While May created vivid and detailed descriptions of the Middle Eastern settings, much of his writing was based on research rather than personal experience. His work combines historical elements with romantic imagination to create compelling adventure narratives.

While each volume tells its own complete story, there are recurring characters and themes that enrich the reading experience when the books are consumed in sequence. However, they can be enjoyed independently without losing their essential narrative impact.

This collection represents some of May's most influential Oriental adventures, which helped shape Western perceptions of the Middle East in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The works combine adventure, cultural exploration, and moral philosophy in a unique way that has influenced adventure fiction for generations.