It was in the month of November in this year that King Charles, accompanied by Sir John Berkely, Ashburnham, and Legg, made his escape from Hampton Court, and rode as fast as the horses could carry them toward that part of Hampshire which led to the New Forest - It is 1647. Charles I has been defeated in the civil war, but has escaped captivity and is making for France. Parliamentary soldiers searching the New Forest decide to burn the house of Colonel Beverly, a royalist officer killed at the Battle of Naseby. His four children are rescued by their father's gamekeeper, Jacob, who takes them in. The children gradually shed their aristocratic sensibilities and adapt to the simple ways of the forest, working Jacob's farmstead and befriending other inhabitants of the woodland. But when Charles II raises an army and the spectre of war returns to haunt the Beverly children, they realise they cannot hide from their true identity. This is the first enduring historical novel for children, which conjures up as much magic today as it did on first publication.

The Children of the New Forest (1847) is a novel by Frederick Marryat. Although Marryat is more widely known for novels inspired by his experience as a captain in the Royal Navy, The Children of the New Forest is a historical children's novel set in the aftermath of the English Civil War. Bringing his readers into the world of danger and political intrigue that was England in the 17th century, Marryat earns his place as one of the leading adventure writers of his time. "It was in the month of November in this year that King Charles, accompanied by Sir John Berkely, Ashburnham, and Legg, made his escape from Hampton Court, and rode as fast as the horses could carry them toward that part of Hampshire which led to the New Forest." At the end of the English Civil War, Parliamentarian forces pursued King Charles and his dwindling allies into the ancient woods of the New Forest. Searching the scattered homes of the forest, they leave a wake of destruction in their path. Having already lost their father, a Royalist, in the Battle of Naseby, orphans Edward, Humphrey, Alice, and Edith are targeted by a group of Roundhead soldiers. Rescued from their burning home by Jacob Armitage, a local verderer, the children learn to survive using techniques passed down by generations of New Forest dwellers. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Frederick Marryat's The Children of the New Forest is a classic of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

In The Children of the New Forest, Cavalier and Roundhead battle it out in the turbulent setting of the English Civil war and provide the background for this classic tale of four orphans as they face adversity, survival in the forest, reconciliation and eventual forgiveness. This is the first enduring historical novel for children, which conjures up as much magic today as it did on first publication. The freedom from adult constraint allied with the necessary disciplines to survive in a hostile world make for a gripping read.

If you seek to understand nautical fiction, you must begin with Frederick Marryat. "Forster was certainly correct in declaring Masterman Ready] the most read, and the most willingly reread, of its class. For its mere cleverness alone the book can be enjoyed by the oldest of readers... It] is one of the best, perhaps the very best, thing of its kind in English." - David Hannay Only Frederick Marryat would have the nerve to take a shopworn theme like a group of people shipwrecked on a deserted island, and turn it into a classic. Masterman Ready is clearly worthy of standing next to Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe, and Johann David Wyss' Swiss Family Robinson. A family is en route to Australia by ship. The ship is caught in a storm and abandoned by the crew-leaving a lone family and an aging seaman (Masterman Ready) on board. The ship does not sink, however, but makes it to an uninhabited island. They make it to shore, only to run into a whole different set of problems trying to survive. The ending is one you will never forget.

It can be argued that modern nautical fiction began with this bookthe first that flowed from Frederick Marryats pen. Written in 1829, it follows the adventures of Frank Mildmay as he enters the Royal Navy and begins his rocky climb up the career ladder. Marryat intentionally made Mildmay a rake and a hell-raiser so that people would not confuse the characters fictional adventures with his own very real ones. In fact, people did just the reverse and assumed that Marryat was writing about himself. The extent to which the novel was autobiographical is debated to this day. The one thing that is not debated is that it is a great read. Its filled with completely plausible nautical adventure, and written with the accuracy and realism that can only come from a writer who has been there and done that.

The Phantom Ship (1839) is a novel by Frederick Marryat. Inspired by the legend of the Flying Dutchman, a fabled ghost ship doomed to sail the seas until the end of time, The Phantom Ship is a tale of adventure and Gothic horror from an author who served for decades in the British Royal Navy. Philip Vanderdecken had always feared this day would come. Raised by his mother in Terneuzen, he had grown accustomed to life without a father. During a voyage around the Cape of Good Hope, the elder Vanderdecken condemned himself to an eternity at the helm of the Flying Dutchman, a legendary vessel doomed to sail the seas without ever touching land. Now a young man, Philip is informed by his dying mother of the possibility of saving his father by letting his spirit rest. Terrified, he promises his mother to carry a relic of the Holy Cross across the globe until he can find the Flying Dutchman. He joins the Dutch East India Company and sets out at once on an adventure filled with romance, magic, and unimaginable horror. Poorly reviewed upon publication, The Phantom Ship has endured as a cult classic and continues to be adored by generations of loyal readers. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Frederick Marryat's The Phantom Ship is a classic of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

The Phantom Ship (1839) is a novel by Frederick Marryat. Inspired by the legend of the Flying Dutchman, a fabled ghost ship doomed to sail the seas until the end of time, The Phantom Ship is a tale of adventure and Gothic horror from an author who served for decades in the British Royal Navy. Philip Vanderdecken had always feared this day would come. Raised by his mother in Terneuzen, he had grown accustomed to life without a father. During a voyage around the Cape of Good Hope, the elder Vanderdecken condemned himself to an eternity at the helm of the Flying Dutchman, a legendary vessel doomed to sail the seas without ever touching land. Now a young man, Philip is informed by his dying mother of the possibility of saving his father by letting his spirit rest. Terrified, he promises his mother to carry a relic of the Holy Cross across the globe until he can find the Flying Dutchman. He joins the Dutch East India Company and sets out at once on an adventure filled with romance, magic, and unimaginable horror. Poorly reviewed upon publication, The Phantom Ship has endured as a cult classic and continues to be adored by generations of loyal readers. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Frederick Marryat's The Phantom Ship is a classic of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

Wreck of the Pacific (1841) is a novel by Frederick Marryat. Inspired by the author's experience as a captain in the Royal Navy, Wreck of the Pacific is a tale of disaster and survival on the high seas. Responding to such novels as Robinson Crusoe (1719) and The Swiss Family Robinson (1812), Marryat hoped to tell an entertaining story with a Christian moral while remaining true to the dangers of nautical life. "I am an old man, and it is of little consequence. I care little whether I am taken away a year or two sooner, but I do not like to see blossoms cut off in early spring: I may be of use if I remain, for I've an old head upon my shoulders, and I could not leave you all to perish when you might be saved if you only knew how to act. But here the seamen come-the boat is all ready, and they will now take poor Captain Osborn with them." When the Pacific sails through a terrible storm, losing its masts and captain in one fell swoop, its crew are forced to make difficult decisions. Below deck, the Seagrave family are virtually helpless, left to the mercy of men and nature alike. While the first mate and surviving sailors load most of the provisions onto the only remaining yawl, Masterman Ready remains behind with the terrified landlubbers, offering his services should they find a way to survive. Soon, the ship drifts toward the shores of a deserted island, giving them the chance they so desperately need to survive. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Frederick Marryat's Wreck of the Pacific is a classic of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

Peter Simple (1834) is a novel by Frederick Marryat. Inspired by the author's experience as a captain in the Royal Navy, Peter Simple is a tale of bravery, foolishness, and the manifold reasons for men to take to the high seas. Frequently funny, often profound, Marryat's novel is an underappreciated classic of nineteenth century fiction. "If I cannot narrate a life of adventurous and daring exploits, fortunately I have no heavy crimes to confess: and, if I do not rise in the estimation of the reader for acts of gallantry and devotion in my country's cause, at least I may claim the merit of zealous and persevering continuance in my vocation." Rejected by his aristocratic family, Peter Simple sets out to sea to prove himself as a midshipman in the Royal Navy. As he rises through the ranks with the help of a veteran sailor and makes a name for himself during the fierce fighting of the Napoleonic Wars, Peter discovers new depths to his fortitude and experiences things he would never have seen on land. Adapted for a 1957 BBC television series, Peter Simple is considered one of the most accurate portrayals of naval life during the Napoleonic era. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Frederick Marryat's Peter Simple is a classic of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

Peter Simple (1834) is a novel by Frederick Marryat. Inspired by the author's experience as a captain in the Royal Navy, Peter Simple is a tale of bravery, foolishness, and the manifold reasons for men to take to the high seas. Frequently funny, often profound, Marryat's novel is an underappreciated classic of nineteenth century fiction. "If I cannot narrate a life of adventurous and daring exploits, fortunately I have no heavy crimes to confess: and, if I do not rise in the estimation of the reader for acts of gallantry and devotion in my country's cause, at least I may claim the merit of zealous and persevering continuance in my vocation." Rejected by his aristocratic family, Peter Simple sets out to sea to prove himself as a midshipman in the Royal Navy. As he rises through the ranks with the help of a veteran sailor and makes a name for himself during the fierce fighting of the Napoleonic Wars, Peter discovers new depths to his fortitude and experiences things he would never have seen on land. Adapted for a 1957 BBC television series, Peter Simple is considered one of the most accurate portrayals of naval life during the Napoleonic era. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Frederick Marryat's Peter Simple is a classic of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

Percival Keene (1842) is a novel by Frederick Marryat. Inspired by the author's experience as a captain in the Royal Navy, Percival Keene is a tale of bravery, identity, and the manifold reasons for men to take to the high seas. Frequently funny, often profound, Marryat's novel is an underappreciated classic of nineteenth century fiction. "'Dead! Well, fathers do die sometimes; you must get on how you can without one. I don't think fathers are of much use, for, you see, mothers take care of you till you're old enough to go to sea. My father did nothing for me, except to help mother to lick me, when I was obstropolous.'" Percival Keene is a troubled young man: raised by his mother and grandmother, he gains a reputation for troublemaking and disobedience early on. At school, he lashes out against bullying teacher Mr. O'Gallagher by adding poison to his sandwiches, knowing that the man will steal his lunch as usual. On Guy Fawkes Day, however, Percival finally crosses the line by setting off fireworks underneath O'Gallagher's office, destroying the school and nearly killing the Irishman. Years later, having lost his chance at receiving an education, Percival enlists in the Royal Navy. While serving on the H.M. Calliope, he discovers that his father may not have been the marine Ben Keene, but rather his employer Captain Delmar. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Frederick Marryat's Percival Keene is a classic of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

Mr. Midshipman Easy (1836) is a novel by Frederick Marryat. Inspired by the author's experience as a captain in the Royal Navy, Mr. Midshipman Easy is a tale of bravery, foolishness, and the manifold reasons for men to take to the high seas. Frequently funny, often profound, Marryat's novel is an underappreciated classic of nineteenth century fiction that has been adapted twice for British cinema. "'Then, father, all I have to say is, that I swear by the rights of man I will not go back to school, and that I will go to sea. Who and what is to prevent me? Was not I born my own master?-has any one a right to dictate to me as if I were not his equal? Have I not as much right to my share of the sea as any other mortal? I stand upon perfect equality,' continued Jack, stamping his right foot on the floor." Fueled by his father's philosophical ideas on liberty and equality, Jack Easy decides he will prove himself in a place where all men are equals. Despite his bravery, he soon finds that ideals will get one nowhere in the service of the Royal Navy. Working below deck with the African cook Mephistopheles Faust, Jack learns the secrets of the ship and encounters a lesson in discipline he will never forget. As he rises through the ranks and makes a name for himself during the fierce fighting of the Napoleonic Wars, Jack discovers new depths to his fortitude that would never have showed themselves had he stayed on land. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Frederick Marryat's Mr. Midshipman Easy is a classic of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

Wreck of the Pacific (1841) is a novel by Frederick Marryat. Inspired by the author's experience as a captain in the Royal Navy, Wreck of the Pacific is a tale of disaster and survival on the high seas. Responding to such novels as Robinson Crusoe (1719) and The Swiss Family Robinson (1812), Marryat hoped to tell an entertaining story with a Christian moral while remaining true to the dangers of nautical life. "I am an old man, and it is of little consequence. I care little whether I am taken away a year or two sooner, but I do not like to see blossoms cut off in early spring: I may be of use if I remain, for I've an old head upon my shoulders, and I could not leave you all to perish when you might be saved if you only knew how to act. But here the seamen come-the boat is all ready, and they will now take poor Captain Osborn with them." When the Pacific sails through a terrible storm, losing its masts and captain in one fell swoop, its crew are forced to make difficult decisions. Below deck, the Seagrave family are virtually helpless, left to the mercy of men and nature alike. While the first mate and surviving sailors load most of the provisions onto the only remaining yawl, Masterman Ready remains behind with the terrified landlubbers, offering his services should they find a way to survive. Soon, the ship drifts toward the shores of a deserted island, giving them the chance they so desperately need to survive. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Frederick Marryat's Wreck of the Pacific is a classic of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

Mr. Midshipman Easy (1836) is a novel by Frederick Marryat. Inspired by the author's experience as a captain in the Royal Navy, Mr. Midshipman Easy is a tale of bravery, foolishness, and the manifold reasons for men to take to the high seas. Frequently funny, often profound, Marryat's novel is an underappreciated classic of nineteenth century fiction that has been adapted twice for British cinema. "'Then, father, all I have to say is, that I swear by the rights of man I will not go back to school, and that I will go to sea. Who and what is to prevent me? Was not I born my own master?-has any one a right to dictate to me as if I were not his equal? Have I not as much right to my share of the sea as any other mortal? I stand upon perfect equality,' continued Jack, stamping his right foot on the floor." Fueled by his father's philosophical ideas on liberty and equality, Jack Easy decides he will prove himself in a place where all men are equals. Despite his bravery, he soon finds that ideals will get one nowhere in the service of the Royal Navy. Working below deck with the African cook Mephistopheles Faust, Jack learns the secrets of the ship and encounters a lesson in discipline he will never forget. As he rises through the ranks and makes a name for himself during the fierce fighting of the Napoleonic Wars, Jack discovers new depths to his fortitude that would never have showed themselves had he stayed on land. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Frederick Marryat's Mr. Midshipman Easy is a classic of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

The Children of the New Forest (1847) is a novel by Frederick Marryat. Although Marryat is more widely known for novels inspired by his experience as a captain in the Royal Navy, The Children of the New Forest is a historical children's novel set in the aftermath of the English Civil War. Bringing his readers into the world of danger and political intrigue that was England in the 17th century, Marryat earns his place as one of the leading adventure writers of his time. "It was in the month of November in this year that King Charles, accompanied by Sir John Berkely, Ashburnham, and Legg, made his escape from Hampton Court, and rode as fast as the horses could carry them toward that part of Hampshire which led to the New Forest." At the end of the English Civil War, Parliamentarian forces pursued King Charles and his dwindling allies into the ancient woods of the New Forest. Searching the scattered homes of the forest, they leave a wake of destruction in their path. Having already lost their father, a Royalist, in the Battle of Naseby, orphans Edward, Humphrey, Alice, and Edith are targeted by a group of Roundhead soldiers. Rescued from their burning home by Jacob Armitage, a local verderer, the children learn to survive using techniques passed down by generations of New Forest dwellers. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Frederick Marryat's The Children of the New Forest is a classic of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

Percival Keene (1842) is a novel by Frederick Marryat. Inspired by the author’s experience as a captain in the Royal Navy, Percival Keene is a tale of bravery, identity, and the manifold reasons for men to take to the high seas. Frequently funny, often profound, Marryat’s novel is an underappreciated classic of nineteenth century fiction. “‘Dead! Well, fathers do die sometimes; you must get on how you can without one. I don’t think fathers are of much use, for, you see, mothers take care of you till you’re old enough to go to sea. My father did nothing for me, except to help mother to lick me, when I was obstropolous.’” Percival Keene is a troubled young man: raised by his mother and grandmother, he gains a reputation for troublemaking and disobedience early on. At school, he lashes out against bullying teacher Mr. O’Gallagher by adding poison to his sandwiches, knowing that the man will steal his lunch as usual. On Guy Fawkes Day, however, Percival finally crosses the line by setting off fireworks underneath O’Gallagher’s office, destroying the school and nearly killing the Irishman. Years later, having lost his chance at receiving an education, Percival enlists in the Royal Navy. While serving on the H.M. Calliope, he discovers that his father may not have been the marine Ben Keene, but rather his employer Captain Delmar. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Frederick Marryat’s Percival Keene is a classic of British literature reimagined for modern readers.