In Transatlantic Airships, John Christopher recounts the fascinating story of the lighter-than-air "pond hoppers" from the earliest schemes and bold pioneering flights, including the triumphant double-crossing by the R34. The book goes on to describe the rise of the Zeppelins and the ambitious British scheme to connect its far-flung Empire, the U.S. Navy's lighter-than-air craft, and the incredible post-war proposals for colossal atomic-powered leviathans. It is a story of fantastic visionaries, incredible flying machines, great moments of triumph and, ultimately, of spectacular disaster.