Marryat was a midshipman under Captain Cochrane and this, his first naval adventure, is considered to be a highly autobiographical telling of his adventures with one of Britain's most famous and daring naval captains.

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We do not intend to review our own work; if we did it justice we might be accused of partiality, and we are not such fools as to abuse it. We leave that to our literary friends who may have so little taste as not to appreciate its merits. Not that there would be anything novel in reviewing our own performances that we have discovered since we have assumed the office of editor; but still it is always done sub rosa , whereas in our position we could not deny our situation as editor and author. Of Peter Simple , therefore, we say nothing, but we take this opportunity of saying a few words to the public... Continue reading book >>