{"product_id":"9781617230035","title":"Reach for the Skies: Ballooning, Birdmen, and Blasting into Space","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eOne of the world's most famous business leaders (and a well-known avian fanatic) explores the pioneers of flight. \u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBestselling author and billionaire entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson has always been obsessed with the skies. To promote a new Virgin Airlines route, he became the first man to water ski behind a blimp. His Virgin Galactic venture will soon offer ordinary people the opportunity to experience spaceflight aboard the first commercial spaceliner, SpaceShipTwo. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn \u003ci\u003eReach for the Skies\u003c\/i\u003e, Branson examines the history of aviation over the last two hundred years, putting the spotlight on trailblazers such as: \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e*Tony Jannus, who made the first ever commercial flight over Tampa Bay, Florida, in 1914. \u003cbr\u003e *Leo Valentin, the \"bird man\" who jumped from 9,000 feet wearing a pair of wooden wings in the 1950s. \u003cbr\u003e *Steve Fossett, who broke 130 world records in planes, balloons, and airships. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe pioneers of flight-not just the world-famous Wright Brothers, but also lesser known visionaries and dreamers-made it possible for any of us with the desire and the commitment to reach for the skies ourselves.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Penguin Publishing Group","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47051344543984,"sku":"9781617230035","price":26.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9781617230035_p0.jpg?v=1763853489","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9781617230035","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}