Jarwin and Cuffy
May 2019 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
97
Pages
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About this ebook
(Excerpt): "In all the wide expanse of ocean that surrounded that island, there was nothing visible save one small, solitary speck on the far-off horizon. It might have been mistaken for a seagull, but it was in reality a raft-a mass of spars and planks rudely bound together with ropes. A boat's mast rose from the centre of it, on which hung a rag of sail, and a small red flag drooped motionless from its summit. There were a few casks on the highest part of the raft, but no living soul was visible. Nevertheless, it was not without tenants. In a hollow between two of the spars, under the shadow of one of the casks, lay the form of a man. The canvas trousers, cotton shirt, blue jacket, and open necktie, bespoke him a sailor, but it seemed as though there were nothing left save the dead body of the unfortunate tar, so pale and thin and ghastly were his features. A terrier dog lay beside him, so shrunken that it looked like a mere scrap of door-matting. Both man and dog were apparently dead, but they were not so in reality, for, after lying about an hour quite motionless, the man slowly opened his eyes."
About the author
R. M. Ballantyne, born Robert Michael Ballantyne on April 24, 1825, in Edinburgh, Scotland, was a prolific 19th-century author whose adventure novels captivated young readers and left an indelible mark on the genre. The son of a printer, Ballantyne was thrust into the world of literature from an early age. His adventurous spirit was kindled by his own experiences working for the Hudson's Bay Company in Canada, where he spent five formative years amidst the rugged wilderness.Ballantyne's firsthand encounters with the untamed landscapes and diverse cultures of North America infused his writing with authenticity and excitement. His vivid descriptions and dynamic storytelling set a new standard for adventure literature, inspiring future giants like Robert Louis Stevenson and Arthur Ransome. His works often featured young protagonists who embodied courage, resourcefulness, and moral integrity, themes that resonated deeply with Victorian values and continue to appeal to modern sensibilities.Controversy occasionally shadowed Ballantyne's career, particularly regarding his portrayal of indigenous peoples and colonial settings. While his depictions reflected the prevailing attitudes of his time, they have since sparked critical discussions on representation and cultural sensitivity.Beyond his literary contributions, Ballantyne was a pioneer in advocating for realistic and educational children's literature. He believed that young readers deserved stories that were both entertaining and instructive, a revolutionary idea that helped shape the future of juvenile fiction.R. M. Ballantyne passed away on February 8, 1894, but his legacy endures, his tales of adventure continuing to ignite the imaginations of readers around the world.
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