If you want to know more about (modern) airships, and how to fly them, look at this site;
www.lightships.com
There has been a downturn in the use of airships since 9/11. There were crippling restrictions to US based airship operators (no flying over urban areas/no public events etc).
The 'Great American Public' consider that an airship could be crashed into a building and explode causing death and destruction. Little do they realise that the airship is filled with non flamable gas, and will not 'crash in flames' - it will probably bounce off!!
Lots of 'public events' are in fact safer having an airship overhead. The airship being a visible platform for the security forces. Airships have a long 'loiter' time over any site, are quieter than aircraft or helicopters and provide stable platforms for cameras and other security devices.
An airship was used an the Olympics at Sydney, so succesful was it that there it has been written into the security requirements for the Olymics in Athens that an Airship MUST be present for the use of the security forces.
As to books to read. If you are looking to buy books on airships/balloons e mail me for a list.
Cheers RSD