Subject
Mutiny -- Fiction Books
Best books
Jack London
The Mutiny of the Elsinore
"The Mutiny of the Elsinore" by Jack London is a novel written in the early 20th century, specifically in the context of maritime adventures. The story follows the protagonist, Mr. Pathurst, who embarks on a voyage aboard the sailing ship Elsinore. His anticipation for the journey quickly turns to irritation and doubt as he navigates an array of troubling circumstances—from the peculiarities of the ship's captain, Captain West, to the odd crew members he encounters, all while dealing with an unexpected canine companion. The beginning of the book sets the stage for a tumultuous sea voyage. Mr. Pathurst, facing delays and the biting cold, describes his growing displeasure with the captain's ambiguous arrangements and the questionable crew, highlighted by their unremarkable and even unkempt appearances. Meanwhile, Pathurst meets Captain West and his daughter, Margaret, who is unexpectedly accompanying them, adding another layer of complexity to his experience. The opening chapters illustrate not only the physical environment of the ship and its crew's disarray but also Pathurst's inner turmoil as he grapples with his reasons for going to sea and the unsettling notion of an impending challenge posed by both the crew's competence and his own expectations.
William Clark Russell
The Wreck of the Grosvenor, Volume 1 of 3 An account of the mutiny of the crew and the loss of the ship when trying to make the Bermudas
"The Wreck of the Grosvenor, Volume 1 of 3" by William Clark Russell is a maritime novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows the crew of the ship Grosvenor, particularly focusing on the experiences and perspectives of the second mate, Mr. Royle, as they embark on a challenging journey to Valparaiso amidst tensions, mutinous whispers, and poor provisions. At the start of the novel, the Grosvenor is preparing to set sail, with Mr. Royle observing the calm waters and the beauty of the surrounding sea. As the ship's crew begins to exhibit discontentment over the quality of their provisions, tensions rise between the men and the officers, particularly Captain Coxon and Chief Mate Duckling. The atmosphere is charged with a sense of impending conflict, as the crew's grievances over mouldy biscuits and foul meat foreshadow greater troubles that will arise during their voyage. Mr. Royle navigates his role amidst the brewing discontent while also admiring the ship and the sea, setting the stage for a tumultuous adventure filled with nautical imagery and human drama.
Roger Starbuck
The Golden Harpoon; Or, Lost Among the Floes: A Story of the Whaling Grounds
"The Golden Harpoon; Or, Lost Among the Floes: A Story of the Whaling Grounds" by Roger Starbuck is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The story unfolds aboard the whale ship Montpelier, where Captain Howard and his niece Alice are about to embark on a whaling voyage. The narrative introduces various characters aboard the ship, including the strong-willed first mate, Mr. Briggs, and the ambitious young harpooner, Harry Marline, who captures Alice's attention. At the start of the story, we are introduced to the Montpelier as it anchors in a secluded bay off the coast of Kamschatka. Initial conversations reveal tension among the crew regarding the proximity of an ice floe and the potential dangers it poses. Alice, a spirited young girl, voices her excitement about being at sea, especially since Harry is part of the crew. However, underlying suspicions about some members of the crew hint at future conflict. A sense of urgency escalates when whales are sighted, prompting the crew to prepare for a hunt, while Alice’s growing concern for her uncle’s safety foreshadows complications ahead. Meanwhile, a subplot involving mutiny and potential danger from the crew lingers, setting the stage for the conflicts that are sure to unfold.
William Clark Russell
The Wreck of the Grosvenor, Volume 3 of 3 An account of the mutiny of the crew and the loss of the ship when trying to make the Bermudas
"The Wreck of the Grosvenor" by William Clark Russell is a maritime novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around a shipwreck and the subsequent mutiny of the crew aboard the Grosvenor, detailing themes of survival, bravery, and moral dilemmas faced at sea. The central characters include Mr. Royle, a second mate, and Miss Robertson, the daughter of the deceased captain, who navigate the harrowing trials of their situation while contending with their own emotional struggles. At the start of the novel's final volume, the reader is thrust into the midst of a violent storm, where Mr. Royle and the remaining crew members must contend with both nature's fury and the remnants of mutiny. The passage describes Mr. Royle's determination to navigate the ship successfully despite her dire condition and the precarious emotional state of Miss Robertson after the death of her father. Amidst their perilous circumstances, the characters seek resilience and hope, all while grappling with the weight of loss and the ever-looming threat of the sea. Their struggle against the storm sets the stage for themes of redemption, camaraderie, and the human spirit's endurance in face of despair.
Richard McKenna
The Fishdollar Affair
"The Fishdollar Affair" by Richard McKenna is a science fiction novel written in the late 1950s. The story revolves around Ensign Stephen Welnicki, who finds himself at the helm of an unexpected political and military crisis involving a group of settlers from a new planet, Fishdollar Five. As Welnicki navigates through this interstellar tension, the narrative blends elements of adventure and humor within an ironic and tender examination of duty, loyalty, and personal honor. In the book, Ensign Welnicki is faced with a mutiny aboard the S.S. Rubberjack, which leads to the emergence of the self-proclaimed President Wendrew Fishdollar. With the authority of the Galactic Patrol behind him, Welnicki is tasked with regaining control of the ship and its crew, while also dealing with the unexpected dynamics of a female-dominated society on Fishdollar Five. As tensions escalate, Welnicki must balance his duties as a Galactic Patrol officer with his growing affection for the planet's inhabitants, leading to an unexpected twist that culminates in a deeply personal and politically charged conclusion. The story ultimately explores themes of love, identity, and the complexities of power in a whimsical yet thought-provoking manner.
Henry Leverage
Assignats
"Assignats" by Henry Leverage is a historical adventure tale published during the early 20th century. The story likely revolves around themes of loyalty, betrayal, and intrigue set against the backdrop of maritime exploits during a tumultuous period marked by the rise of Bolshevism. The plot unfolds as a group of castaways, led by a Russian named Ivan, embarks on a perilous journey aboard a decrepit ship, the "Shongpong", filled with questionable cargo and a crew harboring hidden motives. The narrative follows Micky McMasters, a British sailor, and his mates Mike Monkey and Red Landyard, as they take on the risky task of navigating the treacherous waters of the Japan Sea. Upon discovering their cargo is not what it seems, but rather possibly explosives or illicit goods instead of tea, tension mounts. As they find themselves caught between the Russian crew's intentions and the threat of government forces, the trio must devise a plan to escape and foil a Bolshevik plot to smuggle revolutionary funds into North America. The story culminates in a dramatic climax as their ship meets misfortune, allowing the men to make a daring escape, ultimately saving themselves and preventing a significant threat to law and order.
Ray Cummings
Space-Liner X-87
"Space-Liner X-87" by Ray Cummings is a science fiction novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Fred Penelle, a Shadow Squadman tasked with observing a spaceship, the X-87, during a secretive interplanetary mission that may involve a plot against the Blake Irite Corporation. As Penelle embarks on this maiden voyage, he discovers that there are unexpected dangers lurking aboard, including potential enemies among the ship's crew. At the start of the narrative, Penelle is summoned to investigate mysterious happenings involving the spaceship X-87, which is transporting T-catalyst essential for Earth's technology. The crew is undermined by illness and strange occurrences, leading to escalating tension during flight. Notably, Penelle witnesses suspicious behavior from passengers and crew members, including a beautiful but frightened girl named Nina Blake, the daughter of the company's late owner. As conflicts arise and the situation deteriorates, Penelle becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that threatens the lives of everyone on board, necessitating his efforts to uncover the truth and protect those at risk. The opening builds a sense of suspense and intrigue, setting the stage for a gripping interstellar adventure.
Stanley Whiteside
The Sun-Death
"The Sun-Death" by Stanley Whiteside is a science fiction novel set in a futuristic universe where space travel and mutinies aboard interplanetary ships unfold. Written during the early 1950s, the narrative revolves around Captain Lodar of the spaceship Vulcan, whose desperation to return to Earth stems from the deeply human instinct to seek the familiar in the face of imminent death. The story grapples with themes of morality, survival, and the exploitation of sentient beings, particularly the Venus Mutes—a group depicted as alien yet eerily humanlike. In the tale, Lodar's crew, desperate and morally compromised, engage in a mutiny led by resentment against their captain's decisions, which include the heinous act of killing Mutes to avoid detection by Earth patrols. The protagonist, Ray Burk, navigates his complex emotions towards both the beautiful but fiery missionary Ellenor and the morally questionable actions of his captain. As the story unfolds, tension rises aboard the Vulcan, leading to confrontation and chaos amidst an inevitable downfall. Ray’s internal conflict ultimately leads him to take a stand against the inhumanity displayed by Lodar and the crew, culminating in a gripping moral and existential reckoning as they all confront their fates. Through Ray's transformation and newfound purpose, the book also emphasizes themes of redemption and the fight for ethical principles in a universe marred by exploitation.
Randall Garrett
The Mannion Court-Martial
"The Mannion Court-Martial" by Randall Garrett is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The story navigates the complexities of a court-martial in a futuristic setting, focusing on Lieutenant Dan Mannion, who is accused of leading an android rebellion that resulted in significant loss of life and property. The book primarily explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the implications of advanced technology on memory and justice. In this gripping narrative, Lieutenant Mannion finds himself on trial, confronting the stark possibility of mnemonic erasure—the complete wiping of his memories and identity—as punishment for crimes he seemingly committed but cannot remember. The plot unfolds through Mannion's struggle to navigate the allegations made against him by his commanding officer, Commander Dubrow, who is revealed to have manipulated events to frame Mannion for his own criminal intent. As Mannion fights to clear his name, he discovers that his lost memories hold the key to his innocence, leading to a tense confrontation and ultimately his exoneration. The novel raises profound questions about guilt, the reliability of authority, and the nature of self, making it an intriguing read for fans of speculative fiction.
Frederic Arnold Kummer
Sargasso of the Stars
"Sargasso of the Stars" by Frederic Arnold Kummer is a science fiction novel written in the early 1940s. The story unfolds in a distant future where spaceships are drawn into a mysterious area known as the Magnetic Spot, resulting in the loss of many vessels and their crews. The narrative follows the determined space pilot Steve Haller, who charts a course for the Spot in hopes of uncovering its secrets and potentially finding those who have disappeared there, including his love interest, Fay Carroll. The plot centers around Haller’s struggle against a mutinous crew he hires for his journey toward the enigmatic Magnetic Spot. After a violent confrontation, he finds himself bound and powerless as the ship heads into the Spot's grasp. The crew soon realizes the terrifying nature of the magnetic influence as they are pulled toward a planetoid littered with the wrecks of lost spaceships and inhabited by a degenerate species, the sub-men. Haller's desperate search for Fay amidst chaos and danger leads to a series of confrontations, including a fight against his captors to rescue her and escape the asteroid. Ultimately, Haller discovers a means to defeat the magnetic force holding them, all while highlighting themes of love, redemption, and human resilience against overwhelming odds.
Jules Verne
Ein Drama in Mexico.
"Ein Drama in Mexico" by Jules Verne is a short story written by 1851 and marks his first published prose work. Set in 1825, the tale follows two Spanish warships whose crew mutinies, planning to sell the vessels to newly independent Mexico. When the mutineers murder their captain, officer cadet Pablo swears revenge for his homeland and superior. As the conspirators journey to Mexico's capital with their treacherous prize, Pablo pursues them toward a fateful confrontation at a swaying vine bridge over a wild river gorge.
H. B. Marriott (Henry Brereton Marriott) Watson
Hurricane Island
"Hurricane Island" by H. B. Marriott Watson is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on Dr. Richard Phillimore, a discontented physician who leaves his dreary practice in London's East End for an adventurous life aboard the steam-yacht "Sea Queen". With the unexpected twist of coming into contact with royal figures and engaging in a plot that threatens their safety, the narrative explores themes of identity, moral dilemmas, and the allure of adventure. At the start of the novel, the protagonist, Dr. Phillimore, is depicted grappling with dissatisfaction in his life and career. His chance encounter with the "Sea Queen", a luxury yacht, leads to a dramatic rescue of a man falling into the water—a situation that introduces him to the world of maritime adventures and the enigmatic passengers of the yacht. As he navigates this new environment, Dr. Phillimore learns that the yacht is carrying a prince in disguise and must confront a plot devised by one of the crew members that aims to seize the riches and status that accompany the royal identity. This opening portion sets the stage for a thrilling exploration of intrigue and adventure on the high seas.
Recently surfaced classics