Captain Blood
Jun 2022 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
273
Pages
family_home
Eligible
info
reportRatings and reviews aren’t verified Learn More
About this ebook
Captain Blood: His Odyssey is an adventure novel by Rafael Sabatini, originally published in 1922. Sabatini was a proponent of basing historical fiction as closely as possible on history. Although Blood is a fictional character, much of the historical background of the novel is loosely based on fact. A group of Monmouth rebels was indeed condemned to ten years' hard labor in Barbados, though not chattel slavery as described in the book; and the shifting political alliances of the Glorious Revolution of 1688 are used in the novel as a plot device to allow Blood's return to respectability. Sabatini based the first part of the story of Blood on Henry Pitman, a surgeon who tended the wounded Monmouth rebels and was sentenced to death by Judge Jeffreys, but whose sentence was commuted to penal transportation to Barbados where he escaped and was captured by pirates. Unlike the fictional Blood, Pitman did not join them, and eventually made his way back to England where he wrote a popular account of his ordeal. For Blood's life as a buccaneer, Sabatini used several models, including Henry Morgan and the work of Alexandre Exquemelin, for historical details.
About the author
Rafael Sabatini (1875-1950) was an Italian-English author whose swashbuckling tales of adventure and romance captivated early 20th-century readers. Born in Jesi, Italy, to an English mother and Italian father, both opera singers, Sabatini's multicultural upbringing enriched his storytelling with a unique blend of European sensibilities. Fluent in six languages by his teenage years, he eventually settled in England, where he embarked on his prolific writing career.Sabatini's novels, characterized by their vivid historical settings and dashing protagonists, have left an indelible mark on the adventure genre. His most famous works include "Scaramouche" and "Captain Blood," both of which were adapted into successful films, further cementing his legacy. His stories often explored themes of justice, honor, and the individual's struggle against societal constraints, resonating with readers during the tumultuous interwar period.Despite his popularity, Sabatini's life was not without controversy. He faced criticism for his romanticized portrayal of historical events and figures, which some contemporaries felt glossed over the harsher realities of the past. Nevertheless, his meticulous research and engaging narrative style won him a dedicated readership.Sabatini's influence extends to contemporary writers like George MacDonald Fraser and Bernard Cornwell, who have cited him as an inspiration. His revolutionary idea of blending meticulous historical detail with high-stakes adventure paved the way for modern historical fiction. Today, Rafael Sabatini is remembered not just as a master storyteller but as a pioneer who brought history to life with unparalleled flair and imagination.
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
