Transatlantic Airships

Book excerpt: In Transatlantic Airships, John Christopher recounts the fascinating story of the lighter-than-air 'pond hoppers' from the earliest schemes and bold pioneering flights, including the triumphant double-crossing by the R34. The book goes on to describe the rise of the Zeppelins and the ambitious British scheme to connect its far-flung Empire, the US Navy's lighter-than-air craft and the incredible post-war proposals for colossal atomic-powered leviathans. It is a story of fantastic visionaries, incredible flying machines, great moments of triumph and, ultimately, of spectacular disaster. AUTHOR John Christopher started flying balloons in the 1980s and has flown almost every size from tiny one-man cloudhoppers to huge people-carriers. He is also a journalist and author specializing in all aspects of aviation. For twelve years he edited Aerostat, the journal of British Balloon & Airship Club. ILLUSTRATIONS 250 colour photos *