The War In the Air

The narrative follows Bert Smallways, a cycle engineer who inadvertently witnesses a German air attack that ignites a global conflict. His chance encounter leads him to swap places with Alfred Butteridge, a man with ambitions for a secret flying machine. As Smallways floats to Germany in Butteridge's balloon, he discovers the plans for the aircraft and learns to navigate the skies, ultimately landing amidst the German air fleet. The story delves into themes of human immorality, the fragility of society, and advocates for global unity and education over war, while offering a prescient view of air warfare.