Subject
Yachts -- Fiction Books
Best books
Holman Day
Blow The Man Down: A Romance Of The Coast
"Blow The Man Down: A Romance Of The Coast" by Holman Day is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the coastal and yachting life, the story revolves around Captain Boyd Mayo, who grapples with his emotions and sense of duty while entangled with Alma Marston, the daughter of his employer. The narrative captures themes of love and class distinction, emphasizing the captain's struggle to balance his feelings for Alma with the societal expectations and his role as a hired man. The opening of the novel introduces us to Captain Mayo, who is tormented by an overwhelming desire for Alma after an impulsive kiss. As the captain reflects on this moment, he battles feelings of shame and confusion about his place in her world, realizing that he is both drawn to and terrified by his emotions. The tension escalates as Alma expresses her feelings for him, complicating their relationship further with the intrusion of her father's expectations. The groundwork is laid for a compelling romantic tale, rich with emotional conflict, as Mayo navigates both the treacherous waters of the sea and the complexities of love.
Mary Roberts Rinehart
The After House
"The After House" by Mary Roberts Rinehart is a mystery novel penned in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the character Leslie, who finds himself on a yacht named Ella shortly after recovering from a serious illness. As the narrative unfolds, readers are drawn into a web of suspense surrounding the ship and its crew, highlighting both personal ambitions and darker human emotions, culminating in a series of tragic events. At the start of the novel, Leslie introduces himself as a newly graduated medical student who, after enduring a bout of typhoid fever, is drawn to the adventurous life at sea. With a background as a deck-steward and an ambition for adventure, he is introduced to the Ella, a transformed coasting-vessel now serving as a yacht. His time on board showcases not only his interactions with the crew, including the enigmatic Miss Lee, but also hints at a brewing conflict that suggests an ominous undercurrent aboard the ship. As tensions rise, occurrences hinting at mystery and danger begin to emerge, setting the stage for a suspenseful voyage that promises intrigue and peril in equal measure.
Arthur Colton
The Cruise of The Violetta
"The Cruise of The Violetta" by Arthur Colton is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Christopher "Kit" Kirby, who falls ill in South America and encounters the intriguing Dr. Ulswater during his recovery in the Bahamas. The book sets sail into an exploration of tropical regions, characters, and the adventures that unfold as they encounter various situations, including the enigmatic Mrs. Mink, who owns the yacht "Violetta," and aims to engage in missionary work. At the start of the narrative, Kit Kirby describes his troublesome journey through illness and how he comes under the care of Dr. Ulswater, a well-traveled and unconventional physician. As Kit recovers, he forms a bond with Dr. Ulswater while exploring the vibrant marine life of Nassau. The introduction of Mrs. Mink aboard the yacht brings a domestic twist amid the tropical backdrop, as she reveals her motivations for engaging in foreign missions. Together, they embark on a cruise filled with lively discussions and unexpected encounters, including a diplomatic crisis involving revolutionary figures and whimsical situations, setting the stage for an adventurous exploration of character dynamics and cultural observations.
Nicholas (House name) Carter
Captain Sparkle, Pirate; Or, A Hard Man to Catch
"Captain Sparkle, Pirate; Or, A Hard Man to Catch" by Nicholas Carter is a novel written in the early 20th century. The storyline revolves around a chance encounter with a brazen pirate, Captain Sparkle, who boards a luxurious yacht and robs its wealthy owner, Maxwell Kane. This encounter sets the stage for a thrilling investigation led by the infamous detective Nick Carter, who seeks to unravel the mystery behind the audacious pirate's identity and intentions. The opening portion of the book introduces us to Maxwell Kane, who visits Nick Carter to recount his alarming experience of being boarded by pirates while aboard his steam-yacht, the "Goalong". As Kane describes the incident, he reveals how Captain Sparkle, a flamboyantly dressed pirate chief, and his crew stealthily approached their vessel and conducted their robbery with shocking ease. The chapter teases the reader with Kane’s frustration and embarrassment over the unexpected turn of events, culminating in Nick agreeing to accompany him to gather more information aboard the yacht while Kane's guests come into play, further complicating the narrative. The stage is effectively set for intrigue, excitement, and the promise of more daring escapades to come as Nick Carter pushes to confront the pirate menace.
Oric Bates
A Madcap Cruise
"A Madcap Cruise" by Oric Bates is a novel written in the early 20th century. It narrates the adventurous escapades of two young men, Jerrold Taberman and John Castleport, who embark on a daring and impulsive sea voyage aboard a yacht named the Merle. The crux of the story revolves around their quest for adventure as they seek to assert their independence, explore new horizons, and perhaps navigate complicated backstories involving familial expectations and romantic interests. The opening of the book introduces us to the setting on a picturesque jetty overlooking East Penobscot Bay, where Taberman and Castleport exchange light-hearted banter as they prepare for their cruise. Castleport is characterized as thoughtful and earnest, while Taberman brings a jovial and carefree spirit to their dynamic. As they discuss their plans, readers glean both the excitement and the underlying tension of their scheme, which involves taking the Merle on an unsanctioned journey across the Atlantic, amidst hints of a deeper personal conflict regarding Castleport's relationship with a girl named Katrine Marchfield and the disapproval of his uncle, a powerful figure. Through vivid imagery and clever dialogue, the narrative sets the stage for their impending adventure, promising a blend of humor, peril, and youthful exuberance as they set sail into the unknown.
Henry Oyen
Hidden Country
"Hidden Country" by Henry Oyen is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Gardner Pitt, who, feeling stagnant in his mundane job as a literary secretary in New York, accepts an unexpected offer from his wealthy friend George Chanler to join him on an Arctic expedition aboard the yacht Wanderer. As he embarks on this journey, Pitt's situation spirals into a mix of adventure and tension, highlighting the stark dynamics between characters and the darker undertones of their motivations. At the start of the novel, Gardner Pitt reflects on his unsatisfactory career and is drawn to Chanler's proposal for adventure. As he travels to Seattle and boards the Wanderer, he interacts with an eclectic mix of characters, including the enigmatic Captain Brack, who harbors a menacing aura. The opening chapters introduce a spectrum of personalities, revealing tensions between crew members and hinting at a violent past with Brack. The atmosphere quickly shifts from anticipation of exploration to unease as Brack's harsh leadership becomes evident, foreshadowing impending conflict and raising questions about the true purpose of their journey.
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.
Frank R. Stockton
Mrs. Cliff's Yacht
"Mrs. Cliff's Yacht" by Frank R. Stockton is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Mrs. Cliff, a widowed millionaire, as she navigates her newfound wealth following a significant life change. The narrative delves into her thoughts and feelings about returning to her old life in Plainton, Maine, while grappling with the responsibilities and adjustments that wealth brings. The opening of the novel introduces Mrs. Cliff as she sits alone in a New York hotel, reflecting on her circumstances. Recently enriched through unexpected fortune, she feels a mixture of excitement and apprehension about returning home. Despite her financial standing, she expresses a strong desire to maintain her connections to her old friends and lifestyle, not wanting her wealth to create a barrier between herself and those she loves. As Mrs. Cliff prepares for her journey back to Plainton, she contemplates how to incorporate her wealth into her life while preserving her identity and relationships, setting the stage for her interactions with her friends, neighbors, and her community upon her return.
Henry C. (Henry Cottrell) Rowland
The magnet : $b A romance
"The magnet: A romance" by Henry C. Rowland is a novel written in the early 20th century. Set aboard a Maine-anchored schooner-yacht, it centers on retired Captain Bell, his three daughters—Cécile, Paula, and Hermione—and their steadfast sailing-master, Christian Heldstrom, whose floating household is shadowed by an eccentric poet, Harold Applebo, in a yawl he trails like a “pilot-fish.” Flirtation, pride, and sudden tests of character entwine as the sisters draw suitors and the poet’s odd chivalry stirs both annoyance and curiosity. The opening of the story introduces the yacht Shark at Shoal Harbour and sketches the family: choleric gourmand Captain Bell, disciplined “Uncle Chris” Heldstrom, coquettish Cécile, gentle Paula, and fiery Hermione. Huntington Wood, an old suitor, visits as the crew watches for the “Pilot-fish,” Applebo, who arrives in his yawl Daffodil; Bell recounts the poet’s whimsical resolve to follow them so he needn’t choose his own course. Wood learns Applebo is secretly devoted to a lady aboard, while Paula and Cécile trade impressions of the odd celebrity; a farcical failed vol-au-vent spurs Bell to vow a chase to shake the pursuer. At dawn, Hermione’s illicit shore shoot ends in a confrontation with a game-warden until Applebo intervenes, after which a prickly, revealing exchange shows his disdain for her poaching, his abstract approach to love, and a startling reaction to Heldstrom’s name, hinting at deeper ties as the excerpt breaks off.
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