Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Children Of The New Forest

   

   This novel is set during the English Civil War and follows the adventures of four orphaned siblings who are forced to flee their home after it is burned down by enemy soldiers. They find refuge in the New Forest, where they are taken in by a kind forester who teaches them how to live off the land. As they grow up in the forest, they learn valuable lessons about independence, survival, and the importance of family. The story combines elements of historical fiction with adventure and coming-of-age themes, offering a vivid portrayal of life in 17th-century England through the eyes of children.

   The 4143rd Greatest Book of All Time

2. 2. The King's Own

   

   "The King's Own" is a nautical adventure set in the late 18th to early 19th century, revolving around a young boy named William Seymour, who is discovered as an orphaned infant after a shipwreck and is taken under the wing of the benevolent Captain M—. As William grows, he joins the British Royal Navy and embarks on a journey of self-discovery, facing the challenges of naval life during the Napoleonic Wars. The novel explores themes of loyalty, honor, and the rigid class structures of the time, while offering a detailed portrayal of life at sea and the complexities of naval warfare. William's journey is marked by acts of valor, instances of mutiny, and the pursuit of justice, as he seeks to uncover the truth about his birth and rise through the ranks of the navy.

   The 6293rd Greatest Book of All Time

3. 3. Peter Simple

   

   The novel follows the adventures of the naive young naval officer, Peter Simple, as he sets out on his seafaring career in the Royal Navy during the Napoleonic Wars. Through a series of misadventures and challenges, including battles, shipwrecks, duels, and encounters with pirates, Peter matures and gains wisdom. Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters who help or hinder his progress. The book is a classic coming-of-age tale that combines humor and satire with a vivid portrayal of life at sea during a tumultuous period in history.

   The 6293rd Greatest Book of All Time

4. 4. Jacob Faithful

   

   The book is a coming-of-age story set in early 19th-century England, following the life of an orphaned boy who is raised on a riverboat. After the tragic death of his parents, the protagonist learns to navigate the challenges of the river and the broader world. His journey takes him through various adventures and misfortunes, from attending a charity school to serving in the Navy, where he faces both the perils of nature and the complexities of human relationships. Throughout his life, he remains resilient and true to his name, embodying the virtues of faithfulness and integrity in the face of adversity.

   The 6293rd Greatest Book of All Time
5. 5. Midshipman Easy

   

   This novel follows the adventures of a young man who joins the Royal Navy during the early 19th century, embodying the romantic ideals of the age. He enters the naval service with a naively optimistic philosophy of "equality and the rights of man," which he attempts to apply among the strict hierarchy and discipline of military life. His journey is filled with a series of comedic and dramatic escapades that test his beliefs and resilience. Through various voyages and encounters with different cultures, he matures and gains a more pragmatic understanding of the world, all while showcasing the author's satirical take on the British class system and the naval experiences of the era.

   The 6293rd Greatest Book of All Time