The Oxford Aeronaut Part 2:: The King of Ballooning

Part 2 of a heavily-researched fictional biography of James Sadler, pioneer of flight, 'King of Ballooning'. James decides to marry fiancee Mary Vane, putting aside his ambition. But Dr George Fordyce, eccentric Physician to King George III, brings news of an invention by the Montgolfiers, which James correctly perceives a step toward flight. To Mary's consternation, Fordyce offers James a place in his London School of Chemistry. As he makes his choices, spies of the Grey Men are on his track with murderous intent. Will a place in history tempt James down a path many pursue but few achieve or will love for Mary cause him to turn back? Crucial decisions must be made, affecting his future happiness and the well-being of his closest friend.