Gina Freeman

This is a fun read about a little-discussed element of the Civil War. It covers the adventures and rivalries of early balloonists and the use of hot air balloons to scout from the skies for the Union Army. Thaddeus Lowe cuts a very dashing and romantic figure, a talented man with many interests. The book opens with a dramatic scene as he hurriedly exits a dinner party to perform experiments in the air because the wind is right, without bothering to change from his dinner jacket or to equip himself with warm blankets. His experiment succeeds and he spends years perfecting his balloons and technique for Union spying. His wife, Leontine, is also impressive and performs a daring rescue when he goes down in his balloon, injured and behind enemy lines. You don't have to be a Civil War buff to enjoy this book. I enjoyed it as much as any novel.