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Jim Davis
Jim Davis is an ordinary twelve-year-old boy whose life takes a terrifying turn when he stumbles upon a ring of bloodthirsty pirates. At first, Jim delights in the thrill and adventure of sailing the seas and living the life of an outlaw. But Marah, the fierce buccaneer who leads the pirates, proves to be more dangerous than Jim first imagined. Will Jim find a way to escape from Marah, or will he be lost at sea forever?
This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.
This is a pre-1923 historical reproduction that was curated for quality. Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.
136 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1911
11 people are currently reading
86 people want to read
About the author
John Masefield
725 books100 followersMasefield was born in Ledbury, a rural area in England to George Masefield, a solicitor and Caroline. His mother died giving birth to his sister when Masefield was only 6 and he went to live with his aunt. His father died soon after. After an unhappy education at the King's School in Warwick (now known as Warwick School), where he was a boarder between 1888 and 1891, he left to board the HMS Conway, both to train for a life at sea, and to break his addiction to reading, of which his Aunt thought little. He spent several years aboard this ship and found that he could spend much of his time reading and writing. It was aboard the Conway that Masefield’s love for story-telling grew.
In 1894, Masefield boarded the Gilcruix, destined for Chile. He recorded his experiences while sailing through the extreme weather. Upon reaching Chile, Masefield suffered from sunstroke and was hospitalized. He eventually returned home to England as a passenger aboard a steam ship.
In 1895, Masefield returned to sea on a windjammer destined for New York City. However, the urge to become a writer and the hopelessness of life as a sailor overtook him, and in New York, he deserted ship. He lived as a vagrant for several months, before returning to New York City, where he was able to find work as an assistant to a bar keeper.
For the next two years, Masefield was employed in a carpet factory, where long hours were expected and conditions were far from ideal. He purchased up to 20 books a week, and devoured both modern and classical literature. His interests at this time were diverse and his reading included works by Trilby, Dumas, Thomas Browne, Hazlitt, Dickens, Kipling, and R. L. Stevenson. Chaucer also became very important to him during this time, as well as poetry by Keats and Shelley.
When Masefield was 23, he met his future wife, Constance Crommelin, who was 35. Educated in classics and English Literature, and a mathematics teacher, Constance was a perfect match for Masefield despite the difference in age. The couple had two children (Judith, born in 1904, and Lewis, in 1910).
In 1930, due to the death of Robert Bridges, a new Poet Laureate was needed. King George V appointed Masefield, who remained in office until his death in 1967. Masefield took his appointment seriously and produced a large quantity of verse. Poems composed in his official capacity were sent to The Times. Masefield’s humility was shown by his inclusion of a stamped envelope with each submission so that his composition could be returned if it were found unacceptable for publication.
On 12 May 1967, John Masefield died, after having suffered through a spread of gangrene up his leg. According to his wishes, he was cremated and his ashes placed in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey. Later, the following verse was discovered, written by Masefield, addressed to his ‘Heirs, Administrators, and Assigns’:
Let no religious rite be done or read
In any place for me when I am dead,
But burn my body into ash, and scatter
The ash in secret into running water,
Or on the windy down, and let none see;
And then thank God that there’s an end of me.
In 1894, Masefield boarded the Gilcruix, destined for Chile. He recorded his experiences while sailing through the extreme weather. Upon reaching Chile, Masefield suffered from sunstroke and was hospitalized. He eventually returned home to England as a passenger aboard a steam ship.
In 1895, Masefield returned to sea on a windjammer destined for New York City. However, the urge to become a writer and the hopelessness of life as a sailor overtook him, and in New York, he deserted ship. He lived as a vagrant for several months, before returning to New York City, where he was able to find work as an assistant to a bar keeper.
For the next two years, Masefield was employed in a carpet factory, where long hours were expected and conditions were far from ideal. He purchased up to 20 books a week, and devoured both modern and classical literature. His interests at this time were diverse and his reading included works by Trilby, Dumas, Thomas Browne, Hazlitt, Dickens, Kipling, and R. L. Stevenson. Chaucer also became very important to him during this time, as well as poetry by Keats and Shelley.
When Masefield was 23, he met his future wife, Constance Crommelin, who was 35. Educated in classics and English Literature, and a mathematics teacher, Constance was a perfect match for Masefield despite the difference in age. The couple had two children (Judith, born in 1904, and Lewis, in 1910).
In 1930, due to the death of Robert Bridges, a new Poet Laureate was needed. King George V appointed Masefield, who remained in office until his death in 1967. Masefield took his appointment seriously and produced a large quantity of verse. Poems composed in his official capacity were sent to The Times. Masefield’s humility was shown by his inclusion of a stamped envelope with each submission so that his composition could be returned if it were found unacceptable for publication.
On 12 May 1967, John Masefield died, after having suffered through a spread of gangrene up his leg. According to his wishes, he was cremated and his ashes placed in Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey. Later, the following verse was discovered, written by Masefield, addressed to his ‘Heirs, Administrators, and Assigns’:
Let no religious rite be done or read
In any place for me when I am dead,
But burn my body into ash, and scatter
The ash in secret into running water,
Or on the windy down, and let none see;
And then thank God that there’s an end of me.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 26, 2018
the title was very misleading this was not about the creator of Garfield 0 STARS!!!! >:(
February 2, 2013
What happens to us in life often depends so much on circumstances beyond our control: where we are born, when we are born, what family we are born into, our physical and intellectual abilities. Jim Davis's life takes a series of twists and turns—some life threatening—and he ends up on the wrong side of the law. But Jim learns the law is not always just and there is often a good side to people living outside the law. I give this story 3.5 stars; it is certainly worth reading.
December 14, 2017
While most 10 year olds today are playing video games and doing homework, life in the 1800’s for 10 year old JIm Davis was very different. Jim’s life centered around adventure, theft and constantly being on the run. Following the death of his parents, Jim join the Night-Riders of London. The group rode horses and created hiding spots around town to keep away from the police. The other main character is Marrah who helps Jim with needs, including friendship, protection and food and water. The two find themselves faced with in a difficult situation that separates them temporarily until circumstances reunite them. I originally picked this book out of a box my grandma was going to donate.
The book chronicles Jim’s life and his experiences with the Night-Riders. In one situation Jim witnesses a battle between the group and a French fleet who engage with cannon balls. The group starts heading toward the shore knowing that the ship will break by the shallow rocks. The group then runs on the shore and steal horses to ride away, but the French do the same and almost catch them. Unsuccessful at stealing any ships or goods, the group hides out to avoid being caught. Jim realizes he is close to his home when this situation occurs, but he chooses to remain loyal to the group and continue on a life of adventure with them. This is one of many examples in the book that represents adventure and a close call for Jim, who was avoiding being caught.
While the adventures that Jim faces with the group are dangerous and interesting to read about, the ending is the best because it leaves readers with a cliffhanger. The book ends very suddenly, but it made me happy and relieved to know that while we don’t know what adventures they’ll go on, Jim and Marah will continue their friendship. The Captain of the Night-Rider says, “Marah and I are planning a new adventure; for old Van Horn’s treasure is still among the coral, and someday we are going to try for it” (244). The Captain is inviting Jim on their next adventure, which leads the book to end in an interesting way and makes me think about what happens next.
Personally, I think that people will like this book if they like mystery and adventure. In my opinion, people who might be drawn to this book are those who like books that are unpredictable. This is a book I would recommend because it takes place in an interesting time era and gives readers a different perspective on individuals during this time. The author uses descriptive writing and detailed character descriptions to keep the reader engaged in the story.
The book chronicles Jim’s life and his experiences with the Night-Riders. In one situation Jim witnesses a battle between the group and a French fleet who engage with cannon balls. The group starts heading toward the shore knowing that the ship will break by the shallow rocks. The group then runs on the shore and steal horses to ride away, but the French do the same and almost catch them. Unsuccessful at stealing any ships or goods, the group hides out to avoid being caught. Jim realizes he is close to his home when this situation occurs, but he chooses to remain loyal to the group and continue on a life of adventure with them. This is one of many examples in the book that represents adventure and a close call for Jim, who was avoiding being caught.
While the adventures that Jim faces with the group are dangerous and interesting to read about, the ending is the best because it leaves readers with a cliffhanger. The book ends very suddenly, but it made me happy and relieved to know that while we don’t know what adventures they’ll go on, Jim and Marah will continue their friendship. The Captain of the Night-Rider says, “Marah and I are planning a new adventure; for old Van Horn’s treasure is still among the coral, and someday we are going to try for it” (244). The Captain is inviting Jim on their next adventure, which leads the book to end in an interesting way and makes me think about what happens next.
Personally, I think that people will like this book if they like mystery and adventure. In my opinion, people who might be drawn to this book are those who like books that are unpredictable. This is a book I would recommend because it takes place in an interesting time era and gives readers a different perspective on individuals during this time. The author uses descriptive writing and detailed character descriptions to keep the reader engaged in the story.
December 8, 2020
A novella of about 48,000 words, describing the adventures of a young 12 year old boy, Jim Davis.
Set around Gloucestershire in the early 1800s, Jim is befriended by Marah, an experienced seaman and professional smuggler, who forces him to join their gang of contrabandists.
The tale rollicks along as Jim is unwillingly drawn into their illegal nocturnal activities, and desires nothing more than to return to his family on the farm.
A good read for boys.
Set around Gloucestershire in the early 1800s, Jim is befriended by Marah, an experienced seaman and professional smuggler, who forces him to join their gang of contrabandists.
The tale rollicks along as Jim is unwillingly drawn into their illegal nocturnal activities, and desires nothing more than to return to his family on the farm.
A good read for boys.
May 10, 2018
I remember most of the plot of this book after 60 years and remember how it took me from the present to the period in which it was written. I believe I stayed up all night reading it. What more can one say!
April 17, 2015
Dit boek heb ik ooit als afgekeurd-middelbaar-school-exemplaar meegenomen uit de mediatheek. Nooit meer naar omgekeken, tot ik de boekenkast opruimde. Er stond geen beschrijving achterop, dus ik begon gewoon te lezen zonder voorkennis. Het bleek een spannend kinderboek te zijn over piraten. Het was leuk en las lekker weg. Zo'n boek waardoor je even de wereld (lees de trein) om je heen vergeet. Als ik de beschrijving van het leven van de schrijver lees, snap ik waarom hij zo goed over boten kan schrijven!
March 6, 2014
Read by Kim Wall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2014
Great kids book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews