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Crown and Anchor Under the Pen'ant   By:

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Crown and Anchor Under the Pen'ant, written by John C. Hutcheson, takes readers on an adventurous journey through the fascinating world of sailing and seafaring. Set in the late 19th century, this thrilling novel skillfully weaves together elements of maritime romance, action, and suspense.

The story follows the life of protagonist, Ralph Ropehold, a young sailor on the H.M.S. Pen'ant. As the young sailor navigates the treacherous seas, he not only faces the dangers of storms and pirates but also finds himself entangled in a web of love, loyalty, and betrayal.

Hutcheson's writing style is engaging and rich in nautical detail, demonstrating his extensive knowledge of maritime life. From the first chapter, readers are transported onto the ship's deck, feeling the sway of the waves and the salty sea breeze on their faces. The author's vivid descriptions truly immerse readers in the world of sailors, making it all the more compelling and believable.

The characters in Crown and Anchor Under the Pen'ant are well-developed and relatable, each bringing their own unique personality to the story. Ralph Ropehold, the determined and resourceful protagonist, captures the readers' sympathy as they witness his growth from an inexperienced sailor to a confident and skilled seaman. The interactions between the characters are authentic, and their individual arcs add depth to the overall plot.

In terms of the plot, Hutcheson adeptly balances fast-paced action sequences with moments of introspection. The narrative flows smoothly, ensuring that readers remain engaged throughout. The intense sea battles and encounters with pirates are meticulously described, leaving readers breathless with anticipation. Additionally, the author's exploration of themes such as honor, friendship, and sacrifice adds an emotional layer to the story.

One minor drawback of this novel is the occasional use of archaic language, which might require readers to consult a dictionary. Nevertheless, this does not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story.

Crown and Anchor Under the Pen'ant is a captivating maritime tale that will appeal to anyone with an interest in seafaring adventures. Hutcheson's excellent storytelling talents, combined with his deep understanding of ships and sailors, create a compelling narrative that keeps readers hooked until the very last page. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a landlubber fascinated by tales of the sea, this novel is an exhilarating adventure that should not be missed.

First Page:

Crown and Anchor, by John Conroy Hutcheson.

This book is by a really good contemporary authority on how vessels of the Royal Navy were managed in the late nineteenth century, therefore every page rings true. Some of the best parts are quite early in the book, when our hero and his ship go to investigate a sinking wreck in the Bay of Biscay, which had been reported to them by a French warship they had encountered.

The vessel is sent on to other stations, and in particular to the China one, where several notable incidents occur. This book is a very good yarn, and it makes a very good audiobook.

CROWN AND ANCHOR, BY JOHN CONROY HUTCHESON.

CHAPTER ONE.

AN OLD SEA LION.

"Hullo, Dad!" I cried out, stopping abruptly in front of the red granite coloured Reform Club, down the marble steps of which a queer looking old gentleman was slowly descending. "Who is that funny old fellow there? He's just like that `old clo'' man we saw at the corner of the street this morning, only that he hasn't got three hats on, one on top of another, the same as the other chap had!"

We were walking along Pall Mall on our way from Piccadilly to Whitehall, where my father intended calling in at the Admiralty to put in a sort of official appearance on his return to England after a long period of foreign service; and Dad was taking advantage of the opportunity to show me a few of the sights of London that came within our ken, everything being strange to me, for I had never set foot in the metropolis before the previous evening, when mother and I had come up by a late train from the little Hampshire village where we lived, to meet father on his arrival and welcome him home... Continue reading book >>




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