The Pirate and the Three Cutters

Frederick Marryat

Dec 2009 · Marryat cycle Book 8 · Fireship Press

About this ebook

From the Father of Modern Nautical Fiction The Pirate and The Three Cutters were produced in 1836, and are almost always published together. Both delightful, light-hearted, books, it's as though Marryat wanted to serve us a few appetizers before he got to his literary masterpiece, Snarleyyow, which was published the following year. The Pirate is about two brothers-twins-who are separated in childhood. One becomes a pirate, the other a naval officer. Eventually the one renounces the pirate life, and meets up with his twin. The good news is that, together, they go off in search of the pirates. The bad news is that they find them. The Three Cutters is one of the first, if not the first, nautical fiction story based on yachting. A nobleman attempts to assist a revenue boat in the apprehension of a smuggler. Instead, the smuggler commandeers the yacht, and assumes the yachtsman's identity. With that as a cover, can he now continue his smuggling mission? If so, what's he supposed to do about the woman he finds aboard the yacht? These are two short but very entertaining stories.

About the author

Frederick Marryat was born on July 10, 1792 in London, England. He entered the Royal Navy at the age of 14 and served with distinction in many parts of the world before retiring in 1830 with the rank of captain. From 1832 to 1835, he edited the Metropolitan Magazine. His first novel, The Naval Officer, was published in 1829. His other adult novels include Mr. Midshipman Easy, The Kings Own, Newton Forster, Peter Simple, Jacob Faithful, and The Phantom Ship. He also wrote a number of children's books including Masterman Ready, Settlers in Canada, The Mission, The Children of the New Forest, and The Little Savages. He travelled in Canada and the United States from 1837 to 1839. Afterward, he recorded his impressions in A Diary in America. He died on August 9, 1848.