The action-packed flying career of aeronaut Charles Green (1785-1870), a working-class Londoner in the infancy of aviation, who defied death in a career of 35 years and over 500 balloon flights to make a unique contribution to world aeronautical history. His decision, in 1821, to use domestic coal-gas to inflate balloons ran completely contrary to perceived wisdom, but his success in doing so revolutionised flying for the remainder of the Georgian and Victorian eras. His innovation set the direction of aeronautics for the next 80 years - until the Wright brothers changed its course again. Inventor, innovative balloon constructor, shrewd businessman, flamboyant showman and a skilled and courageous pilot, he was the first to put into practice the concept of public air travel. Charles liked a 'tipple' in the air - but never compromised safety - and made sure his passengers enjoyed his in-flight champagne hospitality. This earned him not only the status of a national treasure ? whose very name was a by-word for all things aeronautic - but also ensured he became an international legend in his own lifetime. AUTHOR: Since his father took him to the 1954 Farnborough Air Show, Alastair Goodrum has been enthusiastic about aeroplanes - flying in them, photography, building models, attending air shows or just watching 'over the fence'. Having been in IT and telecommunications for many years, Alastair is retired and living in Lincolnshire. Since 1984, he has written eight aviation history books and over 100 articles; speaking publicly to clubs; societies and occasionally on radio. Alastair has an Open University BA and was commissioned in the RAF Volunteer Reserve and now enjoys writing, watching cricket and computer 'flight-simming.' 32 b/w illustrations