R. M. Ballantyne 
Up in the Clouds Balloon Voyages 

This book throws you back in time to a world where balloons are the future. The most eventful flights of the day are recounted, complete with the science that was being explored or the fame that was being chased. It gives great insight into the world that was, and the author’s scepticism about any future flight makes you wonder at what the future holds. (Goodreads)