Doctor Syn by Russell Thorndike

Doctor Syn follows a vicar in 18th-century England who leads a double life as a smuggler, skillfully navigating the dangers of his secretive trade while confronting both local law enforcement and supernatural threats. The story intertwines themes of intrigue, adventure, and the struggle between good and evil in a tumultuous era.

By Russell Thorndike · First published 1915 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Pirate Fiction · 39 chapters · 83,389 words

First lines

To those who have small knowledge of Kent let me say that the fishing village of Dymchurch-under-the-wall lies on the south coast midway between two of the ancient Cinque ports, Romney and Hythe.

In the days of George III, with Trafalgar still unfought, our coast watchmen swept with keen glasses this broad bend of the Channel; watched not for smugglers (for there was little in Dymchurch to attract the smuggler, with its flat coastline open all the way from Dover cliffs around Dungeness to Beachy Head), but for the French men-o'-war.

What this Textopian page supports

Doctor Syn is listed on Textopian as a novel by Russell Thorndike, dated 1915 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Novel
• Author: Russell Thorndike
• Date: 1915 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Pirate Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery
• Length: 83,389 words
• Structure: 39 chapters, 1,310 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for Doctor Syn by Russell Thorndike
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering Doctor Syn?
• How does this novel by Russell Thorndike fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?

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Genres

• Historical Fiction — The novel is set in a specific historical context, exploring themes and events relevant to that time period.
• Adventure — The plot involves thrilling escapades and the protagonist's journey through various challenges.
• Pirate Fiction — The story features elements of piracy, including a protagonist who embodies the characteristics of a pirate.
• Fantasy — The narrative includes fantastical elements and a larger-than-life protagonist, contributing to a sense of wonder.

Tags

Historical Fiction · Adventure · Mystery · Romance · Coming-of-Age · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Morality Tale · English Literature · 19th Century Setting · Small-Town Life · Family Drama

Contents

• Dymchurch-Under-The-Wall
• The Coming of the King's Frigate
• The Coming of the King's Men
• The Captain
• A Bottle of Alsace Lorraine
• Doctor Syn Takes Cold
• Clegg the Buccaneer
• Dogging the Schoolmaster
• The End of Sennacherib Pepper
• Doctor Syn Gives some Advice
• The Courthouse Inquiry
• The Captain Objects
• The End of the Inquiry
• At the Vicarage
• A Landed Proprietor Sets up a Gallows Tree
• The Schoolmaster's Suit
• The Doctor Sings a Song
• Behind the Shutters
• The Captain's Nightmare
• A Terrible Investigation
• The Bo'Sun's Story
• A Curious Breakfast Party
• A Young Recruit
• The Coffin-Maker has a Visitor
• The Sexton Speaks
• The Devil's Tiring House
• The Scarecrow's Legion
• The Fight at Mill House Farm
• Captain Collyer Entertains an Attorney from Rye
• Doctor Syn has a "Call"
• A Certain Tree Bears Fruit
• The Captain's Experiment
• Adventures in Watchbell Street
• A Military Lady-Killer Prepares for Battle
• Scylla or Charybdis
• Holding the Pulpit
• The Dead Man's Throttle
• Dymchurch-Under-The-Wall
• Echoes

More by Russell Thorndike

• All works by Russell Thorndike