He was a tortured genius, a free spirit who strove to escapes the confines of gravity, the peer pressure of his aeronautical confreres, the isolation of his rural upbringing, the small-mindedness of science's ruling elders, the conformity of married life, the stereotypes of gender, and even the fate of his own cherished invention. This book is a very entertaining biography of one of the pioneers of aviation. Well-written and nicely paced throughout. It doesn't bog down in details as like some biographies on scientists and inventors. Santos-Dumont is an intriguing and idiosyncratic character whose quirks help keep the story interesting.
What a sight is must have been to see Santos-Dumont pilot the world's first powered flying machine down the camps d' Elysee in 1900. He even parked his one man helium filled airship while eating dinner at Paris bistros. A wealthy Brazilian fascinated by air travel, he was the toast of Paris, and much of the world, at one time. He is a largely forgotten, but important figure in the history of manned flight. The author has used his character and the times to create a fascinating book that is a pleasure to read.
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