Sherlock Holmes investigates two aerial mysteries; the unexplained death of a balloonist, and the crash on launch of Professor Samuel Langley's steam powered Aerodrome flying machine. The balloonist has no mark on his body, and was well supplied with oxgen. The Aerodrome's wreckage does not reveal any defect, it should have flown, not crashed on launch.
Applying his astonishing powers of observation and logical deduction, Sherlock Holmes brilliantly solves both mysteries, in the process giving Doctor Watson lessons on lighter and heavier than air flight..
Professor Langley is overjoyed, and states he will be "the conqueror of the Heavens," but Holmes favors the Wright Brothers. Langley makes Holmes an honorary aviator, with plaque, aviator's cap and goggles. Sherlock Holmes tells Watson he finds the idea of being an aviator "amusing." and the case is closed to everyone's satisfaction.
Written in the Victorian style of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, persons who like reading about Sherlock Holmes and flying will enjoy reading this book. With 13 LARGE interior illustrations and a description of why and how the Wright Brothers succeeded when all others failed.
