The Lively Poll A Tale of the North Sea By: Robert Michael Ballantyne (1825-1894)
In "The Lively Poll: A Tale of the North Sea" by Robert Michael Ballantyne, readers are taken on a thrilling journey through the unpredictable and treacherous waters of the North Sea. With his vivid storytelling and attention to detail, Ballantyne transports readers to an era when the sea was not only a source of livelihood but also a constant battleground between nature and man. The story revolves around a young and ambitious sailor named Tom Aylward, who finds himself aboard the titular vessel, the Lively Poll. As the crew embarks on various adventures and encounters dangerous situations, Tom's skills and courage are put to the test. Ballantyne beautifully captures the essence of life at sea, describing the harsh conditions, the daily routines of the sailors, and the constant struggle against unruly waves. The author's meticulous research is evident throughout the book as he takes us deeper into the world of seafaring. From the intricacies of sailing techniques to the dangers of storms and shipwrecks, every aspect is described with impeccable detail – making readers feel as if they are on the ship themselves, experiencing the challenges and triumphs alongside the crew. One of the most endearing aspects of the novel is the strong camaraderie between the sailors. The relationships built upon trust, loyalty, and mutual support add depth to the story, allowing readers to form genuine connections with the characters. Tom's growth as a sailor and as an individual is a captivating journey, as he learns valuable lessons about determination, leadership, and the power of friendship. "The Lively Poll" is not merely an adventure story set at sea; it also explores the theme of survival against all odds. Ballantyne deftly weaves elements of suspense, danger, and human resilience into the narrative, ensuring that readers are gripped until the very end. The well-paced plot and the author's expert storytelling keep the readers on edge, eagerly turning the pages to find out what will happen next. Furthermore, Ballantyne's rich descriptions of the North Sea and its surrounding landscapes transport us into a world of ever-changing beauty and danger. The author's ability to evoke all of the senses allows readers to visualize the icy waters, hear the crashing waves, and feel the biting wind on their skin. This attention to sensory detail adds an immersive quality to the reading experience, painting a vivid picture of life in a time so vastly different from our own. Overall, "The Lively Poll: A Tale of the North Sea" is a captivating adventure filled with excitement, danger, and a touch of humanity. Ballantyne's engrossing narrative, authentic characters, and profound understanding of maritime life make this novel a must-read for fans of historical fiction and sea adventures. From start to finish, this book is an exhilarating journey that will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for the perils and wonders of the sea. First Page: The Lively Poll, by R.M. Ballantyne. The scene opens with one of the many North Sea fishing fleets at work on its grounds. One of the boats is commanded by a man who is called the Admiral of the fleet. He commands the other boats as to when and where they are to start working with their trawl nets, for if such control were not imposed there would be chaos, with a hundred or more boats crossing each other's paths and consequently entangling their nets. After a night's fishing the fish are gutted, filleted, and boxed. A steam vessel approaches, and takes their catches, so that they can be landed at the nearest fishing port, such as Yarmouth and Gorleston, and rushed to London and other great cities, to be fresh on tables the following day. But there is another type of vessel that trades with the "Lively Poll" and other ships of that fishing fleet the Dutch "coper", bringing goods to trade for fish, including tobacco and schnapps, for the Demon Drink is the ruination of many a good man. That is what this book is really all about, the ruination of some men, and the salvation of others, for even out at sea there are missionaries working to try and save souls. THE LIVELY POLL, BY R... Continue reading book >>

The Lively Poll A Tale of the North Sea By: Robert Michael Ballantyne (1825-1894)

In "The Lively Poll: A Tale of the North Sea" by Robert Michael Ballantyne, readers are taken on a thrilling journey through the unpredictable and treacherous waters of the North Sea. With his vivid storytelling and attention to detail, Ballantyne transports readers to an era when the sea was not only a source of livelihood but also a constant battleground between nature and man.

The story revolves around a young and ambitious sailor named Tom Aylward, who finds himself aboard the titular vessel, the Lively Poll. As the crew embarks on various adventures and encounters dangerous situations, Tom's skills and courage are put to the test. Ballantyne beautifully captures the essence of life at sea, describing the harsh conditions, the daily routines of the sailors, and the constant struggle against unruly waves.

The author's meticulous research is evident throughout the book as he takes us deeper into the world of seafaring. From the intricacies of sailing techniques to the dangers of storms and shipwrecks, every aspect is described with impeccable detail – making readers feel as if they are on the ship themselves, experiencing the challenges and triumphs alongside the crew.

One of the most endearing aspects of the novel is the strong camaraderie between the sailors. The relationships built upon trust, loyalty, and mutual support add depth to the story, allowing readers to form genuine connections with the characters. Tom's growth as a sailor and as an individual is a captivating journey, as he learns valuable lessons about determination, leadership, and the power of friendship.

"The Lively Poll" is not merely an adventure story set at sea; it also explores the theme of survival against all odds. Ballantyne deftly weaves elements of suspense, danger, and human resilience into the narrative, ensuring that readers are gripped until the very end. The well-paced plot and the author's expert storytelling keep the readers on edge, eagerly turning the pages to find out what will happen next.

Furthermore, Ballantyne's rich descriptions of the North Sea and its surrounding landscapes transport us into a world of ever-changing beauty and danger. The author's ability to evoke all of the senses allows readers to visualize the icy waters, hear the crashing waves, and feel the biting wind on their skin. This attention to sensory detail adds an immersive quality to the reading experience, painting a vivid picture of life in a time so vastly different from our own.

Overall, "The Lively Poll: A Tale of the North Sea" is a captivating adventure filled with excitement, danger, and a touch of humanity. Ballantyne's engrossing narrative, authentic characters, and profound understanding of maritime life make this novel a must-read for fans of historical fiction and sea adventures. From start to finish, this book is an exhilarating journey that will leave readers with a newfound appreciation for the perils and wonders of the sea.

First Page:

The Lively Poll, by R.M. Ballantyne.

The scene opens with one of the many North Sea fishing fleets at work on its grounds. One of the boats is commanded by a man who is called the Admiral of the fleet. He commands the other boats as to when and where they are to start working with their trawl nets, for if such control were not imposed there would be chaos, with a hundred or more boats crossing each other's paths and consequently entangling their nets.

After a night's fishing the fish are gutted, filleted, and boxed. A steam vessel approaches, and takes their catches, so that they can be landed at the nearest fishing port, such as Yarmouth and Gorleston, and rushed to London and other great cities, to be fresh on tables the following day.

But there is another type of vessel that trades with the "Lively Poll" and other ships of that fishing fleet the Dutch "coper", bringing goods to trade for fish, including tobacco and schnapps, for the Demon Drink is the ruination of many a good man. That is what this book is really all about, the ruination of some men, and the salvation of others, for even out at sea there are missionaries working to try and save souls.

THE LIVELY POLL, BY R... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature
Religion
Sea stories

eBook links
Wikipedia – Robert Michael Ballantyne
Wikipedia – The Lively Poll A Tale of the North Sea

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