or, Young America Afloat
by Oliver Optic
Ages 12-14
Another engrossing tale by Optic. A local nabob decides that a school ship is just the thing for bringing discipline and order into the lives of some of the scions of rich families who have a contempt for authority. The ship is built and sets sail manned entirely by the boys with some veteran sailors for supervision. In something akin to The Lord of the Flies; much of society's ills become manifested during the voyage; lies, deceit, treachery, even a planned mutiny! But, all is well in the end and Optic's message is that even those of malicious intent can sometimes by saved by their own innate but well-buried goodness. As he describes the machinations of the characters, one gains a truly detailed insight into the mind of the manipulator and the politician. In addition to being a really good morality play however, this is also a fine handbook for the budding young nautical. As the ship sails across the ocean, the procedures are carefully explained and the "mysteries" of square rig revealed. A truly riveting tale! First published in 1866.
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