Peter Simple

This complete edition of the sea adventure tale Peter Simple contains both volumes of Marryat's humorous epic, with no abridgments.

First released in 1833, Peter Simple is a comic retrospective of life on the high seas. Set upon a British sailing vessel, we witness the titular character in his attempts to find fame and fortune through sailing. Set during the Napoleonic Wars at a time when navies and ship technology was advancing rapidly, the tale fuses old fashioned adventure with a keen sense of humor.  

Although some of the humor - largely that with racial or prejudiced overtones - belongs to the era, much of Marryat's comic writing remains amusing even today. The gentlemanly, compassionate side of Marryat's nature is firmly advertised in this book, which depicts a protagonist gradually approaching a mature attitude toward his trade and a respect of life upon the seas. 

Peter Simple also contains insight into the workings of the navies of the era; the command structure, the British Admiralty, the technology and weapons aboard the ships, and how officers were expected to behave are all parts of the narrative. Thus, this novel acts a creditable historical supplement as well as an entertaining and amusing coming-of-age tale. 

Frederick Marryat was himself a sailor in the Royal Navy, serving as a midshipman on various vessels, partaking in a variety of combat operations and staging a perilous escape during a raid on Orleans, Massachusetts during the War of 1812. He proved an adept and innovative seaman, devising a system of flag signalling called Marryat's Code. After leaving the naval service, Marryat focused on both scientific studies and his literary career, authoring several successful works of fiction.