Subject
Africa, West -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Hugh Lofting
Doctor Dolittle's Post Office
"Doctor Dolittle's Post Office" by Hugh Lofting is a novel published in 1923. Set on the West Coast of Africa, the story follows Doctor Dolittle as he captures a slave trader's ship and establishes a revolutionary postal service for the African kingdom of Fantippo. Using migrating birds to carry mail across continents, he anticipates modern airmail while encountering prehistoric creatures, inventing animal alphabets, and battling armies. The tale culminates in his meeting with Mudface the Turtle, the oldest living creature on Earth.
Harry Collingwood
The Pirate Slaver: A Story of the West African Coast
"The Pirate Slaver: A Story of the West African Coast" by Harry Collingwood is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story is centered around Henry Dugdale, a midshipman aboard the British warship Barracouta, tasked with patrolling the West African coast to thwart Portuguese slave traders. As the plot unfolds, Dugdale finds himself captured by slavers, but develops a complicated relationship with the captain’s son, leading to a series of naval adventures that reflect the darker side of maritime history. At the start of the narrative, the reader is introduced to the Barracouta, stationed near the mouth of the Congo River, where the ship's crew receives orders to engage in operations against slavers. Following a tense atmosphere, the plot thickens with Harry's character undergoing his first taste of the naval conflict when the ship encounters a series of challenges including capturing a brig-laden with slaves. As the story progresses, it begins to delve into the harrowing realities of the slave trade, alongside the camaraderie and moral dilemmas faced by the crew amidst escalating tensions at sea.
Harry Collingwood
A Middy of the Slave Squadron: A West African Story
"A Middy of the Slave Squadron: A West African Story" by Harry Collingwood is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows a young midshipman named Richard Fortescue aboard the British corvette "Psyche" as they strive to combat the slave trade off the West African coast around the year 1822. The book delves into the challenges faced by the sailors, both in naval engagements and navigating the treacherous politics of the era. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the oppressive heat and tension aboard the "Psyche" as it lies in wait near the Benin River. The senior midshipman, Richard Fortescue, and the first lieutenant, Mr. Perry, suspect the presence of a nearby vessel engaged in the slave trade. This scene sets the stage for an impending conflict as Fortescue’s cautious observations are infused with a sense of duty and urgency. The chapter establishes the dynamic between the crew members and hints at Fortescue's aspirations and challenges, perfectly capturing the tightly woven atmosphere of naval life amidst the moral complexities of the slave trade.
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