Lot 61

Ballooning.- Baldwin (Thomas) Airopaidia: containing the Narrative of a Balloon Excursion from Chester..., first edition, Chester, For the Author, by J. Fletcher, 1786.

Hammer Price: £1,200

Description

Ballooning.- Baldwin (Thomas) Airopaidia: containing the Narrative of a Balloon Excursion from Chester, the eighth of September, 1785...Hints on the Improvement of Balloons, and Mode of Inflation by Steam..., first edition, 4 folding engraved plates, of which 2 hand-coloured, lacking half-title, armorial bookplate of Thomas Brooke, third plate with short tear into image at fold but no loss, very occasional light spotting, else very good, contemporary half calf over marbled boards, red morocco spine label, some insect damage and small loss along joints, some rubbing to spine and corners, [Abbey, Life 386], 8vo, Chester, For the Author, by J. Fletcher, 1786.

⁂ The plates "A View from the Balloon at its Greatest Elevation" and "A Balloon Prospect from above the Clouds" would seem to be the first genuinely 'aerial' views to appear in a book. Baldwin was also the first to suggest the use of a trail rope to control the altitude of the balloon.

Description

Ballooning.- Baldwin (Thomas) Airopaidia: containing the Narrative of a Balloon Excursion from Chester, the eighth of September, 1785...Hints on the Improvement of Balloons, and Mode of Inflation by Steam..., first edition, 4 folding engraved plates, of which 2 hand-coloured, lacking half-title, armorial bookplate of Thomas Brooke, third plate with short tear into image at fold but no loss, very occasional light spotting, else very good, contemporary half calf over marbled boards, red morocco spine label, some insect damage and small loss along joints, some rubbing to spine and corners, [Abbey, Life 386], 8vo, Chester, For the Author, by J. Fletcher, 1786.

⁂ The plates "A View from the Balloon at its Greatest Elevation" and "A Balloon Prospect from above the Clouds" would seem to be the first genuinely 'aerial' views to appear in a book. Baldwin was also the first to suggest the use of a trail rope to control the altitude of the balloon.

Terms and Conditions

All bidders accept full liability for bids submitted.

Please note that by submitting a bid you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions.

Newsletter Signup

Keyword Alerts

NewsletterNewsletter