The History of Aeronautics in Great Britain, from the Earliest Times to the Latter Half of the Nineteenth Century

London: Oxford University Press; Humphrey Milford, 1924 . First edition. Cloth. Very Good Indeed/Very Good Indeed. 11.5" by 8.5". Not Stated. The first edition of J.E. Hodgson's richly illustrated study of the history of aeronautics, in the very scarce original dust wrapper. Limited to one-thousand copies, this is the first edition of Hodgson's work, in the publisher's original unclipped dust wrapper.Hodgson examines the history of British aviation and aeronautics from 'the earliest times to the latter half of the nineteenth century, discussing the invention of the balloon, and the role of the navigable balloon in 'literature, caricature and fashion', the parachute, and the evolution of the airship.He discusses early aeronautics pioneers including Vincent Lunardi and James Sadler.Featuring one-hundred and fifty illustrations, thirteen of which are in colour, and the majority of which are drawn from contemporary sources. Collated, complete.With the inscription of P.W. Brooks to the front free endpaper.A wonderful copy of this work, in the very scarce original dust wrapper. In the publisher's original cloth binding, with price unclipped dust wrapper. Externally, excellent. Bumping to back strip tail, with a touch of fading to rear board. Inscription to front free endpaper. Dust wrapper back strip a touch age toned, with minor handling marks to front wrap. Significant neat reinforcements to dust wrapper reverse, to back strip head and tail, and flyleaf folds. Small closed tears and minor losses to back strip head and tail. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean and bright. Very Good Indeed