The book, Lighter than Air: An illustrated history of the development of hot-air balloons and airships, represents a detailed illustrated history of the hot-air balloon and its evolution from the Montgolfier brothers' first flight to the first successful round-the-world success story.  This book covers every aspect of the balloon including its use as: 1) A military instrument; 2) An aid to scientific research; 3) A luxury airship and 4) A means of advertising.  The timeline of balloon development chronicles the major events from 1783 to the future of lighter-than-air travel.  This book includes an Introduction along with the following chapters: 1) Race for the Skies; 2) Higher, Faster, Farther; 3) Into the Wind--the Airship; 4) Balloons to the Rescue; 5) Rebirth of the Hot-Air Balloon; 6) Balloons at Work and Play; 7) Airships of Today and Tomorrow and 8) Balloons to Girdle the Earth.  The body of this book is followed by: 1) Acknowledgements and Picture Credits and 2) Index.  In addition to an informative narrative, "Lighter than Air: An Illustrated history of the development of hot-air balloons and airships" includes the following features: 1) Approximately 49 black and white photographs; 2) About 105 color photographs; 3) Approximately 47 black and white illustrations and 4) About 54 color illustrations.  This book is 128 pages and is in excellent condition.  The author is David Owen.  Edition published in 1999.