Stories by English Authors: the Sea   By: Various

Stories by English Authors: the Sea is an anthology written by various English authors. It delves into the enigmatic world of the sea, capturing its vastness, beauty, and mystery. The compilation includes a diverse range of stories, each offering a unique perspective on this captivating theme.

The anthology begins with a gripping tale called "A Fight with a Submarine." Through vivid descriptions and authentic dialogue, the author immerses readers in a thrilling underwater battle between a British warship and an enemy submarine. The intense battle sequences and the sheer bravery of the sailors create an atmosphere of tension throughout the narrative.

Moving on, the anthology presents "The Shipwreck," a haunting story that explores the physical and psychological struggles of survivors after a devastating shipwreck. The author skillfully weaves together elements of human resilience, despair, and hope. The characters' emotions are palpable, and readers will find themselves empathizing with their predicament.

Next, the anthology takes readers to a different setting in "The First Sirens." This enchanting tale introduces us to a group of fishermen who encounter mystical sirens during a storm at sea. The author expertly portrays the allure and danger of these mythical creatures, blurring the line between reality and fantasy. Through the fishermen's experiences, readers are transported into an imaginative realm filled with intrigue and wonder.

One of the standout stories in this anthology is "The Mystery of the Estuary." Here, the author masterfully crafts a suspenseful and atmospheric narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story revolves around a boat's encounter with a mysterious shipwreck hidden within a murky estuary. The author's vivid descriptions of the eerie setting and the characters' increasing paranoia build a sense of impending doom, leaving readers breathless with anticipation until the thrilling climax.

Throughout the collection, the authors demonstrate a deep understanding of the sea's power and its impact on humanity. They skillfully utilize vivid imagery to evoke the beauty and danger of the ocean, allowing readers to immerse themselves in its depths. The stories also reflect on the human connection with the sea, highlighting the resilience, fear, and fascination we experience in its presence.

One minor drawback of this anthology is the occasional repetition of certain themes and motifs. While it is understandable that tales centered around the sea may share common elements, it would have been refreshing to encounter more diverse perspectives or narratives that deviated from the expected.

Overall, Stories by English Authors: the Sea is a compelling collection of tales that explores the enigmatic realm of the ocean. The choice of stories, their well-crafted narratives, and the authors' powerful storytelling abilities make this anthology a captivating read for anyone fascinated by the sea and its mysteries.

First Page:

In the newspapers of 1876 appeared the following extracts from the log of a merchantman: "VOLCANIC ISLAND IN THE NORTH ATLANTIC. The ship Hercules, of Liverpool, lately arrived in the Mersey, reports as follows: March 23, in 2 deg. 12' north latitude, 33 deg. 27' west longitude, a shock of earthquake was felt, and shortly afterward a mass of land was hove up at a distance of about two miles from the ship. Michael Balfour, the chief officer, fell overboard. A buoy was thrown to him, the ship brought to the wind, and a boat lowered within fifteen minutes of the occurence. But though the men sought the chief mate for some time, nothing could be seen of him, and it is supposed that he sank shortly after falling into the sea. Masters of vessels are recommended to keep a sharp lookout in approaching the situation of the new island as given above... Continue reading book >>