This book drops you right into the middle of a desperate situation. In the fall of 1870, Paris is completely cut off by the Prussian army. The city is starving, and communication with the outside world is impossible... except by one method: hot air balloon.

The Story

Gaston Tissandier, a real-life scientist and experienced aeronaut, tells the story of his mission. He wasn't a soldier; he was a man who knew how to fly. His job was to carry vital dispatches and government officials out of the besieged city. The narrative follows his tense, unpredictable flight. It's a tale of battling freezing winds, navigating by guesswork, and the constant fear of being shot down. The landing is just as uncertain as the takeoff, throwing him into the chaos of the French countryside behind enemy lines.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was the sheer, palpable humanity of it. This isn't a dry military report. Tissandier writes about the cold seeping into the balloon basket, the eerie silence of flying over a war zone, and the relief of spotting a friendly face after a crash landing. You feel the weight of his responsibility and the very real danger he was in. It makes a grand historical event feel immediate and personal.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves true adventure stories or unique slices of history. If you enjoyed books like Endurance or are fascinated by early aviation, you'll be captivated. It’s a short, gripping read that proves reality can be stranger and more thrilling than fiction. You'll never look at a hot air balloon the same way again.