Many Cargoes By: W. W. Jacobs (1863-1943)
Many Cargoes by W. W. Jacobs is a collection of short stories that paints a vivid picture of life at sea during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From the opening tale to the final page, Jacobs skillfully captures the essence of maritime life, offering readers a glimpse into the challenges, tribulations, and occasional triumphs of those who journeyed across the world's oceans. One of the standout features of this collection is the author's ability to create believable and relatable characters. Whether it's the young and ambitious sailor longing for adventure or the seasoned captain navigating through treacherous waters, each individual is brought to life with depth and authenticity. Jacobs' keen eye for human nature is evident throughout, as he examines the complexities of human interactions that often arise on long voyages. The stories themselves are varied in tone and content, showcasing the author's versatility as a writer. Some tales are lighthearted and humorous, providing much-needed levity in the face of the harsh realities of life at sea. Others delve into deeper, more serious themes, exploring the perils and sacrifices that come with a life devoted to the open ocean. Jacobs' writing style is both engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to become fully immersed in the stories and lose themselves in the world he has created. Furthermore, the settings in Many Cargoes deserve special praise. Jacobs' descriptions of the ever-changing sea, the bustling ports, and the cramped quarters of the ships are vivid and evocative. It is evident that the author himself had firsthand experience with the maritime world, as his depictions of the sailors' routines, superstitions, and camaraderie are all meticulously woven into the narratives. However, there are a few shortcomings that should be mentioned. Some of the stories in the collection are stronger and more captivating than others, leading to occasional unevenness in the book's overall impact. Additionally, the ending of a few stories felt somewhat abrupt, leaving the reader longing for more resolution or closure. Nevertheless, Many Cargoes is a worthy addition to any literature enthusiast's collection. With its engrossing characters, compelling narratives, and beautifully rendered settings, the book provides a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of seafaring adventure. W. W. Jacobs' talent for storytelling shines through in this collection, making it a must-read for anyone with an interest in maritime history or simply a passion for well-crafted tales. First Page: MANY CARGOES By W.W. Jacobs Second Edition New York 1894 CONTENTS A CHANGE OF TREATMENT A LOVE PASSAGE THE CAPTAIN'S EXPLOIT CONTRABAND OF WAR A BLACK AFFAIR THE SKIPPER OF THE "OSPREY" IN BORROWED PLUMES THE BOATSWAIN'S WATCH LOW WATER IN MID ATLANTIC AFTER THE INQUEST IN LIMEHOUSE REACH AN ELABORATE ELOPEMENT THE COOK OF THE "GANNET" A BENEFIT PERFORMANCE A CASE OF DESERTION OUTSAILED MATED THE RIVAL BEAUTIES MRS. BUNKER'S CHAPERON A HARBOUR OF REFUGE A CHANGE OF TREATMENT "Yes, I've sailed under some 'cute skippers in my time," said the night watchman; "them that go down in big ships see the wonders o' the deep, you know," he added with a sudden chuckle, "but the one I'm going to tell you about ought never to have been trusted out without 'is ma. A good many o' my skippers had fads, but this one was the worst I ever sailed under. "It's some few years ago now; I'd shipped on his barque, the John Elliott, as slow going an old tub as ever I was aboard of, when I wasn't in quite a fit an' proper state to know what I was doing, an' I hadn't been in her two days afore I found out his 'obby through overhearing a few remarks made by the second mate, who came up from dinner in a hurry to make 'em... Continue reading book >>

Many Cargoes By: W. W. Jacobs (1863-1943)

Many Cargoes by W. W. Jacobs is a collection of short stories that paints a vivid picture of life at sea during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. From the opening tale to the final page, Jacobs skillfully captures the essence of maritime life, offering readers a glimpse into the challenges, tribulations, and occasional triumphs of those who journeyed across the world's oceans.

One of the standout features of this collection is the author's ability to create believable and relatable characters. Whether it's the young and ambitious sailor longing for adventure or the seasoned captain navigating through treacherous waters, each individual is brought to life with depth and authenticity. Jacobs' keen eye for human nature is evident throughout, as he examines the complexities of human interactions that often arise on long voyages.

The stories themselves are varied in tone and content, showcasing the author's versatility as a writer. Some tales are lighthearted and humorous, providing much-needed levity in the face of the harsh realities of life at sea. Others delve into deeper, more serious themes, exploring the perils and sacrifices that come with a life devoted to the open ocean. Jacobs' writing style is both engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to become fully immersed in the stories and lose themselves in the world he has created.

Furthermore, the settings in Many Cargoes deserve special praise. Jacobs' descriptions of the ever-changing sea, the bustling ports, and the cramped quarters of the ships are vivid and evocative. It is evident that the author himself had firsthand experience with the maritime world, as his depictions of the sailors' routines, superstitions, and camaraderie are all meticulously woven into the narratives.

However, there are a few shortcomings that should be mentioned. Some of the stories in the collection are stronger and more captivating than others, leading to occasional unevenness in the book's overall impact. Additionally, the ending of a few stories felt somewhat abrupt, leaving the reader longing for more resolution or closure.

Nevertheless, Many Cargoes is a worthy addition to any literature enthusiast's collection. With its engrossing characters, compelling narratives, and beautifully rendered settings, the book provides a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of seafaring adventure. W. W. Jacobs' talent for storytelling shines through in this collection, making it a must-read for anyone with an interest in maritime history or simply a passion for well-crafted tales.

First Page:

MANY CARGOES

By W.W. Jacobs

Second Edition

New York 1894

CONTENTS

A CHANGE OF TREATMENT A LOVE PASSAGE THE CAPTAIN'S EXPLOIT CONTRABAND OF WAR A BLACK AFFAIR THE SKIPPER OF THE "OSPREY" IN BORROWED PLUMES THE BOATSWAIN'S WATCH LOW WATER IN MID ATLANTIC AFTER THE INQUEST IN LIMEHOUSE REACH AN ELABORATE ELOPEMENT THE COOK OF THE "GANNET" A BENEFIT PERFORMANCE A CASE OF DESERTION OUTSAILED MATED THE RIVAL BEAUTIES MRS. BUNKER'S CHAPERON A HARBOUR OF REFUGE

A CHANGE OF TREATMENT

"Yes, I've sailed under some 'cute skippers in my time," said the night watchman; "them that go down in big ships see the wonders o' the deep, you know," he added with a sudden chuckle, "but the one I'm going to tell you about ought never to have been trusted out without 'is ma. A good many o' my skippers had fads, but this one was the worst I ever sailed under.

"It's some few years ago now; I'd shipped on his barque, the John Elliott, as slow going an old tub as ever I was aboard of, when I wasn't in quite a fit an' proper state to know what I was doing, an' I hadn't been in her two days afore I found out his 'obby through overhearing a few remarks made by the second mate, who came up from dinner in a hurry to make 'em... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Humor
Literature

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Wikipedia – W. W. Jacobs
Wikipedia – Many Cargoes

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