarkable exploration of the history of hot air balloon flights. Marion's enthusiasm for the subject matter and his meticulous research bring the stories of these pioneering adventurers to life. With its stunning illustrations and engaging narrative, this book offers a captivating journey through the early days of human flight that will leave readers awe-inspired and well-informed about this incredible chapter in history.

First Page:

WONDERFUL BALLOON ASCENTS

or, the Conquest of the Skies

A History of Balloons and Balloon Voyages.

By F. Marion

1870

PREFACE

"Let posterity know, and knowing be astonished, that on the fifteenth day of September, 1784, Vincent Lunardi of Lucca, in Tuscany, the first aerial traveller in Britain, mounting from the Artillery Ground in London, and traversing the regions of the air for two hours and fifteen minutes, on this spot revisited the earth. In this rude monument for ages be recorded this wondrous enterprise successfully achieved by the powers of chemistry and the fortitude of man, this improvement in science which the great Author of all Knowledge, patronising by his Providence the inventions of mankind, hath graciously permitted, to their benefit and his own eternal glory."

The stone upon which the above inscription was carved, stands, or stood recently, near Collier's End, in the parish of Standon, Hertfordshire; and it will possibly afford the English reader a more accurate idea of the feelings with which the world hailed the discovery of the balloon than any incident or illustration drawn from the annals of a foreign country.

The work which we now introduce to our readers does not exaggerate the case when it declares that no discovery of modern times has aroused so large an amount of enthusiasm, has excited so many hopes, has appeared to the human race to open up so many vistas of enterprise and research, as that for which we are mainly indebted to the Brothers Montgolfier... Continue reading book >>




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