FALLING UPWARDS How We Took to the Air

Few people realize the impact of lighter-than-air flight on meteorology, military strategy, postal delivery, and, of course, air and space travel. Gildart Jackson captures all the historic significance of Holmes’s work, which provides a detailed account of the early years of manned flight—from prehistoric Peru through the nineteenth century. Jackson conveys his clear respect for the subject matter. He slowly but accurately pronounces the many French names and phrases, and offers historical quotes without characterization. One might wish Jackson would enter more fully into the emotionally charged accounts of flying through dangerous storms, crash landings, and the sheer joy of lighter-than-air flight. Still, this is a gripping history, professionally performed. R.L.L. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2014]