Books published by publisher Macha Press

Beginning with the weird and wonderful early attempts at flight, such as the Benedictine monk who launched himself off Malmesbury Abbey, this book illustrates the history of the earliest and most majestic of aviation technologies, the balloon. When the Montgolfier brothers demonstrated the first hot air balloon in 1783 they ushered in 'the age of the aeronaut' an era where daring pioneers like Pilâtre de Rozier, and Jean-Pierre Blanchard risked their lives to set new records and entertain the adoring crowds. The following century was captivated by 'Balloonomania', the ascents becoming ever more ambitious, the field of scientific ballooning appearing, and the balloon even being adapted for use in warfare. It is this grand period, from the balloon's inception to the birth of the aeroplane, that is the topic of this work. Containing chapters from classic writers on aeronautical history, such as R. M. Ballantyne, Camille Flammarion, W. de Fonvielle, and Benjamin Franklin, and with a generous helping of beautiful colour illustrations and contextual notes, this is a fantastic read for ballooning aficionados and new-comers to the subject alike. When the Montgolfier brothers demonstrated the first hot air balloon in 1783 they ushered in 'the age of the aeronaut' an era where daring pioneers like Pilâtre de Rozier, and Jean-Pierre Blanchard risked their lives to set new records and entertain the adoring crowds. The following century was captivated by 'Balloonomania', the ascents becoming ever more ambitious, the field of scientific ballooning appearing, and the balloon even being adapted for use in warfare. It is this grand period, from the balloon's inception to the birth of the aeroplane, that is the subject of this work. Containing chapters from classic writers on aeronautical history, such as R. M Ballantyne, Camille Flammarion, W. de Fonvielle, and Benjamin Franklin, and with a generous helping of beautiful colour illustrations and contextual notes, this is a fantastic read for ballooning aficionados and new-comers to the subject alike.

In the 21st century - the age of the budget airline - where quick and reliable air travel is available to a large segment of society, it seems hard to comprehend that it is less than 250 years since the first human took to the skies. Although the wing of the bird seemed like the most obvious natural mechanism to attempt replicate, it was actually contained hot air, as demonstrated by the Montgolfiers and their balloon, that gave birth to the era human aviation. Since the first manned balloon flight in 1783, developments have come thick and fast, the airship, the aeroplane, and finally the space shuttle. This reprint of a classic publication by Lord Montagu, from 1907, details the early history of aviation. Complete with illustrations and a brand new introduction, and containing sections such as 'Navigable Balloons', 'A Balloon Duel', and 'A Perilous Ascent', it is a wonderful work for anyone with an interest in the technology and interesting events of the lighter-than-air period of aeronautics.

In the 21st century - the age of the budget airline - where quick and reliable air travel is available to a large segment of society, it seems hard to comprehend that it is less than 250 years since the first human took to the skies. Although the wing of the bird seemed like the most obvious natural mechanism to attempt replicate, it was actually contained hot air, as demonstrated by the Montgolfiers and their balloon, that gave birth to the era human aviation. Since the first manned balloon flight in 1783, developments have come thick and fast, the airship, the aeroplane, and finally the space shuttle. This reprint of a classic publication by Henri Lachambre and Alexis Machuron tells the story of S. A. Andrée's 1897 attempt to reach the North Pole by hydrogen balloon. Complete with illustrations and a brand new introduction this work is a fascinating read for anyone with an interest in the fantastic and majestic lighter-than-air period of aeronautical history.

In the 21st century - the age of the budget airline - where quick and reliable air travel is available to a large segment of society, it seems hard to comprehend that it is less than 250 years since the first human took to the skies. Although the wing of the bird seemed like the most obvious natural mechanism to attempt replicate, it was actually contained hot air, as demonstrated by the Montgolfiers and their balloon, that gave birth to the era human aviation. Since the first manned balloon flight in 1783, developments have come thick and fast, the airship, the aeroplane, and finally the space shuttle. This reprint of a classic publication by Gertrude Bacon, one of the earliest female aeronauts, details the development of aviation from the first balloons to the inventions of the early 20th century. Complete with a brand new introduction and containing chapters such as 'The Coming of the Gas Balloon', 'The Balloon in Warfare', and 'The Airship', it is a wonderful work for anyone with an interest in the lighter-than-air period of aeronautics.

In the 21st century - the age of the budget airline - where quick and reliable air travel is available to a large segment of society, it seems hard to comprehend that it is less than 250 years since the first human took to the skies.Although the wing of the bird seemed like the most obvious natural mechanism to attempt replicate, it was actually contained hot air, as demonstrated by the Montgolfiers and their balloon, that gave birth to the era human aviation. Since the first manned balloon flight in 1783, developments have come thick and fast, the airship, the aeroplane, and finally the space shuttle.This reprint of a classic publication from 1879 contains a wealth of fascinating information on the early history of aviation. Complete with illustrations and a brand new introduction, it covers the adventures of the great aeronauts such as Coxwell and Rozier, and famous ascents like that of the Zenith. This is a wonderful work for anyone with an interest in the technology and events that defined the lighter-than-air period of aeronautics.

In the 21st century - the age of the budget airline - where quick and reliable air travel is available to a large segment of society, it seems hard to comprehend that it is less than 250 years since the first human took to the skies. Although the wing of the bird seemed like the most obvious natural mechanism to attempt replicate, it was actually contained hot air, as demonstrated by the Montgolfiers and their balloon, that gave birth to the era human aviation. Since the first manned balloon flight in 1783, developments have come thick and fast, the airship, the aeroplane, and finally the space shuttle. This reprint of a classic publication by Henri Lachambre and Alexis Machuron tells the story of S. A. Andrée's 1897 attempt to reach the North Pole by hydrogen balloon. Complete with illustrations and a brand new introduction this work is a fascinating read for anyone with an interest in the fantastic and majestic lighter-than-air period of aeronautical history.

In the 21st century - the age of the budget airline - where quick and reliable air travel is available to a large segment of society, it seems hard to comprehend that it is less than 250 years since the first human took to the skies. Although the wing of the bird seemed like the most obvious natural mechanism to attempt replicate, it was actually contained hot air, as demonstrated by the Montgolfiers and their balloon, that gave birth to the era human aviation. Since the first manned balloon flight in 1783, developments have come thick and fast, the airship, the aeroplane, and finally the space shuttle. This reprint of a classic publication by John Poole, from 1838, contains a narrative of a balloon ascent made by the author in the form of a letter to a friend.

This vintage book contains a comprehensive guide to cycling around Europe, with information on routes and favourable destinations, how to plan your trip, how to save money, what to take with you, bicycle maintenance, and much more. “Why Not Cycle Abroad Yourself” includes beautiful illustrations, many helpful maps, and entertaining anecdotes of the author's own tours, making it perfect for cycling enthusiasts looking to travel around Europe. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this book now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on the History of the Bicycle.

***THIS ADVENTRURE-MYSTERY BOOK IS FULL OF ACTION AND IS A 2016 SILVER MEDAL AWARD WINNER from READER' FAVORITE, SILVER MOM'S CHOICE AWARD WINNER, GOLD 2017 FAMILY CHOICE AWARD WINNER with a score of 100 out of 110, and a 2016 5-STAR REVIEW from Readersfavorite.com** Recent Cindy C. Murray Press Release:bit.ly/2wnwie1readersfavorite.com/book-review/sophie-and-scotties-adventures-of-the-monarch-mystery It's finally summer at Shear Heaven Ranch, and Sophie and Scottie are looking forward to swimming in the cool ponds, climbing the huge oak trees, riding their horses, and taking care of their ewe, Fuzzy Mama. Scottie tells Sophie that she feels as if "something is going to happen to us," and says they should both be alert to things on their ranch that don't seem normal. So when Mr. Wilson delivers a special package from their globetrotting and eccentric Auntie Jill, they can't wait to open it! Inside is a magical, multicolor crystal frame with a letter attached explaining that this special gift will show them "many places." This mysterious present makes the girls wonder what the letter means and if an adventure is ahead.As night falls on Shear Heaven, the photo in the frame of the strangely familiar Rancho de La Joya hotel starts to move! Will Sophie and Scottie follow the call to adventure? Will they leap into the portal that will transport them thousands of miles away to solve a mystery in Mexico? And will they learn to rely on their instincts with a rather mischievous map that doesn't trust grownups?An enchanting story highlighting the beauty and balance of nature, the Mexican culture, and the bravery that girls can display, especially when they work together, Sophie and Scottie's Adventures of the Monarch Mystery will delight fans of magic and mystery of all ages.This engaging book is recommended for elementary school-aged readers ages 8-12.

In the 21st century - the age of the budget airline - where quick and reliable air travel is available to a large segment of society, it seems hard to comprehend that it is less than 250 years since the first human took to the skies. Although the wing of the bird seemed like the most obvious natural mechanism to attempt replicate, it was actually contained hot air, as demonstrated by the Montgolfiers and their balloon, that gave birth to the era human aviation. Since the first manned balloon flight in 1783, developments have come thick and fast, the airship, the aeroplane, and finally the space shuttle. This reprint of a classic publication by E. Seton Valentine and F. L. Tomlinson, from 1838, details some of the key events in the development of aerial navigation. Complete with illustrations and a brand new introduction, it is a wonderful work for anyone with an interest in the lighter-than-air period of aeronautics. The following is an except from the preface: 'There have been numerous books and treatises on Aerostation, Aeronautics, Aviation and even Aerodromics, but it is the lack of a single one which would present to the ordinary reader, as well as to him technically interested in the subject, a brief but adequate narrative of all the achievements and inventions in this fascinating department of modern science, as well as of the aeronauts and inventors who have thereby distinguished themselves, which has led to the preparation of this volume.'

***THIS ADVENTURE-MYSTERY BOOK IS FULL OF ACTION AND IS A SILVER MOM'S CHOICE AWARD WINNER AND A 2017 GOLD FAMILY CHOICE AWARD WINNER scoring 100 out of 110 points!***Recent Cindy C. Murray Press Release:bit.ly/2wnwie1Sophie and Scottie are adventure seekers and have just returned to their 10,000 acre sheep shearing ranch, called Shear Heaven, from their amazing adventure on Amelia Island. But a storm was coming and the non-identical twin sisters would need to use their clever skills to help Ma and Pa during and after the storm. The ranch did get some storm damage, but as the summer sun was drying out the land, who was the boy helping ranch-hand Jack? Whoever he was, the girls knew this kid must never find out about the magical frame and its ability to act as a portal to distant lands and amazing adventures. Sophie and Scottie were ready for their next adventure. Luckily, Auntie Jill's instructions were simple to follow as the girls were about to walk through the frame. But, oh know, their dog Molly ran through the frame before they could go through to a land consisting of snow covered mountains and pine trees! All three find themselves on a boat with their Uncle Drake heading towards a mountain with an enormous rock shaped like a front tooth that was balancing ever so carefully on the mountaintop! Once at their destination called the Colossal Candy Castle, Sophie and Scottie learn that Samuel McSweet lives at the castle and is a renowned candy maker. But why does he need the sisters for help? Join the girls as they learn how to avoid the largest grizzly bear they'd ever seen and why a bald eagle is constantly watching them. The curious sisters rely on their bravery and wit along with their trusty map to help solve Samual's sugary mystery of Sweet Tooth Rock!This 3rd book in The Adventures of Sophie and Scottie Trilogy is perfect for middle grade readers ages 8 to 12.

***THIS ADVENTURE-MYSTERY BOOK IS FULL OF ACTION AND IS A WINNER OF THE SILVER MOM'S CHOICE AWARD, 2017 GOLD FAMILY CHOICE AWARD with a score of 100 out of 110, and 5-STAR REVIEW FROM READERS' FAVORITE! *** Recent Cindy C. Murray Press Release:bit.ly/2wnwie1readersfavorite.com/book-review/sophie-and-scotties-adventures-of-somethings-fishySophie and Scottie have returned home from their amazing adventure in Mexico. While helping to solve the mystery of the monarch butterflies, they'd met many strange creatures, as well as nice people such as Dr. Drake. So when the doctor shows up at the ranch with a mysterious envelope, the sisters almost fall over! Could their globetrotting Auntie Jill have sent another photograph to put in their magical frame to activate? Was another mysterious adventure about to begin?As the summer sun continues to climb over Shear Heaven Ranch, the girls excitedly open the envelope. Auntie Jill's instructions are very detailed. Do they really ride their horses through the frame?! Sophie and Scottie developed special talents in their last adventure. What new talents will now help them solve why the ocean currents are flowing strangely around a remote Pacific Island, where an otter can't resist shiny objects and a purple dolphin constantly blows bubbles?Sophie and Scottie once again use their trusty map, decision-making skills, and great team work, all with a dash of science, to help solve the island's "fishy" mystery!This 2nd book in The Adventures of Sophie and Scottie Trilogy is perfect for middle grade readers ages 8 to 12.