Ben Burton Born and Bred at Sea By: William Henry Giles Kingston (1814-1880)
Ben Burton Born and Bred at Sea by William Henry Giles Kingston is an engaging tale that takes readers on an unforgettable journey across the open waters. Set in the backdrop of the 19th century, this nautical adventure regales the story of a young boy named Ben Burton, whose life is intimately intertwined with the sea. From the very beginning, the author captivates readers with vivid descriptions that transport them directly onto the coastline, making them feel the salty ocean breeze and the roar of the crashing waves. Kingston's meticulous attention to detail evokes a sense of authenticity, immersing the readers in the maritime world. The protagonist, Ben Burton, is a complex character whose life is marred by tragedy right from birth. As a child, he is mysteriously left behind on a ship and becomes a foster child of its crew. Raised among sailors, he inherits their love for the sea and develops remarkable skills that are vital for survival on deck. Ben’s resilience and determination are truly admirable, as he navigates the treacherous waters of his uncertain origins and embraces the life he was born into. Kingston effortlessly weaves a tapestry of exhilarating adventures that range from heartwarming to heart-stopping. From encounters with menacing pirates to daring rescue missions, every chapter brings a new twist to the tale. The author's descriptive prowess makes every moment come alive, and the reader is effortlessly transported, experiencing the wonder and danger right alongside Ben. Moreover, Kingston intertwines valuable life lessons throughout the storyline, subtly imparting morals and values without detracting from the overall excitement. The importance of loyalty, friendship, and self-discovery are beautifully threaded into the fabric of the narrative, making this more than just an enthralling adventure on the high seas. The supporting characters in the book are equally well-developed, each with their unique personalities and their own tales to tell. The interactions between Ben and his shipmates evoke raw emotions and epitomize the camaraderie that exists among those who brave the sea together. Additionally, the occasional moments of humor and lightheartedness offer a welcomed respite from the suspense, further enhancing the overall reading experience. The book's only minor drawback lies in its slow pacing during certain sections, which may deter readers seeking a constant adrenaline rush. However, Kingston compensates for this by delving into the intricacies of sailing, seamlessly blending maritime knowledge with the storyline, thereby cultivating a sense of authenticity. In summary, Ben Burton Born and Bred at Sea is an enthralling nautical adventure that will appeal to readers of all ages. William Henry Giles Kingston's engaging storytelling, impeccable attention to detail, and well-crafted characters make for an unforgettable reading experience. Whether you're an avid fan of seafaring tales or simply seeking a gripping page-turner, this book is sure to satisfy your appetite for adventure. First Page: Ben Burton; or, Born and Bred at Sea, by W H G Kingston. The story really consists of a series of nautical and shore incidents, to do with Ben Burton and his family. During the course of the story he goes from being born, to a senior Naval rank. Shortly after he is born they come across a dinghy drifting with an ayah and a small white girl, who grows up in parallel with Ben, though she is spared some of his more martial adventures. It's always difficult to get a timescale with books like this one, as the years seem to go past much faster than the supply of adventures. I was somewhat baffled by the paragraphing in this book. For most of the book the paragraphing is as you would expect it to be, but there is an over supply of very long paragraphs, and some of these contain quite complex conversations, so that one is tempted to split them up so that passage looks more conventional and readable. I have not done so, except in one flagrant case, because I suspect that Kingston may have been experimenting in some way. On the other hand it may be that he had contracted to write a book of so many pages, and this was a way of condensing a long conversational exchange. There were some other strange things to be noticed, such as places and people changing their spelling (Benjy and Benjie, for instance), within a few lines... Continue reading book >>

Ben Burton Born and Bred at Sea By: William Henry Giles Kingston (1814-1880)

Ben Burton Born and Bred at Sea by William Henry Giles Kingston is an engaging tale that takes readers on an unforgettable journey across the open waters. Set in the backdrop of the 19th century, this nautical adventure regales the story of a young boy named Ben Burton, whose life is intimately intertwined with the sea.

From the very beginning, the author captivates readers with vivid descriptions that transport them directly onto the coastline, making them feel the salty ocean breeze and the roar of the crashing waves. Kingston's meticulous attention to detail evokes a sense of authenticity, immersing the readers in the maritime world.

The protagonist, Ben Burton, is a complex character whose life is marred by tragedy right from birth. As a child, he is mysteriously left behind on a ship and becomes a foster child of its crew. Raised among sailors, he inherits their love for the sea and develops remarkable skills that are vital for survival on deck. Ben’s resilience and determination are truly admirable, as he navigates the treacherous waters of his uncertain origins and embraces the life he was born into.

Kingston effortlessly weaves a tapestry of exhilarating adventures that range from heartwarming to heart-stopping. From encounters with menacing pirates to daring rescue missions, every chapter brings a new twist to the tale. The author's descriptive prowess makes every moment come alive, and the reader is effortlessly transported, experiencing the wonder and danger right alongside Ben.

Moreover, Kingston intertwines valuable life lessons throughout the storyline, subtly imparting morals and values without detracting from the overall excitement. The importance of loyalty, friendship, and self-discovery are beautifully threaded into the fabric of the narrative, making this more than just an enthralling adventure on the high seas.

The supporting characters in the book are equally well-developed, each with their unique personalities and their own tales to tell. The interactions between Ben and his shipmates evoke raw emotions and epitomize the camaraderie that exists among those who brave the sea together. Additionally, the occasional moments of humor and lightheartedness offer a welcomed respite from the suspense, further enhancing the overall reading experience.

The book's only minor drawback lies in its slow pacing during certain sections, which may deter readers seeking a constant adrenaline rush. However, Kingston compensates for this by delving into the intricacies of sailing, seamlessly blending maritime knowledge with the storyline, thereby cultivating a sense of authenticity.

In summary, Ben Burton Born and Bred at Sea is an enthralling nautical adventure that will appeal to readers of all ages. William Henry Giles Kingston's engaging storytelling, impeccable attention to detail, and well-crafted characters make for an unforgettable reading experience. Whether you're an avid fan of seafaring tales or simply seeking a gripping page-turner, this book is sure to satisfy your appetite for adventure.

First Page:

Ben Burton; or, Born and Bred at Sea, by W H G Kingston.

The story really consists of a series of nautical and shore incidents, to do with Ben Burton and his family. During the course of the story he goes from being born, to a senior Naval rank. Shortly after he is born they come across a dinghy drifting with an ayah and a small white girl, who grows up in parallel with Ben, though she is spared some of his more martial adventures.

It's always difficult to get a timescale with books like this one, as the years seem to go past much faster than the supply of adventures.

I was somewhat baffled by the paragraphing in this book. For most of the book the paragraphing is as you would expect it to be, but there is an over supply of very long paragraphs, and some of these contain quite complex conversations, so that one is tempted to split them up so that passage looks more conventional and readable. I have not done so, except in one flagrant case, because I suspect that Kingston may have been experimenting in some way. On the other hand it may be that he had contracted to write a book of so many pages, and this was a way of condensing a long conversational exchange.

There were some other strange things to be noticed, such as places and people changing their spelling (Benjy and Benjie, for instance), within a few lines... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Sea stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – William Henry Giles Kingston
Wikipedia – Ben Burton Born and Bred at Sea

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