En ballon! Pendant le siege de Paris   By: Gaston Tissandier (1843-1899)

En ballon! Pendant le siege de Paris by Gaston Tissandier is a captivating first-hand account of the author's experiences during the Siege of Paris in 1870. Tissandier takes the reader on a thrilling journey as he describes his adventures traveling by hot air balloon over the besieged city.

The book is filled with vivid descriptions of the landscape below, the chaos and destruction of war, and the resilience of the Parisian people. Tissandier's writing is engaging and immersive, drawing the reader in and making them feel as though they are right there alongside him in the balloon.

One of the most impressive aspects of the book is the courage and determination displayed by Tissandier and his fellow aeronauts as they risk their lives to bring important messages and supplies into the city. Their bravery in the face of such adversity is truly inspiring.

Overall, En ballon! Pendant le siege de Paris is a gripping and thought-provoking read that offers a unique perspective on a pivotal moment in history. Tissandier's account is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the importance of courage in the face of adversity.

First Page:

Personne ne niera que la découverte des aérostats est une des gloires de la physique moderne; nul esprit éclairé ne mettra en doute l'intérêt de premier ordre que les voyages aériens offrent aux amis de la nature, véritablement soucieux des progrès de la science. Tout le monde, au contraire, s'accordera à reconnaître que l'étude des ballons est bien faite pour passionner et stimuler la clairvoyance des chercheurs. Mais ce qui offre un motif de surprise bien légitimé, c'est l'invariable état de statu quo d'une telle invention. Comment! le chemin de fer, la machine à vapeur, le télégraphe, nés au commencement du siècle, sont devenus, en moins de soixante ans, les plus formidables puissances de l'industrie; on les voit sans cesse grandir, s'accroître, se fortifier ... Continue reading book >>