
Length5h 53m
About this audiobook
In "Wonderful Balloon Ascents," Camille Flammarion ventures into the realms of physical science and human curiosity, exploring the thrilling phenomenon of ballooning during the late 19th century. Through meticulous observation and vivid descriptions, Flammarion captures the breathtaking visuals and profound existential reflections that accompany ascents into the skies. His narrative interweaves personal accounts, historical context, and scientific insight, showcasing the era's fascination with aviation and humanity's desire to conquer the heavens. Flammarion's eloquent prose and skillful use of metaphor elevate the book into a philosophical exploration of freedom and transcendence, situated within the broader movement of scientific inquiry of the time. Camille Flammarion, a prominent French astronomer and writer, was deeply influenced by the scientific revolutions of his time, which ignited his passion for the cosmos and exploration. His experiences in balloon ascents reflect both a personal quest for knowledge and an era marked by rapid advancements in technology and human thought. Flammarion's extensive background in astronomy, coupled with his fascination for the unknown, ultimately shaped the direction of this captivating work. "Wonderful Balloon Ascents" is an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of science, adventure, and philosophy. Flammarion's writings invigorate the spirit of exploration and challenge readers to contemplate their place in the universe. Both a testament to human ingenuity and a thrilling narrative of flight, this book invites readers to reflect on the beauty of discovery.
Audiobook details
GenreOther
Length5 hrs 53 mins
Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices
FormateBook with Audio
Publish dateSep 15, 2022
LanguageEnglish
Table of contents
1Preface
2Introduction
3Attempts in Ancient Times to fly in the Air
4The Theory of Balloons
5The First Public Trial of the Balloon—Montgolfier's Balloon, Annonay, June 5th, 1783
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6Second Experiment—Charle's Balloon, Paris, Champ de Mars, August 27, 1783
7Third Experiment—Montgolfier's Balloon, Paris, Faubourg St. Antoine
8Fourth Experiment—Versailles, September 19, 1783, in presence of Louis XVI.
9Men and Balloons
10The First Aerial Voyage—Roziers and Arlandes
11The Second Aerial Voyage—Charles and Robert at the Tuileries, December 1, 1783
12The Open Route—Travels and Travellers—Great Increase in the Number of Air Voyages—Lyons, Ascent of "Le Flesselles"—Milan, Ascent of Adriani—Flight of a Balloon from London—Lost Balloons in the Chief Towns of Europe
13Experiments and Studies—Blanchard at Talis—Guyton de Morveau at Dijon
14Experiments in Montgolfières—Roders and Proust—The Duke of Chartres—The Comte d'Artois—Voyage of the Abbé Camus to Rodez
15Serio-comic Aspects of the Subject—The Public duped— The Abbés Miolan and Janninct at the Luxembourg— Caricatures—The "Minerva" of Robertson, and its Voyage round the World
16The First Aerial Voyage in England—Blanchard crosses the Sea in a Balloon
17Zambeccari's Perilous Trip across the Adriatic Sea
18Garnerin—Parachutes—Aerostation at Public Fêtes
19Green's Great Journey across Europe
20The "Géant" Balloon
21The Necrology of Aeronautics
22Experiments of Robertson, Lhoest, Saccarof, &c.
23Ascent of M. Gay-Lussac alone—Excursions of MM. Barral and Bixio
24The Ascents of Messrs. Welsh, Glaisher, and Coxwell
25Balloons made useful in Warfare