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Cuộc Phiêu Lưu Của Thuyền Trưởng Corcoran
Alfred Assollant sinh năm 1827 ở Aubusson. Ông thuộc thế hệ con cháu những nhà cách mạng chân chính nhất của nước Pháp cuối thế kỷ XVIII và những quân nhân của năm thứ hai Cộng hòa 1793. Chính họ đã đẩy các đội quân xâm lược châu Âu ra khỏi biên giới nước Pháp và bắt đầu truyền bá những tư tưởng tự do dân chủ ở bên kia bờ sông Rhine và dãy núi Alpes.
Tuy không phục Napoleon - người đã bóp chết tư tưởng dân quyền mới nhóm lên ở nước Pháp, nhưng Assollant đánh giá cao thiên tài quân sự của Napoleon. Chính vì thế, ông đã để nhân vật chính trong truyện Cuộc phiêu lưu của thuyền trưởng Corcoran ứng dụng chiến thuật của Napoleon để đánh lại quân Anh. Đó là cách hành quân thần tốc, áp đảo địch bằng pháo binh và truy kích địch đến cùng. Assollant tốt nghiệp trường Sư phạm danh tiếng của nước Pháp và làm giáo sư Sử học trong nhiều năm. Sau đó, ông nghỉ dạy để theo đuổi nghiệp văn chương. Nghe nói ở Mỹ con người được quyền tự do, ông liền sang đó và viết báo gửi về nước. Một thời gian sau, ông trở về Pháp viết sách báo và đi du lịch nhiều nơi như Châu Phi, Ấn Độ Dương và Thái Bình Dương…. Tái độ dân chủ và công khai chống chính sách xâm lược các nước nhược tiểu để làm thuộc địa của ông đã bị chế độ chuyên chế của Napoleon đệ tam phạt. Tờ báo do ông làm chủ bút bị đình chỉ. Chính phủ Cộng hòa do Tiers đứng đầu vẫn tiếp tục gây nhiều khó khăn cho ông. Nhiều quyển sách có giá trị của ông không được “Tự điển lớn” cuối thế kỷ XIX nhắc đến như: Người hành khất bạo gan nhất, Người phiêu lưu, Hoa hồng của tình yêu… Nhưng nổi bật nhất là: Cuộc phiêu lưu của thuyền trưởng Corcoran. Cuối đời, ông sống ẩn danh ở Pari và mất năm 1886.
Trong Cuộc phiêu lưu của thuyền trưởng Corcoran, Assollant đã xây dựng thành công nhân vật Corcoran. Corcoran đẹp trai lại tài năng, dũng cảm nên cuốn hút, hấp dẫn phụ nữ. Chàng là người lịch thiệp với các quý ông nhưng dữ dội và không khoan nhượng với những kẻ tàn bạo. Chàng nói được bảy thứ tiếng và có thể dùng tay không uốn cong thanh sắt nặng khó ai làm được. Corcoran chính là mẫu người lý tưởng mà Assollant mơ ước. Chàng là người bản lĩnh, rất trọng nghĩa khí, biết khoan dung khi đối thủ hối cải nên đến đâu cũng được mọi người kính nể. Do đọc nhiều sách và đi nhiều nơi trên thế giới nên Corcoran có kiến thức sâu rộng, biết ứng dụng trong cuộc chiến chống xâm lược và trong hòa bình xây dựng đất nước.
Mở đầu truyện là việc Corcoran bất ngờ xuất hiện ở Viện khoa học Lyon với hổ Louison. Louison đã gây rắc rối khiến Viện Lyon náo loạn phải nhờ cảnh sát can thiệp. Sau đó, Corcoran sang Ấn Độ để tìm cuốn sách quý mà viện Lyon yêu cầu vào lúc nổ ra cuộc khởi nghĩa của lính Cipaye. Corcoran đã giúp tiểu vương Holkar chống lại quân Anh xâm lược. Trước khi qua đời, Holkar đã gả con gái và truyền ngôi cho Corcoran. Cuộc chiến đấu chống quân Anh gay go và ác liệt nhưng lúc nào hổ Louison cũng theo sát bên Corcoran để bảo vệ và giúp đỡ chàng. Để đền ơn chủ và trả thù cho chồng, cuối cùng Louison đã giết được tướng Barclay, tạo điều kiện cho Corcoran chỉ huy quân Mahratte toàn thắng. Trong hòa bình, Corcoran đã họp Quốc dân đại hội, ban bố rộng rãi các quyền tự do dânchủ. Sau đó, chàng giao quyền nhiếp chính cho Sougriva - một người Ấn Độ yêu nước, mưu lược và dũng cảm để lên khí cầu cùng những người thân yêu rời xa Ấn Độ.
Với vốn sống dồi dào và kiến thức sâu rộng, Assollant đã làm sống động mối tình vượt bao khó khăn, trắc trở giữa quận chúa Sita xinh đẹp với chàng thuyền trưởng Corcoran tài ba. Không những vậy, tác giả còn đưa ta đến xứ Ấn Độ xa xôi với những cuộc săn tê giác kỳ lạ. Ta còn biết được những con thú hoang dã như voi, hổ… khi sống bên nhau cũng có lúc xảy ra bất hòa, nhưng nhờ được nuôi dạy nên chúng đã hiệp sức sẵn sàng xả thân cứu chủ, giúp con người trong cuộc chiến đấu chống kẻ thù xâm lược.
Đây là cuốn truyện đặc sắc do một nhà văn Pháp viết về Ấn Độ - xứ sở huyền bí cách đây hơn hai thế kỷ nhưng đối với bạn đọc ngày nay vẫn còn rất nhiều điều mới lạ. Bằng sự quan sát tinh tế, cách hành văn vừa lãng mạn vừa hài hước, tác giả đã miêu tả các trận đánh khốc liệt và tài chỉ huy quân sự của Corcoran. Không những vậy, tác giả đã cho chúng ta hiểu biết về con người và cảnh vật ở một xứ sở xa xôi.
Tuy không phục Napoleon - người đã bóp chết tư tưởng dân quyền mới nhóm lên ở nước Pháp, nhưng Assollant đánh giá cao thiên tài quân sự của Napoleon. Chính vì thế, ông đã để nhân vật chính trong truyện Cuộc phiêu lưu của thuyền trưởng Corcoran ứng dụng chiến thuật của Napoleon để đánh lại quân Anh. Đó là cách hành quân thần tốc, áp đảo địch bằng pháo binh và truy kích địch đến cùng. Assollant tốt nghiệp trường Sư phạm danh tiếng của nước Pháp và làm giáo sư Sử học trong nhiều năm. Sau đó, ông nghỉ dạy để theo đuổi nghiệp văn chương. Nghe nói ở Mỹ con người được quyền tự do, ông liền sang đó và viết báo gửi về nước. Một thời gian sau, ông trở về Pháp viết sách báo và đi du lịch nhiều nơi như Châu Phi, Ấn Độ Dương và Thái Bình Dương…. Tái độ dân chủ và công khai chống chính sách xâm lược các nước nhược tiểu để làm thuộc địa của ông đã bị chế độ chuyên chế của Napoleon đệ tam phạt. Tờ báo do ông làm chủ bút bị đình chỉ. Chính phủ Cộng hòa do Tiers đứng đầu vẫn tiếp tục gây nhiều khó khăn cho ông. Nhiều quyển sách có giá trị của ông không được “Tự điển lớn” cuối thế kỷ XIX nhắc đến như: Người hành khất bạo gan nhất, Người phiêu lưu, Hoa hồng của tình yêu… Nhưng nổi bật nhất là: Cuộc phiêu lưu của thuyền trưởng Corcoran. Cuối đời, ông sống ẩn danh ở Pari và mất năm 1886.
Trong Cuộc phiêu lưu của thuyền trưởng Corcoran, Assollant đã xây dựng thành công nhân vật Corcoran. Corcoran đẹp trai lại tài năng, dũng cảm nên cuốn hút, hấp dẫn phụ nữ. Chàng là người lịch thiệp với các quý ông nhưng dữ dội và không khoan nhượng với những kẻ tàn bạo. Chàng nói được bảy thứ tiếng và có thể dùng tay không uốn cong thanh sắt nặng khó ai làm được. Corcoran chính là mẫu người lý tưởng mà Assollant mơ ước. Chàng là người bản lĩnh, rất trọng nghĩa khí, biết khoan dung khi đối thủ hối cải nên đến đâu cũng được mọi người kính nể. Do đọc nhiều sách và đi nhiều nơi trên thế giới nên Corcoran có kiến thức sâu rộng, biết ứng dụng trong cuộc chiến chống xâm lược và trong hòa bình xây dựng đất nước.
Mở đầu truyện là việc Corcoran bất ngờ xuất hiện ở Viện khoa học Lyon với hổ Louison. Louison đã gây rắc rối khiến Viện Lyon náo loạn phải nhờ cảnh sát can thiệp. Sau đó, Corcoran sang Ấn Độ để tìm cuốn sách quý mà viện Lyon yêu cầu vào lúc nổ ra cuộc khởi nghĩa của lính Cipaye. Corcoran đã giúp tiểu vương Holkar chống lại quân Anh xâm lược. Trước khi qua đời, Holkar đã gả con gái và truyền ngôi cho Corcoran. Cuộc chiến đấu chống quân Anh gay go và ác liệt nhưng lúc nào hổ Louison cũng theo sát bên Corcoran để bảo vệ và giúp đỡ chàng. Để đền ơn chủ và trả thù cho chồng, cuối cùng Louison đã giết được tướng Barclay, tạo điều kiện cho Corcoran chỉ huy quân Mahratte toàn thắng. Trong hòa bình, Corcoran đã họp Quốc dân đại hội, ban bố rộng rãi các quyền tự do dânchủ. Sau đó, chàng giao quyền nhiếp chính cho Sougriva - một người Ấn Độ yêu nước, mưu lược và dũng cảm để lên khí cầu cùng những người thân yêu rời xa Ấn Độ.
Với vốn sống dồi dào và kiến thức sâu rộng, Assollant đã làm sống động mối tình vượt bao khó khăn, trắc trở giữa quận chúa Sita xinh đẹp với chàng thuyền trưởng Corcoran tài ba. Không những vậy, tác giả còn đưa ta đến xứ Ấn Độ xa xôi với những cuộc săn tê giác kỳ lạ. Ta còn biết được những con thú hoang dã như voi, hổ… khi sống bên nhau cũng có lúc xảy ra bất hòa, nhưng nhờ được nuôi dạy nên chúng đã hiệp sức sẵn sàng xả thân cứu chủ, giúp con người trong cuộc chiến đấu chống kẻ thù xâm lược.
Đây là cuốn truyện đặc sắc do một nhà văn Pháp viết về Ấn Độ - xứ sở huyền bí cách đây hơn hai thế kỷ nhưng đối với bạn đọc ngày nay vẫn còn rất nhiều điều mới lạ. Bằng sự quan sát tinh tế, cách hành văn vừa lãng mạn vừa hài hước, tác giả đã miêu tả các trận đánh khốc liệt và tài chỉ huy quân sự của Corcoran. Không những vậy, tác giả đã cho chúng ta hiểu biết về con người và cảnh vật ở một xứ sở xa xôi.
352 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1881
5 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
Alfred Assollant
130 books3 followersAlfred Assollant, parfois écrit Assolant, né Aubusson (Creuse) le 20 mars 1827 et mort Paris le 3 mars 1886, était un romancier Français, auteur de romans pour la jeunesse. Licencié ès Lettres, après avoir enseigné l'histoire, il s'attire les foudres de son recteur, pour ses opinions républicaines. Il entreprend alors un voyage aux États-Unis, puis réunit ses souvenirs dans les Scènes de la Vie des États-Unis en 1858. Farouche opposant de Napoléon III, il collabore la presse d'opposition, puis s'essaie au roman. Il est l'auteur de romans pour la jeunesse et en 1867, il publie Aventures Merveilleuses Mais Authentiques du Capitaine Corcoran dans la Bibliothèque rose de Louis Hachette. Après plusieurs échecs successifs la députation, il termina sa vie dans l'anonymat.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 26, 2021
2021/05/26 23:26
Nếu đọc hồi 12, 13 tuổi hẳn là câu chuyện yêu thích. Tiếc là qua tuổi đó rồi!
Nếu đọc hồi 12, 13 tuổi hẳn là câu chuyện yêu thích. Tiếc là qua tuổi đó rồi!
December 1, 2016
After discussing Captain Corcoran with his wife's stepfather, Sam Miller ordered a copy of the original French text. After reading the book, Sam Miller decided to translate Assollant's work into English as he found it to be an interesting piece with a rich history. I am very glad he choose to do this as I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it has an amazing adventurous tone and some great characters to go with it. Though it does have some adult themes and graphic violence that I don't think would suit today's youth like it might have in the mid 1850's. (This book is meant to be a novel for all ages).
Captain Corcoran participates in a research mission to India after he confronts the Academy of Sciences Lyon with his interest in the trip as well as his fluency in many languages, his impossible strength and his companion Louison, a protective and beautiful Bengal tigress. Upon reaching India, Corcoran and Louison find themselves in the middle of a fierce war between Prince Holkar and Colonel Barclay of the British army over control of India. With the research mission quickly forgotten, Corcoran indulges his dislike of the English and aims to help Holkar stay in power.
This is a tale of adventure that slowly evolves into one of control and war. I loved the duo of Corcoran and Louison, I felt this book really shone because of them, they have such a brilliant dynamic, they cared for each other and maintain a powerful presence to those around them. Corcoran is brave, smart and an honourable gentleman. Louison is mighty, loyal and proud. The war setting was also interesting and full of turmoil/politics, with parts of the story that are actually based on true events/characters. Sam Miller maintains his presence in this book through interesting footnotes throughout the text that elaborate on certain historical/contextual elements.
My absolute favourite part to this book is the artwork that accompanies the text, it is outstanding and really accentuates the story and brings it to life. It is the original artwork and the 25 pieces included are all well placed and initiate feelings of shock, awe and humour. I felt the least appealing part to this book was the graphic violence, the implied violence is fairly standard but the descriptive violence is a bit too far for a supposed children's classic.
With mature themes and the series of events that take place in the book, I would say this book would suit a teen/adult audience. There are themes such as war, fighting and vengeance, but there is also plenty of upbeat themes like humour, adventure and companionship so it appeals to many different kinds of reader. Assollant was a talented writer but a rushed one as well, so the writing style is rapid and there are several contradictions and mistakes that Sam has glossed over with some insights into Assollant's work which added another dimension to the text.
Overall I have given the book 4/5 stars as my reading experience of the book was a great one and the book itself is gorgeous, full of outstanding artwork and plenty of history. Though I didn't find the violence necessary and I feel it could be too much for a modern younger generation but that is my own opinion. This is a book you can enjoy in one sitting and return to repeatedly to enjoy a sense of adventure and glorious, detailed artwork.
Captain Corcoran participates in a research mission to India after he confronts the Academy of Sciences Lyon with his interest in the trip as well as his fluency in many languages, his impossible strength and his companion Louison, a protective and beautiful Bengal tigress. Upon reaching India, Corcoran and Louison find themselves in the middle of a fierce war between Prince Holkar and Colonel Barclay of the British army over control of India. With the research mission quickly forgotten, Corcoran indulges his dislike of the English and aims to help Holkar stay in power.
This is a tale of adventure that slowly evolves into one of control and war. I loved the duo of Corcoran and Louison, I felt this book really shone because of them, they have such a brilliant dynamic, they cared for each other and maintain a powerful presence to those around them. Corcoran is brave, smart and an honourable gentleman. Louison is mighty, loyal and proud. The war setting was also interesting and full of turmoil/politics, with parts of the story that are actually based on true events/characters. Sam Miller maintains his presence in this book through interesting footnotes throughout the text that elaborate on certain historical/contextual elements.
My absolute favourite part to this book is the artwork that accompanies the text, it is outstanding and really accentuates the story and brings it to life. It is the original artwork and the 25 pieces included are all well placed and initiate feelings of shock, awe and humour. I felt the least appealing part to this book was the graphic violence, the implied violence is fairly standard but the descriptive violence is a bit too far for a supposed children's classic.
With mature themes and the series of events that take place in the book, I would say this book would suit a teen/adult audience. There are themes such as war, fighting and vengeance, but there is also plenty of upbeat themes like humour, adventure and companionship so it appeals to many different kinds of reader. Assollant was a talented writer but a rushed one as well, so the writing style is rapid and there are several contradictions and mistakes that Sam has glossed over with some insights into Assollant's work which added another dimension to the text.
Overall I have given the book 4/5 stars as my reading experience of the book was a great one and the book itself is gorgeous, full of outstanding artwork and plenty of history. Though I didn't find the violence necessary and I feel it could be too much for a modern younger generation but that is my own opinion. This is a book you can enjoy in one sitting and return to repeatedly to enjoy a sense of adventure and glorious, detailed artwork.
April 3, 2020
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review:
Though this book was written way back in 1867 and is set during the uprising of 1857 it is so pacy and moves at such a fluid pace and you keep on reading and fall in love with Louisan and Captain Corcoran. Although the English are definitely cast as villains of this story and they were villains for me as well but the book is not offensive so as to deserve a virtual ban on it as this is the first English translation of this widely read french classic which had seen better days in Europe.
The book like I already said moves at a great pace where in we find ourselves in one danger after another. It was lovely reading this book and the little notes by the translator Sam Miller about important points and I should I also thank and applaud Sam on translating this wonderful book and I believe it's due to his wonderful translation that the book feels like it was written yesterday when it is actually almost 150 years old.
Everyone should read to get to know the brave Captain Corcoran, the beautiful Sita and most of all the dashing Louissan.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genre but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books which are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
Though this book was written way back in 1867 and is set during the uprising of 1857 it is so pacy and moves at such a fluid pace and you keep on reading and fall in love with Louisan and Captain Corcoran. Although the English are definitely cast as villains of this story and they were villains for me as well but the book is not offensive so as to deserve a virtual ban on it as this is the first English translation of this widely read french classic which had seen better days in Europe.
The book like I already said moves at a great pace where in we find ourselves in one danger after another. It was lovely reading this book and the little notes by the translator Sam Miller about important points and I should I also thank and applaud Sam on translating this wonderful book and I believe it's due to his wonderful translation that the book feels like it was written yesterday when it is actually almost 150 years old.
Everyone should read to get to know the brave Captain Corcoran, the beautiful Sita and most of all the dashing Louissan.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genre but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books which are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
February 18, 2009
I read this book years ago, when i was not yet a teenager and not anymore a child, and I must say it is still the perfect book for any boy who dreams about far away countries, friendly animals and great heroes like the Capitaine Corcoran.
Capitaine Corcoran is a hero which has unfortunately not achieved all its potential among the French literature, though it is some very courageous, funny and witty hero.
In this book, he is a sailor, with already a great experience of many adventures, and he is asked by the Academy of Science to go to India and discover the Gurukaramta, an Hindou sacred book. Of course, India is at this time controlled almost entirely by the English. However, Corcoran is a die-hard and doesnt fear the Englishmen.
He will not only succeed in his task, but even become a rajah himself.
Oh and i forgot to tell one of the most important thing : he is accompanied by Louison, a huge female tiger, his best friend and comrade.
Really, this hero is amazing, and this book is a piece of choice for anyone who loves for example Jules Verne.
Capitaine Corcoran is a hero which has unfortunately not achieved all its potential among the French literature, though it is some very courageous, funny and witty hero.
In this book, he is a sailor, with already a great experience of many adventures, and he is asked by the Academy of Science to go to India and discover the Gurukaramta, an Hindou sacred book. Of course, India is at this time controlled almost entirely by the English. However, Corcoran is a die-hard and doesnt fear the Englishmen.
He will not only succeed in his task, but even become a rajah himself.
Oh and i forgot to tell one of the most important thing : he is accompanied by Louison, a huge female tiger, his best friend and comrade.
Really, this hero is amazing, and this book is a piece of choice for anyone who loves for example Jules Verne.
June 6, 2019
Sam Miller shouldn’t have bothered translating this book in English.
It was better if it were left untranslated in some dingy French bookstore not bothering anyone.
But the deed was done. All I can glean from this book is that Europeans are brave and Indians are treacherous chickens.
It actually wouldn’t have mattered if French had ruled instead of English, with the amount of racist slurs that were sprinkled in the book - the situation wouldn’t have been much different.
The French and the British looked at an Indian as an unruly savage who needed to be disciplined.
A question to the publisher: why bother translating a book for the Indian audience, which emasculates Indians and treats them like shit?
Utterly disappointed.
It was better if it were left untranslated in some dingy French bookstore not bothering anyone.
But the deed was done. All I can glean from this book is that Europeans are brave and Indians are treacherous chickens.
It actually wouldn’t have mattered if French had ruled instead of English, with the amount of racist slurs that were sprinkled in the book - the situation wouldn’t have been much different.
The French and the British looked at an Indian as an unruly savage who needed to be disciplined.
A question to the publisher: why bother translating a book for the Indian audience, which emasculates Indians and treats them like shit?
Utterly disappointed.
December 8, 2016
'My Lord,' said Corcoran , ' there are, in this vast universe, two sorts of men - or, if you want, two principal races, not including yours. They are the French and The English, who are to each other as the dog is to the wolf, or the tiger to the Buffalo, or the panther to the rattlesnake.Each of these pairings is hungry - the one for praise, the other for money - but they are equally quarrelsome, and always ready to meddle in the affairs of the other without being invited.
page no. 50.
Read this book for the criticism of Britishers, nothing else. It has all the stereotypes about India we have been hearing India for a long.
Yet just for it's anti-british attitude, you need to read it!!
page no. 50.
Read this book for the criticism of Britishers, nothing else. It has all the stereotypes about India we have been hearing India for a long.
Yet just for it's anti-british attitude, you need to read it!!
January 22, 2017
If you enjoy Sabatini Rafael -- the grand master of derring-do fiction -- you'll love this. 19th Century racist stereotypes, of course (most Indians cowardly, except some heroic ones, and even they are cruel to their enemies), but the English are worst of all, because these are a _French_ author's prejudices. The action is wild and non-stop, and the improbable tigress Louison is magnificient.
And Sartre as a boy read it a hundred times.
There is more, but it hasn't been translated: I will get hold of the rest of it in the original French.
And Sartre as a boy read it a hundred times.
There is more, but it hasn't been translated: I will get hold of the rest of it in the original French.
December 29, 2017
A clichéd narrative of a dated story enlivened only by the verbal and physical thrashing that the British receive, what I particularly disliked is the moralising finish. Two stars for the few chuckles it evoked and the detailed descriptions that are definitely not easy.
August 2, 2018
Captain Corcoran and his best friend Louison were a joy to read 😃
This book took me back to my childhood - it is wonderfully imagined and has the same charm and excitement that reading The Famous Five & The Adventurous Four held for me, when I first discovered the thrill of adventures! These days I get my thrills from reading mystery and crime but it was wonderfully nostalgic returning to a good, solid ‘adventure’ yarn complete with princesses and tigers! And even better that it was set in India - My home 😃
Captain Corcoran is a dashing, flamboyant, courageous Frenchman with the proverbial heart of gold, especially for princesses in tight spots 😄 He reminds me of a pirate with a heart of gold! Louison is the Captain’s friend, dangerous, unpredictable and yet intensely loyal and trustworthy when the need arises. She’s also a tigress and an excellent judge of human character! Although humans form a large part of her diet, she has a knack for picking the less savoury specimens for chewing on 😉
Following these two friends was a romp! As they get entangled in the politics of the time, helping Prince Holkar and his gorgeous daughter Princess Sita escape from the British forces (the Captain despises the British! It’s the one slur on an otherwise perfectly gentlemanly character!), we are treated to battles, sieges, treachery, betrayal, courage, cowardice and occasional romance!
This is a fast-paced narrative and Assollant writes in simple, direct prose that makes for an easy read. The only distraction was the notes that are included at the bottom of some pages, sometimes referencing, events, people and places in the text but often pointing out discrepancies in Assollant’s narrative flow - instances where he contradicted himself in the story.
The only sad thing about this book is the fate of its author who died a lonely pauper despite being a prolific author and even when Captain Corcoran, his only literary success was in its 6th edition at the time. Strange are the ways of life.
I’m very grateful for discovering this little gem, beautifully published by Vintage - a gloriously imagined and wonderfully written book. A very, very satisfying read!
This book took me back to my childhood - it is wonderfully imagined and has the same charm and excitement that reading The Famous Five & The Adventurous Four held for me, when I first discovered the thrill of adventures! These days I get my thrills from reading mystery and crime but it was wonderfully nostalgic returning to a good, solid ‘adventure’ yarn complete with princesses and tigers! And even better that it was set in India - My home 😃
Captain Corcoran is a dashing, flamboyant, courageous Frenchman with the proverbial heart of gold, especially for princesses in tight spots 😄 He reminds me of a pirate with a heart of gold! Louison is the Captain’s friend, dangerous, unpredictable and yet intensely loyal and trustworthy when the need arises. She’s also a tigress and an excellent judge of human character! Although humans form a large part of her diet, she has a knack for picking the less savoury specimens for chewing on 😉
Following these two friends was a romp! As they get entangled in the politics of the time, helping Prince Holkar and his gorgeous daughter Princess Sita escape from the British forces (the Captain despises the British! It’s the one slur on an otherwise perfectly gentlemanly character!), we are treated to battles, sieges, treachery, betrayal, courage, cowardice and occasional romance!
This is a fast-paced narrative and Assollant writes in simple, direct prose that makes for an easy read. The only distraction was the notes that are included at the bottom of some pages, sometimes referencing, events, people and places in the text but often pointing out discrepancies in Assollant’s narrative flow - instances where he contradicted himself in the story.
The only sad thing about this book is the fate of its author who died a lonely pauper despite being a prolific author and even when Captain Corcoran, his only literary success was in its 6th edition at the time. Strange are the ways of life.
I’m very grateful for discovering this little gem, beautifully published by Vintage - a gloriously imagined and wonderfully written book. A very, very satisfying read!
October 20, 2024
In 19th century European literature, non-Europeans lived exotic, yet cliched lives; the Indians in Assollant's work are no exception, but I appreciate that Assolant tried to do a bit of research first, before bullshitting his way through names, geography, history, languages and such.
I enjoyed the beginning of the novel the most: captain Corcoran walks into the French Academy at Lyon to take on the job of finding a lost Indian religious text, and terrifies all the academicians with his pet tiger; although they were probably happy for the excitement, after being bored to tears by a long thesis regarding a spider's traces in the dust.
I enjoyed the Indian adventure less - Corcoran meets an Indian king fighting against the English, joins forces with him, falls in love with his beautiful, young daughter, and of course wins against the English (was there any doubt?).
I was very dubious about the ending. Corcoran becomes the heir to an Indian kingdom, institutes a voting system and a parliament, then gets crowned king and lives happily ever after with the young princess as his bride. What about the lost Indian text, Corcoran? The Academy handed you 100 000 francs to find it - did you at least return the money after giving up?!
I enjoyed the beginning of the novel the most: captain Corcoran walks into the French Academy at Lyon to take on the job of finding a lost Indian religious text, and terrifies all the academicians with his pet tiger; although they were probably happy for the excitement, after being bored to tears by a long thesis regarding a spider's traces in the dust.
I enjoyed the Indian adventure less - Corcoran meets an Indian king fighting against the English, joins forces with him, falls in love with his beautiful, young daughter, and of course wins against the English (was there any doubt?).
I was very dubious about the ending. Corcoran becomes the heir to an Indian kingdom, institutes a voting system and a parliament, then gets crowned king and lives happily ever after with the young princess as his bride. What about the lost Indian text, Corcoran? The Academy handed you 100 000 francs to find it - did you at least return the money after giving up?!
December 15, 2019
Good fun, for a book originally written a century and a half ago. But the depiction of Indians as inept fighters and having the Frenchman always save the world gets very tiring after a point. The pet tigress is good fun, though.
September 21, 2022
The book is good for young adults with a little knowledge of history. It reminds of old western movie set in India It's time is not contemporary but still will take you to a good ride.
February 19, 2023
Great storytelling
Có thể lược bớt một số chi tiết hơi bị cường điệu (mình mà tìm đọc q này trong giai đoạn học cấp 2 cấp 3 thì sẽ cảm thấy thích thú hơn).
Có thể lược bớt một số chi tiết hơi bị cường điệu (mình mà tìm đọc q này trong giai đoạn học cấp 2 cấp 3 thì sẽ cảm thấy thích thú hơn).
December 7, 2024
Hơi đầu voi đuôi chuột. Vẫn hay nhưng không có nhiều đặc biệt về nhiều mặt
September 13, 2025
it's my childhood book, I read it in french it just brings back good memories
January 9, 2026
I read this in polish as a little girl decadrs ago and I still think of it SO fondly! I might re-rrad again!
October 29, 2017
https://osrascunhos.com/2017/10/28/th...
Apresentado como um livro de aventuras para os mais novos, escrito em 1867, estas aventuras relembraram, pela sinopse, histórias como As minas do Rei Salomão ou aventuras de exploração vernianas num contexto colonial. Talvez por ter lido estes quando era muito mais nova, considero que The Marvellous (but authentic) adventures of Captain Corcoran é um livro demasiado datado, carregado de tiradas racistas (que são incluídas como sendo óbvias), preconceitos de género e de cultura que tornam a leitura, por vezes, desagradável.
“What’s the purpose of that man up front” asked the Captain, “the one who is pratically sitting on the ears of the elephant?”
“He’s the lead ridder” replied Holkar. “Only he can get the animal to listen and obey”.
“And the other one?” (…)
“My dear guest, he’s the one who will be eaten”.
“Eaten by whom? I’m not hungry, and I don’t imagine that’s the kind of food you would order for me, would you?”
“Eaten by the tiger, Captain”. (..) That’s just an english custom that we have adopted. And it’s an excellent one as you shall see. The English noticed that one often meets in our forests an animal which didn’t expect – a tiger, for exempla, or a jaguar or a panther. Now, all these animals that get up early in the morning like us, that get hungry like us, and that live by hunting, and that have no other means of existence – well they often wait for a traveller on the corner of a path, in the hope of a breakfast. Moreover, since they don’t like do attack a human whose face they can see, they almost always jump on you from behind, at the moment you least expect it, and carry you off into the jungle to eat at their leisure.
Now the english are very sensitive, very prudent – true gentleman, who regard their skin as more precious in the eyes of the Eternal Being than those of all other humans beings. (…) If by chance some misfortune should occur, it would not be right if a gentleman were exposed to the possibility of being eaten rather than the poor devil. And, after all, Divine Providence has created poor devils so that they can be eaten in the place of gentleman”.
Ainda que possamos considerar estas passagens como fruto do tempo em que o livro foi escrito, as personagens são algo lineares nas suas características. O Capitão Corcoran é o típico herói, frontal e forte, que, com astúcia, consegue salvar todos, enaltecendo as características genéricas dos franceses em relação aos ingleses, retratados como cobardes e traiçoeiros.
Possuindo algumas boas críticas aos avanços coloniais, denunciando a forma como se convenceram príncipes locais a cooperar, aumento impostos às populações para responder às necessidades dos colonizadores, possui histórias pouco realistas e demasiado simplistas, onde se destaca, como ponto positivo, o animal que acompanha sempre o Capitão – um tigre esfomeado que o protege a todo o custo e em todas as circunstâncias.
O resultado é um livro estranho. É possível simpatizar com a personagem principal nalguns momentos, que se mostra corajoso e correcto para com os locais quando tem oportunidade de os liderar, mas as constantes referências a preconceitos de nacionalidade, género e raça dificultam a leitura e levantaram-me alguns cabelos.
Apresentado como um livro de aventuras para os mais novos, escrito em 1867, estas aventuras relembraram, pela sinopse, histórias como As minas do Rei Salomão ou aventuras de exploração vernianas num contexto colonial. Talvez por ter lido estes quando era muito mais nova, considero que The Marvellous (but authentic) adventures of Captain Corcoran é um livro demasiado datado, carregado de tiradas racistas (que são incluídas como sendo óbvias), preconceitos de género e de cultura que tornam a leitura, por vezes, desagradável.
“What’s the purpose of that man up front” asked the Captain, “the one who is pratically sitting on the ears of the elephant?”
“He’s the lead ridder” replied Holkar. “Only he can get the animal to listen and obey”.
“And the other one?” (…)
“My dear guest, he’s the one who will be eaten”.
“Eaten by whom? I’m not hungry, and I don’t imagine that’s the kind of food you would order for me, would you?”
“Eaten by the tiger, Captain”. (..) That’s just an english custom that we have adopted. And it’s an excellent one as you shall see. The English noticed that one often meets in our forests an animal which didn’t expect – a tiger, for exempla, or a jaguar or a panther. Now, all these animals that get up early in the morning like us, that get hungry like us, and that live by hunting, and that have no other means of existence – well they often wait for a traveller on the corner of a path, in the hope of a breakfast. Moreover, since they don’t like do attack a human whose face they can see, they almost always jump on you from behind, at the moment you least expect it, and carry you off into the jungle to eat at their leisure.
Now the english are very sensitive, very prudent – true gentleman, who regard their skin as more precious in the eyes of the Eternal Being than those of all other humans beings. (…) If by chance some misfortune should occur, it would not be right if a gentleman were exposed to the possibility of being eaten rather than the poor devil. And, after all, Divine Providence has created poor devils so that they can be eaten in the place of gentleman”.
Ainda que possamos considerar estas passagens como fruto do tempo em que o livro foi escrito, as personagens são algo lineares nas suas características. O Capitão Corcoran é o típico herói, frontal e forte, que, com astúcia, consegue salvar todos, enaltecendo as características genéricas dos franceses em relação aos ingleses, retratados como cobardes e traiçoeiros.
Possuindo algumas boas críticas aos avanços coloniais, denunciando a forma como se convenceram príncipes locais a cooperar, aumento impostos às populações para responder às necessidades dos colonizadores, possui histórias pouco realistas e demasiado simplistas, onde se destaca, como ponto positivo, o animal que acompanha sempre o Capitão – um tigre esfomeado que o protege a todo o custo e em todas as circunstâncias.
O resultado é um livro estranho. É possível simpatizar com a personagem principal nalguns momentos, que se mostra corajoso e correcto para com os locais quando tem oportunidade de os liderar, mas as constantes referências a preconceitos de nacionalidade, género e raça dificultam a leitura e levantaram-me alguns cabelos.
August 19, 2016
In one word it’s an excellent adventure novel I have ever come across this year, just think, a person never visited India but then also writing a novel based on India, isn’t it very interesting and also hard thing to do?
What I liked the most is the attractive cover of the book, the image of Captain Corcoran is like a machismo having a curved mustache and old fashioned gun in his hand, with beautiful Indian princess along with tigress Louison. While reading the introduction I came to know that this book was very popular in French at the time of 1857 and then translated into different languages, but it was later translated in English (I think its because of author Alfred Assolant portraying Captain Corcoran as hero who was capable of defeating East India Company along with tigress Louison in India). Also I liked the translator Sam Miller’s notes and what mistakes done by the author at last pages of the book and notes for the research he has done for this book.
This novel is a good resource for those who want to know about India at the time of 1857, when British just started to rule. While reading the novel you will know the relationship between France and Britain, also story is weaved in such a way that you will get ample of information on important moments of Indian history.
I am not going to spoil the entire story by giving the plot, but if you read you will get humour, adventure, action, romance, an intelligent tigress etc. An interesting plot which keeps you hooked up till the last page, it’s truly a page turner novel. The book has every ingredient to be a best seller.
I received a free paperback copy from the publisher Juggernaut Books in return of honest review.
What I liked the most is the attractive cover of the book, the image of Captain Corcoran is like a machismo having a curved mustache and old fashioned gun in his hand, with beautiful Indian princess along with tigress Louison. While reading the introduction I came to know that this book was very popular in French at the time of 1857 and then translated into different languages, but it was later translated in English (I think its because of author Alfred Assolant portraying Captain Corcoran as hero who was capable of defeating East India Company along with tigress Louison in India). Also I liked the translator Sam Miller’s notes and what mistakes done by the author at last pages of the book and notes for the research he has done for this book.
This novel is a good resource for those who want to know about India at the time of 1857, when British just started to rule. While reading the novel you will know the relationship between France and Britain, also story is weaved in such a way that you will get ample of information on important moments of Indian history.
I am not going to spoil the entire story by giving the plot, but if you read you will get humour, adventure, action, romance, an intelligent tigress etc. An interesting plot which keeps you hooked up till the last page, it’s truly a page turner novel. The book has every ingredient to be a best seller.
I received a free paperback copy from the publisher Juggernaut Books in return of honest review.
July 24, 2016
The story is fast-paced and indulgent. It has humour, adventure, action and romance and a vintage charm. Even though the Indian prince, Holkar, is not shown in the best of light, it was not really offensive. Holkar is depicted as an arrogant as well as a royal fool. Holkar chooses to go on a hunt when there was an impending threat on the kingdom. The English are the true villains, and Captain Corcoran is depicted as the saviour of the Indian kingdom. Read full review at Natasha'z Words
August 7, 2016
Adventure story with a dashing solider to the rescue of a beautiful princess. Plays to cliches and there is not much depth, with linear characters and everything black and white. But still a good adventure story with some humorous touches.
September 2, 2016
Quite interesting in its depiction of India and the author's own political mindset...
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