Salt Water: The Sea Life and Adventures of Neil D'Arcy the Midshipman


Book Description

In William Henry Giles Kingston's novel 'Salt Water: The Sea Life and Adventures of Neil D'Arcy the Midshipman', readers are immersed in the world of 19th-century naval exploration and adventure. Through vivid and detailed descriptions, Kingston transports readers to life at sea, capturing the essence of the maritime landscape with precision and authenticity. The novel combines elements of nautical fiction with coming-of-age themes, making it a compelling and engaging read for fans of both genres. Kingston's straightforward and accessible writing style makes the book easily relatable to a wide audience, while also showcasing his deep knowledge and research into naval history and traditions. William Henry Giles Kingston, a prolific 19th-century author, drew inspiration for 'Salt Water' from his own experiences as a sailor and his passion for maritime exploration. His personal connection to the sea shines through in the vivid portrayal of life on board a ship, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative. Kingston's dedication to accuracy and detail is evident throughout the novel, reflecting his commitment to providing readers with a realistic and captivating depiction of seafaring adventures. I highly recommend 'Salt Water' to readers who enjoy historical fiction, maritime literature, or coming-of-age stories. Kingston's expert blend of adventure, drama, and historical context makes this novel a must-read for anyone interested in the world of naval exploration and the thrill of life at sea.










Salt Water


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I will not trouble the reader with many of them. I was born at the family seat in the south of Ireland. My mother died while I was very young, and my father, Colonel D'Arcy, who had seen much service in the army and had been severely wounded, after a lingering illness, followed her to the grave. During this time I was committed to the charge of Larry Harrigan, the butler and family factotum; and, in truth, I desired no better companion, for well did I love the old man. He was a seaman every inch of him, from his cherished pigtail to the end of the timber toe on which he had long stumped through the world. He had been coxswain to my maternal grandfather, a captain in the navy, who was killed in action. Larry had gone to sea with him as a lad, and they had seldom been separated. A few minutes before his commander, in the moment of victory, lost his life, Larry had his leg shot away; and on being paid off, he repaired to where my mother's family were residing. When my father married, he offered the old seaman an asylum beneath his roof. He certainly did not eat the bread of idleness there, for no one about the place was more generally useful. There was nothing he could not do or make, and in spite of his loss of a limb, he was as active as most people possessed with the usual complement of supporters.




The Literary World


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The Athenaeum


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