The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
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The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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1825-1882
French engineer who flew the first practical air-ship. When Giffard first became interested in aeronautics, balloons were the only means to fly, depending on wind for movement and steering. Existing engines were too heavy, so Giffard designed a 3-hp motor that weighed some 90 lbs and installed it on a 144-ft long, torpedo-shaped balloon. He flew the machine successfully at up to 6 mi an hour at the Paris Hippodrome on September 24, 1852, but could not make full turns. He continued working on the problem, but was stricken with blindness and eventually committed suicide.