General Fiction

Historical Fiction

Poor Jack

A Sailor's Struggle: Social Class, Friendship, and Perseverance at SeaBy Frederick Marryat

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Length15h 1m

About this audiobook

In "Poor Jack," Frederick Marryat crafts a vivid nautical adventure that intricately weaves themes of bravery, loyalty, and the harsh realities of life at sea. Written in the early 19th century, this compelling narrative captures the essence of maritime exploration and the spirit of the British Empire during an era rife with seafaring tales. Marryat employs a rich, descriptive style, combining elements of humor and drama, while his firsthand experiences as a naval officer lend authenticity to the portrayal of naval life, making the work both engaging and instructive for readers of all ages. Frederick Marryat, a pioneering figure in nautical fiction, drew inspiration from his own tumultuous experiences within the Royal Navy, which undoubtedly informed his portrayal of maritime adventures. His deep understanding of the sea and the camaraderie formed among sailors shines through in his characters, particularly in Jack's journey from hardship to heroism. Marryat, an early champion of the genre, laid the groundwork for future writers, blending personal encounters with imaginative storytelling to reflect the complexities of human nature. "Poor Jack" is a must-read for enthusiasts of adventure literature and those curious about life on the high seas. It not only entertains but also offers profound insights into human resilience and the bonds forged in adversity. Whether viewed as an emblem of its time or as an enduring classic, this novel remains a quintessential narrative for anyone seeking to understand the allure of maritime adventures.

Family Coming of Age Journey Betrayal Identity Found Family New Adult Redemption

Audiobook details

GenreGeneral Fiction, Historical Fiction

Length15 hrs 1 min

Narrated byListen with 1,000+ voices

FormateBook with Audio

Publish dateNov 27, 2019

LanguageEnglish

1Introduction

29Chapter Twenty Five.: In which Bramble points out to me that singing is part of the profession of a pilot.

2&quot;Poor Jack&quot;

30Chapter Twenty Six.: In which I go afloat, and obtain some knowledge of the English Channel.

3Chapter One.: In which, like most people who tell their own stories, I begin with the histories of other people.

31Chapter Twenty Seven.: Showing the importance on board ship of a rope’s end well applied.

4Chapter Two.: My father does what most sailors do—He makes a foolish marriage, one of the consequences of which is brought to light at the end of the chapter.

32Chapter Twenty Eight.: Some little difference in the proceeds of this chapter, and my former “copper for Poor Jack, your Honour.”

5Chapter Three.: In which my mother proves herself a tender wife, and at the same time shows her patriotism and devotion to her country.

33Chapter Twenty Nine.: In which I learn the history of Old Nanny.

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6Chapter Four.: In which I tell the reader all I can recollect about myself, and moreover prove the truth of the old adage “that it is a wise child who knows its own father.”

34Chapter Thirty.: Strong symptoms of mutiny, which is fortunately quelled by granting a supply.

7Chapter Five.: My father and mother meet after an absence of six years. She discovers that he is no longer a Coxswain but a Boatswain’s Mate.

35Chapter Thirty One.: In which my father proves he can give good advice as well as Peter Anderson.

8Chapter Six.: A bright pleasant evening after a squall, in which the art of angling is introduced in a way which would have added to the knowledge of Izaac Walton himself.

36Chapter Thirty Two.: In which there is a hop, skip, and a jump.

9Chapter Seven.: In which my mother gives my father a scriptural lesson. My father’s grief at parting with an old friend—He expostulates with my mother and quits the house.

37Chapter Thirty Three.: In which the sine qua non of all novels is, for the first time, introduced.

10Chapter Eight.: In which the doctor pays a visit and receives no fee; and I am obliged to work very hard to procure myself a livelihood.

38Chapter Thirty Four.: More cry than wool—Bramble would dig a pit for another and tumbles in along with him.

11Chapter Nine.: In which I take a cruise contrary to the received rules of navigation—On my return from a cold expedition, I meet with a cold reception.

39Chapter Thirty Five.: We have great hopes of not seeing the inside of a French prison, but we are disappointed.

12Chapter Ten.: In which I narrate what I consider the most fortunate incident in my life; and Ben the Whaler confides to me a very strange history.

40Chapter Thirty Six.: With those powerful agents, fire and water, we contrive to escape from a French prison.

13Chapter Eleven.: In which the doctor lets out some very novel modes of medical treatment, which are attended with the greatest success.

41Chapter Thirty Seven.: Another escape, more fortunate than the one recorded in the preceding chapter.

14Chapter Twelve.: I prefer a suit to Old Nanny, and procure a new suit of clothes—The advantage of being well dressed—You may walk out with the ladies.

42Chapter Thirty Eight.: Which is all about love—Bramble confides to me all his acquaintance with the tender passion.

15Chapter Thirteen.

43Chapter Thirty Nine.: In which I receive a very severe blow from a party or parties unknown.

16I am so unfashionable as to pay my debts—Ben’s opinion as to my father’s return—the chances exemplified in the list of killed and wounded—the L’Orient blowing up, and the Royal George going down.

44Chapter Forty.: Showing the great advantages to be derived from patronage.

17The Loss of the Royal George.

45Chapter Forty One.: In which it is proved that sailors have very correct ideas as to metempsychosis.

18Chapter Fourteen.: My father makes his appearance, having left his leg, but not his tail, behind him—My father is pensioned off by my mother as well as by his country.

46Chapter Forty Two.: A heavy gale, a wreck and a rescue.

19Chapter Fifteen.: In which is proved the truth of the proverb “When your own house is made of glass, you never should be the first to throw stones.”

47Chapter Forty Three.: A scene in the hospital, and a strange discovery.

20Chapter Sixteen.: Showing how Old Nanny fell sick and got well again.

48Chapter Forty Four.: Spicer discloses strange matters.

21Chapter Seventeen.: A morning concert, in which the opposition is as great as black to white.

49Chapter Forty Five.: Spicer’s death.

22Chapter Eighteen.: I get into very doubtful company—I am tempted, and, like a true son of Adam, I fall.

50Chapter Forty Six.: In which Mrs St. Felix refuses a splendid offer which I am duly empowered to make to her.

23Chapter Nineteen.: I am tempted again—My pride is roused, and my course of life is changed in consequence.

51Chapter Forty Seven.: In which a new character appears upon the stage, and I play the part of a pilot on shore.

24Chapter Twenty.: Much ado about nothing; or, a specimen of modern patronage.

52Chapter Forty Eight.: My sister Virginia is at last placed in a situation which is satisfactory to my mother as well as to herself.

25Chapter Twenty One.: A most important present is made to me; and, as it will eventually appear, the generosity of the giver is rewarded.

53Chapter Forty Nine.: My father, much to his surprise, has a bit of land to put his foot upon, and say, “This is my own.”

26Chapter Twenty Two.: In which a story is begun and not finished, which I think the reader will regret as much as, at the time, I did.

54Chapter Fifty.: An adventure which at first promised to be the most unfortunate, and eventually proved the most fortunate in my life.

27Chapter Twenty Three.: “Recollect,” says the fellow, “you have thrown overboard a black tom cat!”

55Chapter Fifty One.: Being the last chapter, the reader may pretty well guess the contents of it.

28Chapter Twenty Four.: Bramble’s method of education proves very effective—he also points out a position in which you may prefer your enemies to your friends.

56Chapter Fifty Two.: Finale.