The Corsair King

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

26865

Title

The Corsair King

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in the Caribbean, this swashbuckling tale follows Robert Barthelemy, a charismatic pirate captain who transforms his crew from desperate outlaws into a wealthy, feared fleet. Blending adventure with dark humor, the story explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the chaotic morality of pirate life as Barthelemy navigates naval battles and romantic entanglements before a fateful encounter with his past.

Summary up to 500 words

In Mór Jókai's *The Corsair King*, the narrative follows the rise and fall of the notorious pirate Robert Barthelemy. The story opens with Captain Rolls' brigantine surviving a violent storm near the Isles of Thieves, only to be intercepted by Barthelemy's fleet. Despite a fierce defense by Rolls and his crew, they are overwhelmed. Barthelemy reveals a complex nature, balancing terrifying ruthlessness with a code of honor among thieves. Upon discovering the captured ship is empty of cargo but rich in hidden provisions, he transforms the defeated captain into a willing participant in a three-day celebration of revelry. Barthelemy's reputation grows rapidly as he levies 'taxes' on merchant vessels, establishing a domain of fear and generosity. He charms governors and ladies in ports like St. Barthelemy, though he remains haunted by a spectral memory of a girl who cursed him in a song for loving another man. His luck turns when he encounters the formidable warship *The Swallow*, commanded by his former friend Captain Hill and the treacherous Dr. Scudamore. In a climactic battle, Barthelemy faces the *Swallow* alongside Hill. Despite his bravery and the crew's devotion, a stray bullet strikes him down. His body is cast into the sea, and the pirate band surrenders. The remaining pirates are tried and executed, with only Henry Glasby spared due to his noble character. The story concludes with the three young girls who had prayed for Barthelemy's death finding their prayers answered as he sinks beneath the waves. The surviving crew faces the grim reality of their fate, having sailed for hell rather than heaven, while the narrative underscores themes of redemption, the duality of human nature, and the inevitable consequences of a life devoted to piracy.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26865.epub.noimages

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data/epubs/pg26865.epub

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2026-07-06 14:37 UTC

Categories

• Adventure
• Fiction