Dirigible balloons, commonly known as airships, were first thought of in the late 18th century, but not until the invention of the internal combustion engine a hundred years later were they able to achieve controlled and directed flight. This book is a first of its kind study on airships, and includes informative sections on airship principles, the first airships, WWI, airships today, and more. It features numerous vintage black & white photos, detailed diagrams, and photographs of the more modern airships. Today the U.S. continues to build and use small blimps while new developments in technology and a belated recognition of the virtues of airships has allowed Britain to return to their manufacture, in which it now leads the world. This book is both a comprehensive and interesting read, and will be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in aeronautics.