Byron Rogers

On a wing and a prayer | 27 August 2008

The Balloon Factory by Alexander Frater<br /> <br type="_moz" />

issue 30 August 2008

The Balloon Factory by Alexander Frater

This is a curiously enjoyable book. Its structure is very odd for it is basically two books bolted together across 100 years: the first is the high drama of the dawn of powered flight in Britain as young men, and some not so young, fall out of the skies; the second is tea time, as Alexander Frater completes a stately trundle, interrupted by his own flying lessons, around the locations, and nearby hotels, where these events took place, but so few remember that they did.

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Disagree with half of it, enjoy reading all of it

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