Jack in the Forecastle; or, Incidents in the Early Life of Hawser Martingale

"Jack in the Forecastle; or, Incidents in the Early Life of Hawser Martingale" by John Sherburne Sleeper is a novel written during the mid-19th century. The narrative follows the young protagonist, Hawser Martingale, as he embarks on a journey at sea, driven by a deep-seated desire to embrace a sailor's life despite his inexperienced beginnings. The story is rooted in themes of adventure, the challenges of maritime life, and the societal issues surrounding the sea during that era. The opening of the novel introduces us to Hawser, who reflects on his upbringing and the circumstances leading to his decision to go to sea after the early loss of his parents. His introduction to maritime life begins with a rather ungracious welcome from his kinsman, Captain Tilton, who expresses skepticism about Hawser’s ability to endure the rigors of a sailor’s life. Undeterred, Hawser boards the brig Dolphin, where he faces the unromantic realities of sea travel, from seasickness to the rough demeanor of the crew. The narrative captures his initial excitement, learning experiences, and evolving perceptions of the sailor's lifestyle, setting the stage for a journey filled with both trials and transformative moments. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Sleeper, John Sherburne, 1794-1878
Title Jack in the Forecastle; or, Incidents in the Early Life of Hawser Martingale
Credits Produced by Theresa Armao, and David Widger
Reading Level Reading ease score: 62.2 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
Language English
LoC Class G: Geography, Anthropology, Recreation
Subject Seafaring life
Category Text
eBook-No. 8638
Release Date
Last Update Feb 9, 2013
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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