"Where Angels Fear to Tread" and Other Stories of the Sea

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

23539

Title

"Where Angels Fear to Tread" and Other Stories of the Sea

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Morgan Robertson's collection features the classic sea yarn "Where Angels Fear to Tread," where a ship's crew of American "townies" clashes with their mates, leading to a violent mutiny. The volume also includes Robertson's famous novel "The Futility," alongside other tales of maritime adventure, survival, and the raw realities of life at sea.

Summary up to 500 words

Morgan Robertson's collection, *Where Angels Fear to Tread and Other Stories of the Sea*, offers a gritty, realistic, and often fantastical exploration of maritime life, blending the harsh discipline of the sea with adventurous romance. The volume opens with the titular story, a tale of high-seas conflict aboard the schooner *Almena*. A dishonest agent ships a crew of young, well-dressed American "townies" to a captain expecting seasoned sailors. Upon arrival, the crew's irreverent nicknames and lack of discipline provoke the officers, leading to a brutal fight that leaves several men injured. The conflict escalates when the crew realizes they are being dragged across the Atlantic by a steamer without pay or proper navigation tools. Led by the ex-engineer Amos and the cook Martin, they mutiny, seize the ship, and capture the English captain. Deciding to tow the vessel back to New York to claim salvage rights, the story highlights enduring themes of justice, class struggle, and the harsh code of the sea. The collection also features "The Brain of the Battle-Ship," a psychological study of a sailor's internal struggle, and "The Wigwag Message," a tense race against time to deliver a crucial signal. Other narratives include "Salvage," detailing the legal and physical perils of saving a wreck; "Between the Millstones," a grim account of a shipwreck; and "The Battle of the Monsters," a fantastical encounter with sea creatures. Robertson's writing captures the distinct dialect of sailors, the palpable tension of maritime existence, and the ocean's enduring danger. By blending realistic hardship with adventurous spirit, the book presents a vivid portrait of life at sea, where survival often depends on wit, courage, and an unyielding will to fight against overwhelming odds. The stories collectively celebrate the unique culture of the mariner while exposing the brutal realities of the industry.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg23539.epub

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Categories

• Adventure
• Classics