Roy Rockwood
Dave Dashaway and His Giant Airship; or, A Marvellous Trip Across the Atlantic
"Dave Dashaway and His Giant Airship; or, A Marvellous Trip Across the Atlantic" by Roy Rockwood is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the young aviator Dave Dashaway as he embarks on adventurous flights in various airships, including his latest challenge—crossing the Atlantic in a giant airship called the "Albatross". The narrative is infused with elements of aviation, excitement, and the determination of youth. The opening of the book introduces readers to Dave Dashaway and the setting of his current life as an aviator. It begins with an encounter with a somewhat pretentious young man who wants to inspect Dave's airship, the "Gossamer". However, Dave is deeply focused on assisting a young girl named Amy Winston, who is in distress because her mother is ill. In a selfless act, Dave decides to pilot the "Gossamer" to help Amy reach her mother in time. As the introduction unfolds, it establishes Dave's character as brave, kind-hearted, and skilled, and sets the stage for further adventures and the development of his burgeoning proficiency in aviation.