"Captain Cautious: A Chronicle of Arundel"
by Kenneth Roberts 
This book is a real collector's item. Kenneth Roberts wrote many
novels of early America, including Northwest Passage, which was
made into a fine movie with Spencer Tracy, Robert Young, and Walter
Brennen. This is a fine sea adventure that takes place during
the early part of the War of 1812. The barque Olive Branch is
on a return voyage from China to America when she is pounced upon
off the southeast coast of South America by a British brig of
war. The captain, Oliver Dorman is killed and the daughter, Corunna
Dorman thinks it is the cowardly fault of her lover the first mate,
Dan Marvin. Poor Dan has a hell of a time redeeming himself. Aboard
the British ship, Dan meets a Frenchman, Argaudean, who is one
of the greatest characters I have ever met in a novel. He also
meets the evil slaver captain Slade, who causes many problems
with his treachery and lies. There is plenty of action at sea
and on land. I could have easily awarded this book 4 stars, but
I have been to lenient of late.
Reviewed by Ken Smith, 1 September 1999
Available from:
Doubleday, 7 November 1934 20th Printing
Crest, December 1964
Crest Books
Fawcett World Library
67 W. 44th St.
New York, NY 10036
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