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The Flying Legion

Written by George Allan England

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Science Fiction

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About this book

"The Flying Legion" by George Allan England is a novel published in the early 20th century, specifically in 1920. The story focuses on a band of adventurous and disenchanted veterans who, seeking to escape the drudgery of everyday life after the war, come together under a passionate leader to embark on an extraordinary expedition. Their journey is marked by a desire for action and purpose, hinting at themes of camaraderie and exploration against a mysterious and perilous backdrop. The opening of the story introduces us to the Master of "Niss'rosh", an eagle's nest-like room at the top of a skyscraper, who is characterized by restlessness and ennui after the chaotic years of war. As he contemplates his life, a conversation with his servant Rrisa reveals his longing for adventure and hints at an impending expedition. Shortly after, he calls upon Major Bohannan, and the idea of creating a "foreign legion" of battle-hardened men takes shape. This gathering will lead to a secretive mission fraught with danger, intrigue, and the potential for both glory and peril, as the Master aims to venture beyond familiar territories, possibly into the heart of Arabia.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Flying Legion, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Adventurous
  • Mysterious
  • Escapist

George Allan England's "The Flying Legion," published in 1920, plunges into the post-WWI era, exploring the profound ennui and restlessness afflicting veterans. The story centers on a charismatic and enigmatic leader, known as the Master of "Niss'rosh," who, disillusioned by civilian life, conceives an audacious plan to gather a 'foreign legion' of battle-hardened men. Driven by a thirst for adventure and purpose, this elite group embarks on a secretive and perilous expedition, aiming to venture into the mysterious heart of Arabia. The novel thus weaves together themes of camaraderie, escapism, and the enduring human desire for meaning amidst danger, set against a backdrop of global intrigue and the unknown.

“"The greatest battle, Rrisa, is not fought on the fields of Flanders, but within the soul, against the crushing weight of peace."”

Key themes

Post-War Disillusionment and Search for Purpose
This is the central thematic engine of the novel. After the intense chaos and clear purpose of war, the veterans, particularly the Master, find civilian life meaningless and dull. The narrative explores the psychological void left by the absence of conflict and the desperate human need to fill it with new challenges and meaning.
The Call to Adventure and Escapism
Driven by the disillusionment of peace, the characters actively seek out adventure as a form of escapism. This theme explores the allure of the unknown, the thrill of danger, and the romantic notion of forging one's own destiny beyond societal norms. It's an affirmation of the human spirit's desire for transcendence and excitement.
Camaraderie and Brotherhood
The formation of the 'Flying Legion' from a band of 'battle-hardened men' underscores the theme of camaraderie forged in shared experience and adversity. For these veterans, the bond with fellow soldiers offers a sense of belonging and purpose that civilian life lacks. The expedition becomes a crucible for reinforcing these bonds.

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