The book was essentially based on ideas developed by Ader at the end of the 19th century, which were arranged in final form in 1907. It was hugely popular, and went through 10 editions in the five years between its publication and the First World War.
The book was heavily influenced by Ader's ideas from the late 19th century, which were finalized in 1907. It gained immense popularity and saw ten editions published within a five-year period before World War I.