The Big Book of Swashbuckling Adventure

Not only does this collection of short stories present a wonderfully wide array of swashbuckling adventure, but the short introductions written by Mr. Ellsworth before each tale provide valuable and entertaining insights into the authors of each piece.Too often I've read "lesser-known works" by authors whose more famous works I've enjoyed only to be reminded why an item might have remained mostly unknown for years. The Big Book contains none of these. Each is a true treasure, unearthed by Mr. Ellsworth and presented with style.While each tale of swashbuckling, romance, or piratical adventure has its own individual appeal, one thing inks them all together: The beautiful, unmistakable language. There's a roll to the meter and an imagery to the word-choice that simply immerses the reader in the genre. Pick up the Big Book and find yourself swept away!

This is a fine collection of classic stories from the roots of the swashbuckling tradition. Written by the masters of the genre, including Arthur Conan Doyle, Alexandre Dumas, Rafael Sabatini and others, most of these stories have been out-of-print for some time, so it is a delight to have them now in one volume. Before each story, Lawrence Ellsworth has written a brief introduction to the tale and its author which provides an excellent context. Whether your soul wishes to roam the alleys of Paris, ride a fast steed in central Asia, return through Germany with Napoleon's defeated army, or slip on the bloody deck of a pirate ship, there is a story here to stir that soul, and rouse your heroic spirit against dreadful odds. Bravo, Lawrence, and may another volume appear soon.

Well laid out. Love the intros. Love the fact the this writer 'learned' french just to read the original 3 musketeers. His translation of that book is the best I'd ever read.

Do you like swashbuckling adventures? Maybe you don't know you do yet. You should read this book and find out. I really enjoyed it. Highly romantic, action filled, fun stories. Lawrence gives a good introduction to the stories and authors too, for background.This collection of stories makes for great reading. I'm sure it would also make a great gift.

For me, the stories were too abrupt, without adequate character development. However had that occurred there would probably have been fewer swordfights or less description of the actual fights.

Excellent collection!! Colorful, informative insights by Mr. Ellsworth into the genre and authors behind the selections he has successfully presented in this volume! Looking forward to Volume 2!!

......nice book....... but since i bought for my son, it really needs a few illustrations to breakup the chapters...

Great collection of adventure stories spanning many decades and centuries. Worth the purchase!