Jetpack Dreams : One Man's Up and Down (But Mostly Down) Search for the Greatest Invention That Never Was

Jetpack Dreams chronicles the colorful pop history and science of that most amazing and mysterious of machines, the jetpack. While exploring our collective fascination with flight, the tale takes readers from the first flimsy, shoulder-mounted wings to Bill Suitor's 1984 Olympic flight in front of billions of viewers around the world; from a gruesome jetpack-driven murder in Houston in the mid-1990s to the secret laboratories and government facilities of today. Journalist Mac Montandon also explores Hollywood's fascination with the subject, from the 1949 serial King of the Rocket Men to Lost in Space , The Jetsons and The Rocketeer to the cultural jetpack phenomenon represented by Buck Rogers, James Bond, and Boba Fett. He travels the world to meet jetpack enthusiasts who are readying their own personal flying machines for takeoff. Ultimately, it's the search for an answer to two simple questions: Where is the jetpack that was promised to him, and to all of us, years ago? And if it's out there, can he catch a ride? Jetpack Dreams Chronicles The Colorful Pop History And Science Of That Most Amazing And Mysterious Of Machines, The Jetpack. Fueled By A Fascination With The Power Of Flight And A Lifelong Obsession, Journalist Mac Montandon Goes In Search Of The Elusive Invention. He Examines The Jetpack's Inspiration From The First Flimsy, Shoulder-mounted Wings, Relives Bill Suitor's 1984 Olympic Flight In Front Of Billions Of Viewers Around The World, Uncovers A Gruesome Jetpack-driven Murder In Houston, And Peeks Into The Secret Laboratories And Government Facilities Of Today To See The Current State Of Personalized Propulsion. In Jetpack Dreams, Montandon Seeks To Answer Two Simple Questions: Where Is The Jetpack That Was Promised To Him, And To All Of Us, Years Ago? And If It's Out There, Can He Catch A Ride?--jacket. Mac Montandon. Includes Index. Jetpack Dreams chronicles the colorful pop history and science of that most amazing and mysterious of machines: the jetpack. Fueled by a fascination and lifelong obsession with the power of flight, journalist Mac Montandon goes on a vastly entertaining search of the elusive invention. He examines the jetpack's inspiration from the first shoulder-mounted wings to Bill Suitor's 1984 Olympic flight, even uncovering a gruesome jetpack-related murder in Houston. From the earliest days of the 'pack to its enduring role in popular culture-with Buck Rogers, James Bond, Boba Fett-Montandon seeks to ans