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Treasure troves -- Fiction Books
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Robert Louis Stevenson
Treasure Island
"Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson is an adventure novel published in 1883. When young Jim Hawkins discovers a mysterious treasure map in a dead pirate's sea chest, he sets sail with a crew to find Captain Flint's legendary buried gold. But aboard the ship Hispaniola lurks danger: the charming one-legged cook Long John Silver leads a band of mutinous pirates with their own deadly plans. On a remote island filled with treachery and violence, Jim must navigate shifting alliances and mortal threats to survive this perilous quest for fortune.
Edgar Wallace
The Black Abbot
"The Black Abbot" by Edgar Wallace is a mystery novel written in the late 1920s. Set in an English estate, the story opens with the Earl of Chelford, who is embroiled in a discussion surrounding the myth of the Black Abbot, a ghost said to haunt Fossaway Manor. As the plot unfolds, themes of family secrets, treasure hunting, and romance intertwine, particularly involving Harry Alford and his brother Dick, along with the enigmatic figure of Leslie Gwyn. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Lord Chelford and his footman Thomas as they discuss the sending of treasury notes, along with the eerie legend of the Black Abbot, which visibly agitates Chelford. He sternly warns Thomas against discussing the ghost and reveals his own fears, indicating that there might be more than just superstition at play. Meanwhile, the presence of the disgruntled former secretary, Miss Wenner, introduces a layer of romantic tension and intrigue, especially concerning the Earl’s upcoming marriage and the potential for hidden treasures within the manor's lore. The beginning deftly sets up a blend of mystery, personal drama, and supernatural elements that will surely engage readers intrigued by tales of haunted estates and the complexities of familial relationships.
H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard
King Solomon's Mines
"King Solomon's Mines" by H. Rider Haggard is a novel published in 1885. It follows adventurer Allan Quatermain as he leads an expedition into unexplored Africa to find a missing aristocrat's brother and locate the legendary treasure of King Solomon. The journey takes them across deadly deserts and into a hidden kingdom ruled by a ruthless king. There, they become entangled in ancient prophecies, witch hunts, and a brewing rebellion. Considered the genesis of the lost world literary genre, it captivates with perilous adventure and mystery.
Robert Louis Stevenson
La isla del tesoro
"La isla del tesoro" by Robert Louis Stevenson is an adventure novel published in 1883. Young Jim Hawkins discovers a treasure map belonging to the infamous pirate Captain Flint, launching an expedition to a remote island. Aboard the ship Hispaniola, Jim befriends the one-legged cook Long John Silver, unaware of the deadly mutiny being plotted. On the mysterious island, loyalties shift and dangers multiply as the search for buried gold leads to violence, betrayal, and unexpected alliances in this classic tale of pirates and adventure.
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Wrecker
"The Wrecker" by Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne is an adventure novel written in 1892. The story centers on the mysterious abandoned wreck of the Flying Scud at Midway Atoll. Clues hidden in a stamp collection lead to tracking down the missing crew and unraveling what happened. This sprawling South Sea tale combines episodic adventure, comedy, and detective mystery elements that only connect in the final chapter. The loosely woven narrative reflects its collaborative creation, with each author contributing different sections.
Robert Louis Stevenson
Treasure Island
"Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson is an adventure novel published in 1883. Young Jim Hawkins discovers a treasure map in a dead pirate's sea chest, leading to an expedition aboard the Hispaniola. Accompanied by a charismatic one-legged cook and other crew members, Jim sails toward a mysterious island hiding Captain Flint's buried gold. But when he overhears whispers of mutiny, the voyage transforms into a deadly game of survival, treachery, and courage among buccaneers seeking fortune.
John Meade Falkner
Moonfleet
"Moonfleet" by J. Meade Falkner is a novel written in 1898. Set in an 18th-century English coastal village, it follows young orphan John Trenchard as he becomes entangled with smugglers and the legend of Blackbeard Mohune's hidden diamond. When a forbidden friendship and a dangerous secret draw him into a world of treasure hunting and adventure, John's life transforms forever. A tale of loyalty, lost fortunes, and redemption unfolds across decades and continents.
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Merry Men, and Other Tales and Fables
"The Merry Men, and Other Tales and Fables" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The opening story, "The Merry Men," introduces readers to a richly atmospheric setting in the Scottish Hebrides, where themes of isolation, superstition, and the sea's treachery play a significant role. The protagonist, Charles Darnaway, discovers a family legacy tied to shipwrecks and hidden treasures, which intertwines with his feelings for his cousin Mary Ellen and their shared family history. The opening of "The Merry Men" sets the scene with Charles traveling to Aros, a remote island owned by his uncle, Gordon Darnaway. He reflects on family history, local legends, and the mysterious allure of the sea, particularly the treacherous Merry Men, a group of dangerous waves notorious for shipwrecks. As he arrives, he observes changes brought about by a recent shipwreck and the uneasy atmosphere surrounding his uncle and Mary Ellen. A sense of foreboding looms as he learns of surfacing dreams of treasure tied to an Armada ship that was lost long ago, prompting moral reflections on the implications of greed, loss, and the supernatural that seem to haunt Aros and its inhabitants.
Robert Louis Stevenson
Die Schatzinsel: Roman
"Die Schatzinsel: Roman" by Robert Louis Stevenson is an adventure novel published in 1883. Young Jim Hawkins discovers a treasure map belonging to the infamous pirate Captain Flint and sets sail on the schooner Hispaniola. Aboard ship, he befriends the charming one-legged cook Long John Silver, but soon uncovers a deadly secret: Silver and part of the crew are plotting mutiny. On a mysterious island filled with danger, Jim must navigate pirates, hidden treasure, and betrayal to survive.
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 13
"The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 13" by Stevenson et al. is a collection of literary works likely compiled in the early 20th century. This volume includes "The Wrecker," a collaborative story between Stevenson and his stepson Lloyd Osbourne, which unfolds in the exotic Marquesas Islands and hints at themes of adventure and human relationships set against the backdrop of the oceanic landscape. The opening of "The Wrecker" begins with a vivid description of Tai-o-hae, the French capital of the Marquesas Islands, setting a serene yet tumultuous atmosphere with strong winds and crashing surf. As characters react to the arrival of a mysterious schooner, the scene illustrates a mix of colonial intrigue and local life. The protagonist, the tattooed white man sitting on the pier, reflects on his past and the rich tapestry of his memories, connecting with the other figures around him as they speculate about the ship's origins. This prologue establishes the narrative's tone, filled with a sense of waiting and the unpredictability of life on the islands.
John Reed Scott
In Her Own Right
"In Her Own Right" by John Reed Scott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Geoffrey Croyden, a young man who finds himself facing the fallout of financial ruin after a major brokerage firm collapses, leaving him nearly penniless. Croyden resolves to leave his previous life behind and seeks refuge in his inherited property, Clarendon, where he hopes to evade the complexities of high society that once engulfed him. The opening of the novel introduces the reader to the context of Croyden's financial woes and his decision to retreat to Clarendon after the bankruptcy of Royster & Axtell. Through conversations with his friends, Macloud and Croyden, we learn about the superficiality and competitiveness of their social circle, which leaves Croyden feeling disillusioned. As he heads to his new residence, the narrative begins to hint at future developments, including his encounters with the local community and intriguing new characters, especially a beautiful young woman named Elaine Cavendish, suggesting that his journey may lead to both personal growth and complicated relationships in this new setting.
Ralph Delahaye Paine
Four Bells: A Tale of the Caribbean
"Four Bells: A Tale of the Caribbean" by Ralph Delahaye Paine is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative focuses on Richard Cary, a young chief officer on a steamer, who embarks on a journey that leads him to the tropical allure of the Caribbean, bringing him face to face with his own identity and the romance of the sea amidst the adventures that await him. The opening of the novel introduces Richard Cary as he reflects on his path to the merchant service after a stint in the Naval Reserve during the war, revealing his pragmatic views of seafaring. He returns home to New Hampshire for a short respite, where he conveys a sense of duty over ambition, especially towards his family. During this visit, Cary receives an unexpected offer to take a second officer position on the "Tarragona", a passenger ship bound for ports like Kingston and Cartagena. Intrigued by the prospect of adventure in the Caribbean, he feels a stirring connection to the sea's past, hinting at the romantic journey that awaits him and the significant encounters he will have, particularly with Teresa Fernandez, the ship's stewardess.
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