Describes the different types of balloons, the history and dangers of ballooning, and some aeronauts' adventures.

The sky has always exercised a great fascination over the human imagination: it is unreachable and transcedendent . Humans have always envied the aerial freedom that birds enjoy. Since the dawn of time, humans have looked up to the skies and attempted to conquer them, but the path proved to be long and hard. On November 12th, 1783, Jean- Francois Pilatre de Rozier and the Marquis of Arlandes, both French, floated 330ft (100m) above the ground in a balloon put together by the Montgolfier brothers. They travelled for over 5 miles (8km) from the starting point. More than 200 years later, modern hot-air balloons are still magically part of our dreams. Thanks to new materials now used in balloon making, it is far less dangerous to go up in a hot air balloon today than it was in the 18th century. Popular ballooning events are held between France and Albuquerque, New Mexico, where each year almost 800 hot-air balloons colour the sky. From the Montgolfier brothers to the pilots of the future, from the epic exploits of Bertrand Piccard and Steve Fossett, who made the first around-the-world navigation in a revolutionary high-tech hot-air balloon, to the 'impossible' shapes of modern airships, this new volume illustrates the present of aerostatistics. AUTHOR: Jean Becker, a professional reporter, has written for the press on France's involvement in recent international conflicts. His personal passions are adventure and hot-air balloons. To his credit, among many other highlights, is his participation in the hot-air balloon expedition to Spitsbergen, Iceland and the winter crossing of Norwegian Lapland. Becker is also a renowned navigator, he has recorded almost 2500 hours of hot-air balloon flight ILLUSTRATIONS: Illustrated.

Lured into a hot air balloon by the smell of fried chicken, Sally the black labrador retriever inadvertently goes for a ride all by herself.

Every day can be an adventure. Especially if you bring balloons. Ever wondered what it would be like to ride a carousel right off its platform? As Emma discovers, all it takes is a handful of balloons and a very kind polar bear to show you the way. This soaring story of friendship, between a carousel bear and the little girl who noticed him, will take readers to the arctic and back—in time for bedtime, of course—and remind them anything is possible. Even flying.

Not a very welcome passenger, Nathan the elephant saves the day and makes a friend when the hot air balloon carrying him and two mice runs out of fuel.

Make choices with your child exploring the sea and desert in a hot air balloon with friends! Adapted from the bestselling Choose Your Own Adventure book where YOU choose what happens next to reach four happy endings.

This beautiful hardback takes the reader on 75 of the most amazing adventures on the planet. From the ultimate challenge of climbing Mount Everest to less strenuous but equally inspiring experiences like kayaking with orcas in Canada and cycling Vietnam's backroads, this is the definitive companion to the world's most spectacular adventures. With stunning photographs, sumptuous descriptions and practical information, this inspirational coffee table book will delight armchair explorers and bone fide adventurers alike. 'While it is lovely to linger over the stunning photos, there is a lot more to this sumptuously designed title - a follow-up to Great Journeys - than meets the eye? This is a perfect gift for the traveller in your life who might be tempted to ride the Tour de France's high passes or paraglide from Mont Blanc's pearly summit.' Sydney Morning Herald 'Whether you're active or just love reading about action, there's something here for everyone.' Australian Associated Press 'If you liked Lonely Planet's Great Journeys, you'll love the next in the series - Great Adventures? Even if you're not planning a trip it's great for armchair travelling.' The Times About Lonely Planet: Started in 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel guide publisher with guidebooks to every destination on the planet, as well as an award-winning website, a suite of mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet's mission is to enable curious travellers to experience the world and to truly get to the heart of the places they find themselves in. TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards 2012 winner in Favorite Travel Guide category 'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia) Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.

What do Richard Branson, Quincy Jones, Yvon Chouinard, David E. Stewart, Elon Musk, Frank Nuovo, John Paul DeJoria and Steve Jobs have in common with Benjamin Franklin, Leonardo da Vinci, Teddy Roosevelt, Thomas Jefferson and Sir Isaac Newton? They all share the 12 Essential Traits of the Renaissance Man. BEYOND GENIUS travels through history to determine the 12 essential traits that define a Renaissance Man, then applies those attributes to determine some of the Renaissance Men of today. We tell their stories of determination and perseverance, their expertise in a variety of fields, their insatiable curiosity, the infusion of their wisdom and creativity into our culture. We explore the making of a Renaissance Man and the deep connection these men have to advancements in the sciences, the arts and our way of being. Scott Griffiths & Eric Elfman, and their team, have put more than 1,000 hours of research into studying the history of the Renaissance Man, identifying common attributes that are constant throughout time, and identifying a select group today's most successful Renaissance Men. By understanding these traits, identifying and developing them, the innerRenaissance Man can be unleashed in more men for the betterment of the world.

"Family Adventures in Asia: Kid-Friendly Activities and Destinations" is a captivating travel guidebook that opens up a world of exploration for families seeking unforgettable experiences in Asia. With an expertly crafted blend of wanderlust and practicality, this book is your ultimate companion for planning remarkable journeys that cater to both parents and children. Embark on a journey of discovery as you delve into the vibrant pages of this guide. From bustling cities to serene landscapes, this book unveils a curated selection of destinations that promise to captivate the imaginations of young and old alike. Immerse your family in rich cultural encounters, as you traverse through diverse traditions, mouthwatering cuisines, and awe-inspiring historical sites. What truly sets this guide apart is its dedication to ensuring every adventure is truly family-friendly. Thoughtfully outlined are a myriad of activities tailored to engage and entertain children, transforming each trip into an educational and memorable experience. From interactive museum exhibits to outdoor escapades, this guidebook offers a treasure trove of ideas to keep young explorers enthralled throughout the journey. Navigating the complexities of family travel is made effortless with the inclusion of practical tips and insider insights. Find valuable advice on accommodation options that cater to families, transportation strategies that streamline your journey, and suggestions for optimizing travel itineraries to minimize stress and maximize enjoyment. Whether you're seasoned adventurers or embarking on your first family trip to Asia, "Family Adventures in Asia: Kid-Friendly Activities and Destinations" equips you with the tools to craft enchanting memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. Let this guidebook be your compass as you navigate the rich tapestry of Asia with your loved ones, creating bonds and stories that transcend borders and generations.