Old Gold The Cruise of the "Jason" Brig By: George Manville Fenn (1831-1909)
George Manville Fenn's Old Gold: The Cruise of the "Jason" Brig is a thrilling maritime adventure that takes readers on a wild ride through treacherous seas, hidden treasures, and daring escapades. Set in the exciting world of seafaring, this book brings to life the dangers and rewards of life at sea. The story revolves around the courageous crew of the "Jason" brig, led by Captain Jacques Lennard. When rumors of a lost treasure spread, Captain Lennard decides to embark on a perilous journey to find it. As the crew sets sail, they encounter numerous challenges, including treacherous storms, rival pirates, and their own fears and doubts. Fenn's writing style is immersive and captivating, drawing readers into the heart of the action. His vivid descriptions of the stormy seas and the vastness of the ocean create a sense of awe and beauty, while also highlighting the ever-present danger. The characters come to life through Fenn's skillful storytelling, with Captain Lennard being a charismatic and resourceful leader who faces each obstacle with unwavering determination. One of the strengths of Old Gold is Fenn's attention to detail. From the intricate workings of the ship to the technicalities of navigation, readers are given a glimpse into the intricacies of life onboard a 19th-century vessel. Fenn's meticulous research is evident, and it adds authenticity and depth to the narrative. The plot, although centered around the pursuit of treasure, delves into themes of bravery, loyalty, and the importance of teamwork. The diverse cast of characters, each with their own quirks and strengths, brings a sense of camaraderie and unity that is both refreshing and inspiring. However, as engaging as Old Gold is, there are moments when the pacing lags, particularly during the extensive descriptions of the ship and its equipment. While these passages may be appreciated by maritime enthusiasts, some readers might find them a bit tedious. Additionally, the dialogue can feel somewhat stilted at times, lacking the natural flow and rhythm that would have enhanced the overall reading experience. Despite these small shortcomings, Old Gold: The Cruise of the "Jason" Brig remains an enthralling tale of adventure on the high seas. Fenn's ability to transport readers to a different time and place is commendable, and his meticulous attention to historical accuracy adds depth and authenticity to the story. Fans of maritime adventures and treasure hunting will find themselves captivated by the exciting escapades of Captain Lennard and his crew. First Page: Old Gold; or, The Cruise of the Brig Jason, by George Manville Fenn. Here we have yet another suspense filled adventure novel by Fenn. There seems to be no end to the situations into which the people in the book can get themselves, and from which there seem to be no escape. A couple of wealthy Englishmen are determined to sail as far as they can up one of the great rivers of South America, perhaps the Orinoco or perhaps the Amazon. At the time this has never before been done. After finding a ship and skipper they are joined by Briscoe, a rather pushy young man, who has some good characteristics, but whom none of them really like, and who gets on board, with all his stores and a servant, by a series of subterfuges. As they make their way up the river they choose the Amazon they are attacked by the local natives, armed with bows and arrows. Then a boat they send out to explore near a great cataract is sucked in by the towback of the falls. This is normally fatal, but the wind slightly changes, and they find an eddy which carries them clear. Creating a trackway to enable them to haul a large ship's boat past the falls, they leave their brig at anchor below the falls, and continue with the exploration. They find an extraordinary rock hewn city in the cliffs bordering a canyon, abandoned perhaps for centuries, and now inhabited by serpents, bats and possibly with various deadfalls guarding the various chambers... Continue reading book >>

Old Gold The Cruise of the "Jason" Brig By: George Manville Fenn (1831-1909)

George Manville Fenn's Old Gold: The Cruise of the "Jason" Brig is a thrilling maritime adventure that takes readers on a wild ride through treacherous seas, hidden treasures, and daring escapades. Set in the exciting world of seafaring, this book brings to life the dangers and rewards of life at sea.

The story revolves around the courageous crew of the "Jason" brig, led by Captain Jacques Lennard. When rumors of a lost treasure spread, Captain Lennard decides to embark on a perilous journey to find it. As the crew sets sail, they encounter numerous challenges, including treacherous storms, rival pirates, and their own fears and doubts.

Fenn's writing style is immersive and captivating, drawing readers into the heart of the action. His vivid descriptions of the stormy seas and the vastness of the ocean create a sense of awe and beauty, while also highlighting the ever-present danger. The characters come to life through Fenn's skillful storytelling, with Captain Lennard being a charismatic and resourceful leader who faces each obstacle with unwavering determination.

One of the strengths of Old Gold is Fenn's attention to detail. From the intricate workings of the ship to the technicalities of navigation, readers are given a glimpse into the intricacies of life onboard a 19th-century vessel. Fenn's meticulous research is evident, and it adds authenticity and depth to the narrative.

The plot, although centered around the pursuit of treasure, delves into themes of bravery, loyalty, and the importance of teamwork. The diverse cast of characters, each with their own quirks and strengths, brings a sense of camaraderie and unity that is both refreshing and inspiring.

However, as engaging as Old Gold is, there are moments when the pacing lags, particularly during the extensive descriptions of the ship and its equipment. While these passages may be appreciated by maritime enthusiasts, some readers might find them a bit tedious. Additionally, the dialogue can feel somewhat stilted at times, lacking the natural flow and rhythm that would have enhanced the overall reading experience.

Despite these small shortcomings, Old Gold: The Cruise of the "Jason" Brig remains an enthralling tale of adventure on the high seas. Fenn's ability to transport readers to a different time and place is commendable, and his meticulous attention to historical accuracy adds depth and authenticity to the story. Fans of maritime adventures and treasure hunting will find themselves captivated by the exciting escapades of Captain Lennard and his crew.

First Page:

Old Gold; or, The Cruise of the Brig Jason, by George Manville Fenn.

Here we have yet another suspense filled adventure novel by Fenn. There seems to be no end to the situations into which the people in the book can get themselves, and from which there seem to be no escape.

A couple of wealthy Englishmen are determined to sail as far as they can up one of the great rivers of South America, perhaps the Orinoco or perhaps the Amazon. At the time this has never before been done. After finding a ship and skipper they are joined by Briscoe, a rather pushy young man, who has some good characteristics, but whom none of them really like, and who gets on board, with all his stores and a servant, by a series of subterfuges.

As they make their way up the river they choose the Amazon they are attacked by the local natives, armed with bows and arrows. Then a boat they send out to explore near a great cataract is sucked in by the towback of the falls. This is normally fatal, but the wind slightly changes, and they find an eddy which carries them clear.

Creating a trackway to enable them to haul a large ship's boat past the falls, they leave their brig at anchor below the falls, and continue with the exploration. They find an extraordinary rock hewn city in the cliffs bordering a canyon, abandoned perhaps for centuries, and now inhabited by serpents, bats and possibly with various deadfalls guarding the various chambers... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Teen/Young adult

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Wikipedia – George Manville Fenn
Wikipedia – Old Gold The Cruise of the "Jason" Brig

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