THE GLORIOUS FLIGHT: Across the Channel with Louis BlÉriot

by Alice & Martin Provensen Provensen ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 1, 1983

Factually accurate, yes--but also a witty pictorial reincarnation of Louis BlÉriot's first experience of an airship, his absoprtion in ""flying machines,"" and that first cross-Channel flight. . . in the BlÉriot XI. There's dash, style, and economy here--in both text and pictures. The Provensens narrate in an offhand present tense, with comments built in; the history of BlÉriot's aeronautical career is built in too; and because we first met him en famille, he is always, cannily, Papa BlÉriot. ""Papa has decided to learn to fly himself. BlÉriot III has a fine motor and a propeller, but it will not take off from the water. So Papa gives it two motors and two propellers to make BlÉriot IV. BlÉriot IV goes in beautiful circles. Papa is learning."" (BlÉriet V hops ""over the ground like a rabbit""; BlÉriot VI sails ""across a whole field before it hits a rock."") Against the vastness of sky and bare earth, the funny, flimsy machines and the funny, gesticulating figures make for exceptional visual drama, further heightened in the climactic airborne perspectives. But to the last celebration on the cliffs of Dover--BlÉriot again en famille--the illustrational tricks serve the creators' fond, amused conception of the subject.

Pub Date: Oct. 1, 1983

ISBN: 4776403536

Page Count: -

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1983

Categories: CHILDREN'S