John Masefield

On it's surface 'Sard Harker' is an adventure novel, and a very successful one at that, pulling the reader along through to its inevitable conclusion. But, there's much more, than just an adventure story here, including lyrical prose set against a dreamscape of both real and imagined danger.

This 1910 novel tells the story of Martin Hyde, a spirited teenage boy who served the Duke of Monmouth in his ill-fated attempt to usurp the throne of James II in 1685. It is narrated by an older-and perhaps wiser-Hyde, reflecting on his youthful adventures.

This romance of the Spanish Main, set in the 17th century, was Masefield's first novel. A contemporary review in the Observer noted: "His style is crisp, curt and vigorous. He has the Stevensonian sea-swagger, the Stevensonian sense of beauty and poetic spirit. Mr. Masefield's descriptions ring true and his characters carry conviction."

Sea-Fever' remains one of the most popular poems of the last century, and John Masefield one of the most popular poets, a superb spinner of yarns and ballads of tall ships, exotic seas, of the deep-rooted life of rural England, and of the great narratives of Troy and Arthurian legend. This book includes his most popular poems and a few previously uncollected rarities. All share Masefield's love of particular lives: he draws the reader into his stories...

A biography of William Shakespeare by John Masefield, an English poet and writer, and Poet Laureate from 1930 until 1967. Among his best known works are the children's novels The Midnight Folk and The Box of Delights, and the poems The Everlasting Mercy and "Sea-Fever". (Source: Wikipedia)

Kay finds himself involved in a fantastic adventure when he becomes guardian of the mysterious Box of Delights.

"John Masefield is one of the greatest storytellers of life at sea. Based on a recently rediscovered early manuscript, this collection of short stories, extracts from novels, autobiographical sketches, and poems, including the well-known works "Sea-Fever" and "Cargoes," illustrates the hardship, romance, and adventure of seafaring. Masefield's writing, masterful and captivating, is infused with a sailor's way with language and sense for a good yarn-about...