Summary:
The book explores the history and adventures of ballooning, from its origins in the 18th century to its role in scientific discovery and imagination. It delves into the stories of pioneering aeronauts and the cultural impact of human flight's early days.
Key points:
1. Ballooning's Start: Holmes talks about the Montgolfier brothers' first flights in 1783, which began human flight and changed how we see the world.
Books similar to "Falling Upwards":

The Age of Wonder
Richard Holmes

The Aviators
Winston Groom

The Flight
Dan Hampton

Skyfaring
Mark Vanhoenacker

Wind, Sand And Stars
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

The Wild Blue
Stephen E. Ambrose

Flames in the Sky
Pierre Clostermann

Seeing Further
Bill Bryson

The Upright Thinkers
Leonard Mlodinow

Duel of Eagles
Peter Townsend