This novel is set in a future England where a "progressive" form of Islam has triumphed and now dominates the political and social life of the country. Because of this, alcohol sales are prohibited. The central characters are Humphrey Pump and Captain Patrick Dalroy, whose adventures see them roaming the country in their alcohol-laden cart in an attempt to evade the Prohibition.

Gilbert Keith Chesterton (1874–1936) was an English writer, philosopher, lay theologian, and literary and art critic known for his broad range of interests and prolific writings. Chesterton's distinct style combined philosophy, fantasy, and social critique, often interwoven with his wit and a keen sense of paradox. His vast body of work includes philosophy, ontology, journalism, poetry, biography, Christian apologetics, fantasy, and detective fiction. One of his notable novels, 'The Flying Inn' (1914), exemplifies his ability to fuse social commentary with whimsical storytelling, offering a satirical look at the temperance movement and the increasing influence of Islam in England. This novel, like much of his work, showcases Chesterton's concern with what he considered the modern world's loss of spiritual and cultural continuity. Chesterton is often remembered for his 'Father Brown' mystery series, which introduced a crime-solving Catholic priest whose insights into human nature rivalled the deductive powers of contemporary detectives. An influential figure in both literary and religious circles, Chesterton's writing remains the subject of scholarly interest, and his enduring influence can be seen in the many authors who have acknowledged their debt to his work. A defining trait of Chesterton's career was his ability to engage with serious moral and theological questions within an accessible and entertaining framework, a quality that has helped his writing endure long after his passing.