Wreck of the Pacific

Wreck of the Pacific (1841) is a novel by Frederick Marryat. Inspired by the author’s experience as a captain in the Royal Navy, Wreck of the Pacific is a tale of disaster and survival on the high seas. Responding to such novels as Robinson Crusoe (1719) and The Swiss Family Robinson (1812), Marryat hoped to tell an entertaining story with a Christian moral while remaining true to the dangers of nautical life. “I am an old man, and it is of little consequence. I care little whether I am taken away a year or two sooner, but I do not like to see blossoms cut off in early spring: I may be of use if I remain, for I’ve an old head upon my shoulders, and I could not leave you all to perish when you might be saved if you only knew how to act. But here the seamen come—the boat is all ready, and they will now take poor Captain Osborn with them.” When the Pacific sails through a terrible storm, losing its masts and captain in one fell swoop, its crew are forced to make difficult decisions. Below deck, the Seagrave family are virtually helpless, left to the mercy of men and nature alike. While the first mate and surviving sailors load most of the provisions onto the only remaining yawl, Masterman Ready remains behind with the terrified landlubbers, offering his services should they find a way to survive. Soon, the ship drifts toward the shores of a deserted island, giving them the chance they so desperately need to survive. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Frederick Marryat’s Wreck of the Pacific is a classic of British literature reimagined for modern readers.