Riding the Jetstream : The Story of Ballooning: From Montgolfiers to Breitling Book

Here is the amazing story of competitive ballooning, from the Montgolfier brothers of the 18th century to today's riders of the jet stream. Along the way, fascinating historical byways are glimpsed, including Napoleonic visions of airborne armies and the exploits of wealthy Edwardians. With each technological advance, ballooning has become more ambitious, and in the 1980s, the latest, most thrilling phase in its history began. Millionaire adventurers, backyard dreamers, and experienced pilots—all attempted to circumnavigate the globe against overwhelming odds. It was Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones in Breitling Orbiter 3 that ultimately made history, yet many colorful characters have made significant contributions to global ballooning. In Riding the Jetstream, John Christopher gives us an insider's view, taking us into the balloons themselves and the minds of those who ride them.