Author
F. Britten (Frederick Britten) Austin
1885-1941
F. Britten (Frederick Britten) Austin (1885-1941) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by F. Britten (Frederick Britten) Austin
On the Borderland
"On the Borderland" by F. Britten Austin is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story begins with a group of men aboard a ship who engage in eerie after-dinner conversations about spiritualism, reincarnation, and the supernatural. A young woman named Pauline inadvertently writes a mysterious message in her diary, which sets off a chain of events involving buried treasure, ghosts, and psychological exploration. At the start of the novel, the men are captivated by the enigmatic tales of the unknown. This prompts a doctor to share an uncanny experience he encountered while working as a ship's doctor for a wealthy family taking a winter cruise in the Caribbean. One evening, Pauline accidentally scrawls a reversed script in her diary, which the doctor deciphers as a potential treasure map. The narrative unfolds as the family, particularly the avaricious old man Vandermeulen, becomes increasingly fixated on the idea of unearthing riches, while Pauline herself grapples with her own mysterious connection to the messages. The opening sets the stage for a blend of adventure, psychological intrigue, and questions about the boundaries of reality and the mind.
Battlewrack
"Battlewrack" by F. Britten Austin is a collection of military-themed narratives written in the early 20th century. The stories delve into the experiences of soldiers during wartime, focusing on their struggles with conflict, camaraderie, and the psychological impact of battle. This collection includes tales like "The Battery," "Pro Patria," and "Nerves!" which vividly illustrate the challenges faced by men in the heat of war. The beginning of the collection introduces us to the story "The Battery," where we meet a junior subaltern who wrestles with his overwhelming nerves as he approaches the battlefield. As the artillery brigade prepares for action amidst a foggy morning, he grapples with anxiety over his performance and the realities of war that loom ahead. The air vibrates with ominous artillery sounds, creating an unsettling atmosphere as the brigade waits for orders while the conflict unfolds. With a mix of excitement and dread, the subaltern's journey into the chaos of battle begins, highlighting the tension and urgency that characterize the experiences of soldiers during wartime.
Into the blue
"Into the Blue" by F. Britten Austin is a dramatic narrative exploring the life of an airplane pilot, written during the early 20th century. The book centers around themes of ambition, love, and the pursuit of exhilaration through flight, as the protagonist embarks on an emotional journey entangled with old friends and unresolved feelings. The story follows Jimmy Esdaile, who is unexpectedly reunited with his old war buddy, Toby Selwyn, at a seaside resort. As they reconnect, the tension between Jimmy and Toby escalates, particularly over their mutual affection for Sylvia, a woman Jimmy once loved. When Toby invites Sylvia for a flight in his seaplane, the situation takes a dire turn as his reckless behavior in the air escalates into a dangerous confrontation. As the narrative unfolds, the story becomes a gripping tale of survival and love, highlighting deep psychological conflicts against the backdrop of breathtaking aerial exploits. Ultimately, Jimmy must confront not only the perils of flying but also the turbulent emotions that have shaped their lives.