King of the Air; Or, To Morocco on an Aeroplane

"King of the Air; Or, To Morocco on an Aeroplane" by Herbert Strang is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the adventures of Tom Dorrell, a young and ambitious engineer or inventor with aspirations for flight, as he navigates challenges related to aeronautics and a daring rescue mission involving a British diplomat in Morocco. The beginning of the book introduces Mr. John Greatorex, a wealthy chemical manufacturer, who embarks on a trial run of his new motor-car, only to find himself stranded and in need of assistance. He encounters Tom Dorrell, a clever and resourceful boy from a nearby village, who offers to fix the car and ultimately wins Greatorex’s admiration. Their interaction sets the tone for the novel, establishing themes of ingenuity and the father-son-like mentorship that develops between Greatorex and Tom as Tom pursues the development of a groundbreaking flying machine. As the narrative unfolds, it hints at grander adventures, particularly involving a political crisis in Morocco, which looms ahead and promises excitement and peril for the main characters.