This a classic novel of adventure reflecting the tangled milieu of the Middle East just after World War I. It is a typical flying adventure story reflecting the enthusiasm for air travel and constantly improving technology of that period. The hero/super-villain of the story is an ex-army guy, who's somehow a millionaire and inventor extraordinaire. He also only likes to be referred to as 'The Master' (one of his many super-villain traits). Bored he decides to recruit some other ex-military types for an unknown venture. These are joined unexpectedly by the mysterious Captain Alden who wears a face mask to cover his disfigured continence.