Author
Morgan Robertson
1861-1915
Morgan Robertson (1861-1915) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Morgan Robertson
The Wreck of the Titan or, Futility
"The Wreck of the Titan" by Morgan Robertson is a novella first published in 1898. It tells the story of the Titan, a massive ocean liner considered unsinkable, and John Rowland, a disgraced former naval officer working as a deckhand. When the ship strikes an iceberg in the North Atlantic and sinks with insufficient lifeboats, only thirteen passengers survive. The novella became famous for its eerie similarities to the real RMS Titanic disaster that occurred fourteen years after publication.
The Grain Ship
"The Grain Ship" by Morgan Robertson is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story delves into maritime mysteries, primarily focusing on the chilling account of a deserted grain ship found under peculiar circumstances. It introduces characters such as a Commodore recounting his haunting experience and other sailors caught in the grip of a supernatural series of events at sea. The opening of the novel presents a gripping scene in a restaurant where the protagonist overhears a conversation about a strange vessel that was discovered abandoned, leaving behind only dead rats. This incident sparks a memory from the protagonist's past, leading him to recount an encounter with a half-witted tramp he took in at his cattle camp. As the narrative unfolds, the tramp reveals that he has lost nearly a decade of his life, having mysteriously lost his memory after falling overboard. Their exchanges hint at deeper themes of trauma and the uncanny as they both navigate the terrifying and mystifying world of the sea, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative's exploration of the unknown.
Over the border
"Over the Border" by Morgan Robertson is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story opens with a gripping narrative aboard the battleship Argyll, which is poised for action amidst a looming battlefield involving submarines and airships. The characters include Mr. Felton, the young torpedo officer, who finds himself in a surreal situation following an explosion that launches him into an airship and a dramatic confrontation with the evolving nature of warfare. The opening of the novel introduces us to an intense scene aboard the Argyll, where Felton and his fellow officers engage in a spirited discussion about the future of naval warfare amid advancements in technology such as submarines and airships. As they prepare for battle, a sudden explosion catapults Felton onto an airship where he is captured by a group of men who seem to operate under mysterious principles. The chaos eagerly sets the stage for a larger exploration of conflict, technology, and human resilience in the face of war, leaving readers intrigued by the unfolding drama and the complex character dynamics.
"Where Angels Fear to Tread" and Other Stories of the Sea
"Where Angels Fear to Tread" and Other Stories of the Sea by Morgan Robertson is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The work delves into various maritime themes, exploring the lives of sailors, the challenges they face, and the unique characters that populate the sea. Each tale invites the reader into a world of adventure, conflict, and nautical camaraderie, highlighting both the beauty and peril of life at sea. The opening of the titular story introduces us to the "Almena", a ship preparing for departure. The scene unfolds with a shipping-master recruiting a mismatched crew of "townies" who mistakenly believe they are signing on for a more favorable voyage than what is actually in store for them. As tensions rise and misunderstandings unfold, we witness the chaos that ensues when the sailors, primarily inexperienced and underprepared for the harsh realities of life at sea, clash with the ship's mates in a violent confrontation. The narrative sets the tone for a story filled with irony and dark humor about the complexity of human interactions aboard a ship, establishing Robertson’s keen observation and critique of both the maritime experience and the vividly drawn characters involved.