The Joy of Ballooning

Library Journal

Events have overtaken this short history of ballooning, which ends with Steve Fossett's failed 1998 attempt to circumnavigate the globe. Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones's successful attempt in Breitling Orbiter 3 may have sparked interest in the sport, though, and Denniston's book is the perfect introduction for the curious. Denniston, a doctor, pilot, and contributing editor to Balloon Life magazine, starts with a short history of ballooning, from the Montgolfier brothers to Ed Yost's creation of the modern hot-air balloon. This is followed by chapters on topics including the physics of balloon flight, balloons in special shapes, balloon competitions, extreme-sport ballooning, goodwill and charity activities, balloon festivals, and a day in the life of a typical commercial balloon pilot. Recommended for libraries in communities that host balloon festivals and where interest in the subject is high. [Over 100 full-color photographs not seen.]--Terry Jo Madden, Boise State Univ. Lib., ID Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.