"Porto Bello Gold"
by A. D. Howden Smith
Ahoy mates! This is a fine a salty tale as ever ye read. Blood thirsty pirates, battles o' plenty a land an a sea. But ne're enou treasure to be had for all. This novel is a prequel to Stevenson's "Treasure Island", and Smith did a fine job. Infinitely readable, great fun, and if you are an old sea dog, not to be missed.
The young hero Master Robert is shanghaied by his great Uncle, the infamous pirate Murry, and along with his faithful friend Peter, are embroiled in a plot to capture a Spanish treasure ship and use the proceeds to finance the return of King James and Bonny Prince Charlie to power in England. But before the treasure is secured, the troubles begin.
Meet Captain Flint, Long John Silver, and Ben Gun, and learn the origin of the buried treasure in "Treasure Island". And while you are at it, revisit "Treasure Island".
Reviewed by
Ken Smith on 12 July 1999
Available from:
McBooks Press, Classics of Nautical Fiction
120 W. State St.
Ithaca NY 14850
www.mcbooks.com
