Subject
Privateering -- Fiction Books
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Egerton Castle
The Light of Scarthey: A Romance
"The Light of Scarthey: A Romance" by Egerton Castle is a romantic novel written in the late 19th century. Set against a backdrop of tumultuous historical events, the narrative centers on Sir Adrian Landale, a reflective and philosophical light-keeper living in the isolation of Scarthey Island. The story explores themes of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships as Adrian confronts the past and the enduring impact of his first love. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the ruggedly beautiful islet of Scarthey, where Adrian leads a solitary life marred by contemplation of his earlier ideals contrasting sharply with his current existence. The opening chapters reveal the details of his surroundings, including the remnants of a grand castle that once served a militaristic purpose. We learn of his gentle nature through interactions with Margery, his housekeeper, and René, his Breton servant. The narrative also hints at a past filled with dramatic encounters and relationships that have shaped Adrian, as well as the larger political upheavals of early 19th-century England that impact the life of the reclusive light-keeper.
George Gibbs
In Search of Mademoiselle
"In Search of Mademoiselle" by George Gibbs is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of French and Spanish colonial conflicts in Florida, the story follows Sydney Killigrew, a blunt mariner drawn into a world of adventure, treachery, and romance. As he journeys through this tumultuous period, the narrative explores themes of love, loyalty, and the harsh realities of colonial existence. The beginning of the novel introduces us to Sydney Killigrew, who feels adrift after his maritime ambitions are thwarted by the decline of the English Navy. He reunites with Captain David Hooper, who offers him a chance for adventure aboard the ship "Great Griffin". As the voyage continues, they engage in a fierce battle with a Spanish galleon, leading to the capture of the Spanish commander, Don Diego de Baçan, and a dramatic encounter with the noble Mademoiselle Diane de la Notte. This sets the stage for an exploration of personal rivalries and romantic entanglements that will center around Killigrew's transformative experiences and his struggle to protect those he meets along the way.
Herrick Johnstone
Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer; or, The Cruise of the Queer Fish
"Barney Blake, the Boy Privateer; or, The Cruise of the Queer Fish" by Herrick Johnstone is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows the adventures of a young sailor named Barney Blake as he joins the crew of the privateer ship Queer Fish in 1813. With a lively cast of characters and a humorous tone, the book delves into the experiences of privateering during the War of 1812, mixing comedy, camaraderie, and nautical adventure. At the start of the narrative, Barney Blake is introduced while he wanders the wharves of Boston, searching for work after being paid off from his last ship. He reunites with friend Tony Trybrace, who invites him to join the crew of the lively and quirky privateer, the Queer Fish. In an engaging portrayal of the crew's diverse personalities—including the witty Captain Joker and the enormous, good-natured cook Snollygoster—the opening establishes the comedic atmosphere of pirate life on the high seas. With elements of camaraderie and folly, the stage is set for Barney's adventures as he embarks on a year-long cruise filled with treasure hunting, battles, and the colorful antics of his shipmates.
Frederick Marryat
The Privateersman
"The Privateersman" by Captain Frederick Marryat is a novel written in the mid-19th century that explores the adventurous and morally complex life of privateersmen during the Age of Sail. The narrative follows the crew of the ship Revenge, with a particular focus on the young protagonist, who grapples with the brutal realities of life as a privateer, confronting themes of honor, loyalty, and the horrors of war. At the start of the story, the narrator recounts a specific cruise off Hispaniola, where the crew engages in a fierce battle with a well-armed French ship, highlighting the high stakes involved in their occupation. The opening chapters detail the violent encounters, including both the struggle for victory and the heavy toll it takes on the crew and their enemies. Moral dilemmas arise as the young protagonist faces the consequences of their actions, leading to feelings of disgust for the bloodshed and a profound sense of loss as they deal with the implications of piracy, ultimately challenging the justifications of such conduct amid the desperate circumstances of privateering.
Frederick Marryat
The Privateer's-Man, One hundred Years Ago
"The Privateer's-Man, One Hundred Years Ago" by Captain Frederick Marryat is a historical novel written in the early 19th century. The story follows the adventures of a young privateer, detailing his life at sea during a time of piracy and naval conflict, particularly focusing on his experiences while serving on the privateer Revenge. The themes of conflict, morality, and the consequences of privateering are explored through the protagonist’s interactions with both enemies and civilians. The opening of the novel sets the stage for a gripping tale, beginning with the protagonist recounting his earlier days as a privateer while cruising off Hispaniola. He vividly describes the challenges faced when confronting a well-armed French ship, including fierce battles that test both crew and character. The narrative takes a darker turn as it explores the aftermath of violent encounters, highlighting the brutal realities of warfare and conquest, as well as the emotional toll it takes on the privateers and their victims. The moral dilemmas faced by the protagonist, particularly the conflict between his duties as a privateer and the resulting suffering of others, are central to the story’s unfolding drama.
G. de La Landelle
Sans-peur le corsaire
"Sans-peur le corsaire" by G. de La Landelle is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative centers on Léon de Roqueforte, also known as Sans-Peur, a courageous French corsair during a turbulent time marked by conflicts between European powers and the rebellious spirit of colonial territories. The storyline intertwines adventure with themes of honor and love, featuring Isabel, the daughter of a nobleman of Inca descent, as she navigates her tumultuous fate connected to Léon’s heroic exploits. The opening of the novel sets a dramatic scene at the cliff's edge, where both beauty and danger are portrayed through the figures of a young Amazon and the bold corsair captain. As Léon commands his ship in a daring close call with the treacherous waters, the narrative introduces Isabel, who is motivated by a desire for liberation and the spirit of her heroic ancestry. The tension escalates with groups watching from the shore, anticipating disaster as Léon rushes to save Isabel. This gripping introduction hints at the high stakes and deep emotions that will unfold in their intertwined destinies amid the dangers of piracy, familial conflict, and the historical backdrop of colonial struggles.
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