Background
In January 1893 the French journalist and balloonist Georges Besançon (1866-1934), in collaboration with the Union Aérophile de France, began publishing a monthly illustrated revue , L'Aerophile (published 1893-1947). Quickly, L'Aerophile became one of the premier journals of the early history of aviation. The first years were devoted to balloonists and the importance of meteorology on ballooning (for example, atmospheric effects on equipment, instruments, and humans). In later years, as artificial wings, gliders, man- and engine-powered planes were developed, the magazine brought their stories to the public. The materials in the collection were evidently assembled by staff of the magazine L’Aerophile.