Ambitious artisan James Sadler is born during the reign of King George III, the dawn of the scientific age which is blighted by an Establishment which remains determined to cling to power. James dreams of advancing himself in the new science of chemistry and is thrilled by the ages-long dream of man-made flight. But his uppity ambitions put him in conflict with the powerful Church, University and Royal Society. When family tragedy strikes an anguished James must choose between ambition, his passion for Mary Vane and promises made to his beloved parents, against a backcloth of impending...