Man of the World — Layne Maheu

The risks and romance of early flight, told through the eyes of the bright young apprentice who finds himself drawn into the tailwinds of the dashing and aristocratic aeronauts who would make aviation history ...A thrilling historical novel of early aviation, based on the real and larger-than-life escapades of aviation pioneer and professional adventurer Hubert Latham, first man to attempt to fly a plane across the English Channel. The daring race for glory in the skies, alongside the likes of Wilbur Wright andLouis Blériot, is told through the eyes of Latham's young apprentice, who finds himself drawn, by a chance encounter in the countryside, into the rushing tailwinds of the dashing and aristocratic pilots who would make aviation history.This brilliantly told tale, set just before World War I in the high society of Belle Epoque France, blends the mad risks of early flight with the passion and heartbreak Latham shared with Antoinette, namesake of his signature aeroplane, and beloved daughter of his main financier.