The daring flights of the early balloonists that were the first steps on
mankind's upward journey to the Moon and beyond have been strangely
neglected, and their names have been largely forgotten. This book helps
to redress that situation. James Sadler was an extraordinary English
pioneer who overcame many obstacles to achieve his dream of flying. Born
the son of an Oxford pastry cook in 1753, he defied his lowly upbringing
to become the first Englishman to build an air balloon. When not flying
he applied himself to engine design and the medical uses of gases, and
kept busy as a chemist to the Navy; he designed cannon praised by
Nelson, firearms for the British East India Company and a prototype
armoured car. At the age of fifty-seven, he returned to ballooning,
after which he and his sons went on to set various records of speed,
distance and altitude in a total of some 30 towns and cities in England,
Ireland and Scotland. Against the vivid backdrop of Georgian England,
Mark J. Davies delves into the complex life of this adventurer,
exploring the ups and the downs of his amazing career, from his first
ascent to his support of the first Englishwoman to fly, and his eventual
death in poverty. Sadler's biography also encompasses the stories of his
fellow aeronauts, be they courageous, inspired, risible or -
occasionally - fatal. This fascinating account is a true homage to our
national desire to reach for the skies
