Robur-le-conquérant

by Jules Verne

"Robur-le-conquérant" by Jules Verne is a science fiction novel published in 1886. When mysterious lights and flags appear atop world landmarks, brilliant inventor Robur disrupts a Philadelphia aeronautics club meeting to proclaim "heavier than air" flight superior to balloons. He kidnaps the club's president, secretary, and valet aboard his remarkable flying ship, the Albatross, forcing them on a three-week journey around the world. His captives plot escape and revenge, but Robur's mastery of the skies proves formidable.