Sanson

1841 · 93KAS1RPK7OL — Paris 1841. 8vo. De Boulé et Comp. for Ledoyen Original green wrappers in a protective plastic wrapper with a large lithographed plate on the front showing a dirigible flying over the globe underneath a floating angel who is blowing a trumpet with the motto "Conquête de l'aire". With a large folding lithographed plate 40 x 235 cm of the dirigible and a smaller woodcut of the same dirigible on p. 5. 31 1 blank pp. First edition of this very rare early and remarkable brochure on navigation in the air and the dirigible manoeuvrable balloon. The brochure introduces a new project to build a dirigible in the shape of a fish. The cost was estimated at 30.000 francs and was to be financed by the issue of 300 shares of 100 francs. The work explains the expected profits and the workings of the dirigible in order to entice patrons. It is an early example of such a project as the first powered and steerable airship that was able to take flight was invented in 1852 eleven years after the publication of the present work. This curious brochure therefore offers a fascinating insight into the history of aviation.The fish dirigible is shown in detail on the large folding plate. It was proposed to ascend the balloon being in equilibrium by means of wings to obtain propulsion by four small paddle-wheels and to steer by means of a large triangular rudder. It was approximately 25 meters long and 12 meters high and operated from a basket hanging underneath like in a hot air balloon. It was invented by bookseller and author Alexandre-Jacques Sanson 1789-1862 and his father. The dirigible was never built but the Sansons nevertheless published a number of other works elaborating on the same subject in the following years: Navigation atmosphérique. Explications complémentaires sur le système 1845; Explication du système de navigation aérienne 1848 and Solution du problème de la navigation aérienne principes preuves et moyens 1850. The present work ends with a letter by the aeronaut Jules-François Dupuis-Delcourt 1802-1864 giving permission to use some of his data in the brochure and offering his blessing to the project.The wrappers are somewhat creased with tears at the head and foot of the spine. The folding plate has browned. Otherwise in good condition.l Tissandier p. 34; WorldCat 457418223 907812680 1141280150 13 copies. unknown