Book description
'Frater is a reliable, informed and entertaining navigator. He soars
confidently across the centuries, between abandoned aerodromes and
Scottish estates, from one delightful anecdote to another' Sunday Times
At the heart of his story lies the Balloon Factory, a cathedral-sized
shed overlooking Farnborough Common, and its most celebrated occupant,
the remarkable long-haired gun-toting ex-cowboy, Sam Cody. Frater, in a
work that is part history, part travelogue, goes in search of some of
the most extraordinary pioneers, including Sam Cody, John William Dunne,
Sir George Cayley and Geoffrey De Havilland. His richly described and
wonderfully anecdotal journey brings those magnificent men, the rock
stars of their time, and the places they knew vibrantly to life.
'Frater's book is a treasure chest of facts wrapped in anecdotes . . .
The Balloon Factory should be purchased in bulk by BA and substituted
for the glossy in-flight magazine' Literary Review 'The Balloon Factory
is the rarest of things - a thorough overview of a subject that manages
to remain enjoyable and entertaining throughout.' BBC Focus magazine
'Alexander Frater is a renowned travel writer with an infectious
interest in early aviation, a strong practical grasp of aeronautics and
a gift for lyrical description . . .' Sunday Telegraph 'This is a
beautifully written, amusing and educational tome . . . The author
succeeds in really bringing the characters and events to life by
visiting scenes of British aviation history, creating a real feeling for
the people behind the events and doing it all in a way that you don't
need an anorak and binoculars to appreciate.' Flyer magazine 'One of my
favourite non-fiction books of the year . . . ' Ham & High and the
Wood & Vale
Alexander Frater has contributed to various UK publications. As
chief travel correspondent of the Observer, he won an
unprecedented number of British Press Travel Awards. He lives in
London.
