Scientific investigation into manned flight began early in the 19th Century at a time when steam power was the only transportable propulsion generator available to the many pioneer flying-machine designers of the day. This unique history of the attempts, failures and successes to master the art of flight gathers many intriguing, fanciful and extraordinary designs from around the world. The author describes in detail how many types of steam engine were adapted for use in flight and the flying-machines into which they were fitted. This is an amazing and untold story of the men who dreamed of flying in an age when horse-power was mainly generated by the animal of the same name.