A Modern Buccaneer
The narrative follows Hilary Telfer, a young man from Sydney, who yearns for adventure on the high seas, inspired by his father's seafaring legacy. He embarks on a journey as a supercargo on a ship bound for the South Pacific, where he dreams of romance and danger. Telfer is captivated by tales of Captain Hayston, a notorious figure in the region, known for his exploits and fearlessness. As Telfer sails through various islands, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, including traders, sailors, and islanders, each with their own stories and motivations. The narrative explores themes of adventure, betrayal, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of the South Sea islands. Telfer's admiration for Hayston grows as he witnesses the captain's charisma and leadership. However, he also sees the darker side of Hayston's character, including his violent temper and ruthless dealings with both enemies and allies. The captain's past is revealed, showcasing his rise from a respected naval officer to an outlaw, driven by a desire for wealth and power. The story takes a turn when Telfer and the crew face treachery from rival traders and islanders. Tensions escalate as they navigate the dangers of piracy, betrayal, and the harsh realities of life at sea. Telfer grapples with his own moral compass as he witnesses the brutality of the world around him, questioning the romantic notions of adventure he once held. As the narrative unfolds, Telfer becomes embroiled in conflicts that test his courage and resolve. He witnesses the consequences of violence and the fragility of life, leading to moments of introspection about his own desires and the cost of his dreams. The story culminates in a series of confrontations that challenge Telfer's understanding of loyalty, friendship, and the true nature of adventure. Ultimately, the work presents a vivid portrayal of life in the South Pacific, blending adventure with a deeper exploration of human nature and the complexities of morality in a world where survival often trumps ideals. Telfer's journey becomes not just a quest for adventure, but a profound exploration of identity, belonging, and the choices that define a life lived on the edge.
By Rolf Boldrewood · First published 1885 · Genre: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Action · 17 chapters · 128,321 words
First lines
Born near Sydney harbour, nursery of the seamen of the South, I could swim almost as soon as I could walk, and sail a boat at an age when most children are forbidden to go near the water. We came of a salt-water stock. My father had been a sea-captain for the greater part of his life, after a youth spent in every kind of craft, from a cutter to a man-of-war. No part of the habitable globe was unfamiliar to him: from India to the Pole, from Russia to the Brazils, from the China Sea to the Bight of Benin -- every harbour was a home.
What this Textopian page supports
A Modern Buccaneer is listed on Textopian as a novel by Rolf Boldrewood, dated 1885 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Rolf Boldrewood
- Date: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Adventure, Historical Fiction, Action, Romance, Drama
- Length: 128,321 words
- Structure: 17 chapters, 1,693 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Modern Buccaneer by Rolf Boldrewood
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Modern Buccaneer?
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- Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Adventure — The plot centers around high-seas adventures and the life of a buccaneer.
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context, reflecting the era of piracy.
- Action — The story includes numerous action-packed sequences typical of pirate tales.
- Romance — Romantic elements are woven into the character relationships and plot.
Tags
adventure · piracy · historical fiction · Australia · sea voyage · exploration · treasure · conflict · romance · colonialism · action · sailing
Contents
- My First Voyage
- William Henry Hayston
- In Samoa
- Samoa to Mille
- The Brig Leonora
- Captain Ben Peese
- Cruising Among the Carolines
- Poisoned Arrows
- Halcyon Days
- Murder and Shipwreck
- A King and Queen
- "my Lords of the Admiralty"
- H. M. s. Rosario
- Norfolk Island -- Arcadia
- Epithalamium
- A Swim for Life
- "our Jack's Come Home to-Day"