Santos Dumont A study in obsession by Wykeham. Peter,

Hard back book with colour pictorial dust jacket, 278 pages illustrated with B/W plates, 20 chapters, bibliography, appendix, index. 

Alberto Santos-Dumont was one of the most extraordinary, the most flamboyant, the most publicised, yet the most secretive of the pioneers of aviation. Against the background of Paris at the height of its gaiety and magnificence, he achieved his heroic exploits; and yet his character remains almost unknown.
Peter Wykeham's account of this enigmatic Brazilian is the first biography in English. This book examines his character, traces his youth in Brazil, his conquest of Paris, his adventures in Monaco, his early and tremendous triumphs, his controversy with the Wright brothers, and his decline and tragic death. It has been written with admiration and affection, but with the objective eye of the historian. It not only throws an important light on the early days of flying, it is also the study of a notable eccentric. 

See also ‘Man Flies The story of Alberto Santos-Dumont’ HERE.