by TISSANDIER, Gaston
Numerous illus. & plates (several double-page) by Albert Tissandier; one folding table printed on both sides & one folding map. viii, 344 pp. Large 8vo, fine orig. red sheep (a few tiny defects), panelled in gilt, with the initials of Albert Tissandier on upper cover ("A.T."), spine nicely gilt, a.e.g. Paris: M. Dreyfous, 1878. First edition, the copy of Albert Tissandier, the illustrator of this book and brother of the author. Gaston Tissandier (1843-99), chemist, meteorologist, author, and aviator, with his brother Albert, were the most famous balloonists of their time, making a number of ascensions. They were the first to successfully power an airship using an electric motor. Gaston's history of ballooning was the standard work for many years and his bibliography was the first to be compiled on the subject of aviation. Albert Tissandier (1839-1906), was an architect, aviator, illustrator, editor, and archaeologist. He collaborated with his adventurer brother Gaston in writing for the magazine La Nature, a French language scientific journal aimed at the popularization of science. The perfect association copy. (Inventory #: 5158)