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POCOCK, George.
The Aeropleustic Art of Navigation in the Air by the use of Kites or Buoyant Sails...
Pocock was interested in kites from an early age and experimented with pulling loads using kite power, gradually progressing from small stones to planks and large loads. He taught at a school in Prospect Place, Bristol, and continued his experiments with his pupils. By 1820 he had determined that in combination they could support considerable weight and began experimenting with man-lifting kites.
- Published
- London, W.Wilson for the author, 1827.
- References
- Bobins III 885. Not in Tooley or Abbey.
- Plates
- 4
- Binding/Size
- M=4to
- Value
- 0-5000
- Published
- London, W.Wilson for the author, 1827.
- Ref
- 1284
4to. Engraved title by A. Adlard with hand-coloured aquatint vignette by Roberts, four hand-coloured aquatint plates, two signed by Roberts, one after T. Butterworth, the other after S.Colman, some light foxing. Original paper boards with a printed cover label, spine re-backed. Rare, FIRST EDITION. The eccentric Bristol schoolmaster, George Pocock, dedicated his work to his ex-kite-flying pupils. Recognising the force of wind power, it provides a history of the kite as a scientific invention and examines its potential adaptations as an ascending parachute for mariners before describing the famous Charvolant, a kite-powered carriage capable of speeds of twenty miles an hour. The title vignette shows a rescue at sea by means of a kite, while the three plates illustrate a kite-powered boat race, the patent kite, and Charvolant and Charvolants travelling in various directions in the same wind. This work drew serious attention as well as satire when published. Coloured plates in order: 1. Untitled vignette to title page. 2. A Boat Race. 3. Patent Kite and Charvolant (shewing by Mariners Compass the Points pf Car's Traverse against the Wind). 4. Charvolants travelling in various directions with the same Wind.
