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Treasure Island
Treasure Island
A masterful tale of ''buccaneers and buried gold''. First published in the children's magazine Young Folks, and considered a coming of age story, it is an adventure tale of superb atmosphere, character, and action, as well as a wry commentary on the ambiguity of morality—as seen in Long John Silver—unusual for children's literature then and now. It is one of the most frequently dramatised of all novels, and its influence on popular lore about pirates can not be overestimated.
Book Excerpt
person who stayed in our house whom we called the captain.
"Well," said he, "my mate Bill would be called the captain, as like as not. He has a cut on one cheek and a mighty pleasant way with him, particularly in drink, has my mate Bill. We'll put it, for argument like, that your captain has a cut on one cheek--and we'll put it, if you like, that that cheek's the right one. Ah, well! I told you. Now, is my mate Bill in this here house?"
I told him he was out walking.
"Which way, sonny? Which way is he gone?"
And when I had pointed out the rock and told him how the captain was likely to return, and how soon, and answered a few other questions, "Ah," said he, "this'll be as good as drink to my mate Bill."
The expression of his face as he said these words was not at all pleasant, and I had my own reasons for thinking that the stranger was mistaken, even supposing he meant what he said. But it was no affair of mine, I thought; and besides, it was difficult to know what to do. Th
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4.8
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It really is a rollicking adventure, as you’d assume; and one that scarcely wastes a single page on the non-rollicking.
It’s full of great characters. Long John Silver is far more wonderfully murderous lunatic than you might expect to occur within the pages a 19th century (or any other century’s) children’s adventure novel; and although, early on, the character of Jim Hawkins verges on ‘wet blankety’ – even he is redeemed by ill thought out but blindly successful attempts at heroics.
It is very amusing in places, as well. Benn Gunn’s (that 'lurking nondescript') first encounter with Hawkins is a particular stand out in that respect.
It’s full of great characters. Long John Silver is far more wonderfully murderous lunatic than you might expect to occur within the pages a 19th century (or any other century’s) children’s adventure novel; and although, early on, the character of Jim Hawkins verges on ‘wet blankety’ – even he is redeemed by ill thought out but blindly successful attempts at heroics.
It is very amusing in places, as well. Benn Gunn’s (that 'lurking nondescript') first encounter with Hawkins is a particular stand out in that respect.
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None of the movies do this classic any justice. Even Kenner Classic Tales from the 70s made poor on this tale. Read the book. Don't even waste any time on the movies.
08/18/2010
No doubt it’s a world’s classic.
When not so long ago I reread the novel I have found out some new details which had slipped off my attention when I was a child. Here are a pair of “goofs”, or rather may be author's mistakes, which I have noticed in the story:
1. Billy Bones’s money had been exhausted but he keeps on staying on credit in the "Admiral Benbow" inn. However, after he had had a stroke he offers Jim a golden guinea for rum., and after his death Jim finds out at Billy Bones’s sea chest a heap of money.
2. Why Ben Gann has not buried Allardyce, and let his remains lie in that position in which it was put by Flint? Besides, during his three yeas maroon on the island Ben often, I think, had to go by that place where the dead and decaying body was laying, but mysteriously enough it did not occur to him to give the remains of his ship companion to the earth.
When not so long ago I reread the novel I have found out some new details which had slipped off my attention when I was a child. Here are a pair of “goofs”, or rather may be author's mistakes, which I have noticed in the story:
1. Billy Bones’s money had been exhausted but he keeps on staying on credit in the "Admiral Benbow" inn. However, after he had had a stroke he offers Jim a golden guinea for rum., and after his death Jim finds out at Billy Bones’s sea chest a heap of money.
2. Why Ben Gann has not buried Allardyce, and let his remains lie in that position in which it was put by Flint? Besides, during his three yeas maroon on the island Ben often, I think, had to go by that place where the dead and decaying body was laying, but mysteriously enough it did not occur to him to give the remains of his ship companion to the earth.
07/23/2010
I agree with everyone who calls this novel a timeless treasure. If you haven't read this classic adventure, you really should; if you have, you'll enjoy reading it again.
02/07/2010
Highly recommended. One of those timeless books that must be read to appreciate true literary works of art.
01/26/2010
Reading this ebook was pure Entertainment! It was my start into the world of ebooks at Manybooks.net.
This describes it so well:
"Good literature is when it makes you think, and feel. It opens your eyes to something new, or brings vivid images of another time and place to mind. Mostly, however, I'd say good literature is something that endures through time, which is why it is so difficult to classify modern novels as good literature. When something was written a hundred years ago, and is still read and enjoyed, that is good literature. The book of the moment at the top of the charts that everyone raves about may not..."
(by nelliers at Yahoo! Answers)
This describes it so well:
"Good literature is when it makes you think, and feel. It opens your eyes to something new, or brings vivid images of another time and place to mind. Mostly, however, I'd say good literature is something that endures through time, which is why it is so difficult to classify modern novels as good literature. When something was written a hundred years ago, and is still read and enjoyed, that is good literature. The book of the moment at the top of the charts that everyone raves about may not..."
(by nelliers at Yahoo! Answers)
08/10/2009
I read this book more than 25 years back as a school student. Now re-reading it as a ebook was again a refreshing experience. For me , it will remain a classic for ever
01/18/2007
Stevenson's best known story. It's the classic tale of Piracy, which for some reason, has been interpreted as a child's story. I loved the book as a child, but even more as an adult.
Stevenson gives a glorified view of the age of Buccaneers, but his strength is in the development of characters like Long John Silver. This is an exciting tale of of an exciting historical period. Stevenson brings it all alive, and transports the reader into an age full of danger and excitement. Don't miss reading this book. It's an all time great read!!!
Stevenson gives a glorified view of the age of Buccaneers, but his strength is in the development of characters like Long John Silver. This is an exciting tale of of an exciting historical period. Stevenson brings it all alive, and transports the reader into an age full of danger and excitement. Don't miss reading this book. It's an all time great read!!!
10/05/2006
Well, First of all I'd like to express my great pleasure to read this book it's really amazing taking you deep into the lands beyond seas and the writers skillfull pen which enabled him of creating complex and composite characters such as Silver. You'd suffer what they suffer and love what they love and you'll find the real treasure when you reach the end of the book.
11/11/2005