The history of the hot air balloon is a fascinating one including much trial and error, scientific research and bold adventure. This book chronicles not only the development and advances in the sport and transportation method but also provides insights into the people who developed the sport--many of whom lost their lives in the process. It traces the history of ballooning from Joseph-Michel and Jacques-Etienne Montgolfier's first experiments with a paper balloon in Annonay, France, in 1782, continuing through the next several decades, when the sport's waning novelty forced aeronauts to develop bigger, better and more dangerous tricks. It concludes at the beginning of the 20th century, when the age of the airplane rendered hot air balloons all but obsolete for nonrecreational applications.