Doctor Syn

Doctor Syn, first published in 1915, introduces Christopher Syn, a seemingly respectable country vicar who hides a secret past as the infamous pirate Captain Clegg. Set in 18th-century Kent, the novel follows Syn as he leads a band of smugglers while eluding the law. Russell Thorndike combines adventure, mystery, and historical drama to create a captivating tale of dual identity and rebellion. The book’s gothic atmosphere and moral complexity helped spawn a series and multiple film adaptations, making Doctor Syn an enduring figure in swashbuckling fiction.