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The Dark Frigate
Young readers who love a swashbuckling yarn will be captivated by The Dark Frigate, winner of the 1924 Newbery Medal as the year's most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. Abounding in intrigue, battles, and acts of derring-do, the story takes place in the 17th century and charts a course from England to the Caribbean. The hero, Philip Marsham, lost his mother at an early age and was raised aboard various ships by his sea captain father. Alas, a premature death also claims 19-year-old Philip's father, and now he's truly alone in the world. When an accident forces him to flee from London, Philip looks to the sea for his livelihood.
Upon meeting some sailors bound for the port of Bideford, Philip joins them in signing on with the Rose of Devon, a frigate bound for Newfoundland. Their transatlantic passage is disrupted by an encounter with a floating wreck, and their rescue of the survivors is repaid with foul treachery by these "gentlemen of fortune" — a band of bloodthirsty pirates who coerce Philip and the rest of the crew into joining in their murderous deeds. Will Philip hang alongside them when the buccaneers are brought to justice?
Upon meeting some sailors bound for the port of Bideford, Philip joins them in signing on with the Rose of Devon, a frigate bound for Newfoundland. Their transatlantic passage is disrupted by an encounter with a floating wreck, and their rescue of the survivors is repaid with foul treachery by these "gentlemen of fortune" — a band of bloodthirsty pirates who coerce Philip and the rest of the crew into joining in their murderous deeds. Will Philip hang alongside them when the buccaneers are brought to justice?
240 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1923
About the author
Charles Boardman Hawes
97 books2 followersCharles Boardman Hawes was an American author. He was posthumously awarded the 1924 Newbery Medal for The Dark Frigate (1923). Additionally, The Great Quest (1921) was a 1922 Newbery Honor book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
June 22, 2016
Having won the Newbery Medal for children's literature in the 1920's, it certainly wouldn't be considered children's literature today. Complete with murdering pirates and filled with rather violent action, it reads more like an adventure/action novel, and may I add, a very good one. It may be my favorite Newbery Medal book to date.
1924 Newbery Medal winner.
1924 Newbery Medal winner.
March 29, 2008
As of March 27, 2008, I have now read (and collected data from) something like seventy of the eighty-eight winners of the Newbery Medal. When I set out to read them all, I dreaded the older books, for it was my impression that the early honorees were "good for you" books, and not necessarily good literature. For the most part, this has proven true (See Ginger Pye, Smoky the Cow Horse, Miss Hickory, and Invincible Louisa.
How pleasantly surprised I was by Charles Boardman Hawes's The Dark Frigate, which combines elements of adventure, romance, rebellion, piracy on the high seas, fisticuffs, and even courtroom drama with wonderfully lyrical prose and excellent storytelling. I was most taken with the clarity and cadence of the author's writing, as in this passage:
There is a sorry lack of any real female presence here (it's the topic of my thesis), except as pretty girls for adventurous boys to leave behind and someday return to or as matronly innkeepers, but this qualm aside, it is a solid novel and surprisingly Newbery-worthy.
How pleasantly surprised I was by Charles Boardman Hawes's The Dark Frigate, which combines elements of adventure, romance, rebellion, piracy on the high seas, fisticuffs, and even courtroom drama with wonderfully lyrical prose and excellent storytelling. I was most taken with the clarity and cadence of the author's writing, as in this passage:
Then, the jury, weighing all that had been said, put together its twelve heads, while such stillness prevailed in the court that a man could hear his neighbor's breathing. It seemed to those whose lives were at stake that the deliberations took as many hours as in reality they took minutes. There are times when every grain of sand in the glass seems to loiter in falling and to drift through the air like thistledown, as if unwilling to come to rest with its fellows below. Yet the sand is falling as fast as ever, though a man whose life is weighing in the balance can scarcely believe it; so at last the jury made an end of its work, which after all had taken little enough time in consideration of the matter they must decide.
There is a sorry lack of any real female presence here (it's the topic of my thesis), except as pretty girls for adventurous boys to leave behind and someday return to or as matronly innkeepers, but this qualm aside, it is a solid novel and surprisingly Newbery-worthy.
August 13, 2016
Ar! Want to read a salty sea tale? Are you over 30? Then dig this one up!
Why won't children read this book? Is it boring?
No. There is action and adventure from page one.
Is it too violent?
I don't think so. If you're old enough to follow it, then you're old enough for the violence. It is less disturbing than many others in the genre, such as The Slave Dancer and My Brother Sam Is Dead. Really, if I read a pirate story without some spurting blood, I feel cheated.
Is the main character too passive?
Eh. A little. He's very active at the beginning and the end, but there are times after the mutiny when you'd like to know what he's thinking, but Dawes doesn't feel the need to mention it.
Is the plot weak?
Not exactly weak, but definitely slow-building. In spite of all the action, you spend 50+ pages with no idea where the story is going and no particular sense of urgency. Still, that's not a deal-breaker. Walk Two Moons became a genre classic with less plot than this.
Is it just too hard?
It's way too challenging. The dialogue is written in genuine 1600s English, and the ship action is littered with nautical sailing jargon. The characters are complex, and a lot of critical thinking is left to the reader. It assumes a lot of knowledge of 1600s pastoral living, sailing, and global politics. The last chapters throw in Cromwell and the Roundheads and just expect you to know who they were.
I recommend this book for older, well-educated readers who want an authentic adventure yarn.
Why won't children read this book? Is it boring?
No. There is action and adventure from page one.
Is it too violent?
I don't think so. If you're old enough to follow it, then you're old enough for the violence. It is less disturbing than many others in the genre, such as The Slave Dancer and My Brother Sam Is Dead. Really, if I read a pirate story without some spurting blood, I feel cheated.
Is the main character too passive?
Eh. A little. He's very active at the beginning and the end, but there are times after the mutiny when you'd like to know what he's thinking, but Dawes doesn't feel the need to mention it.
Is the plot weak?
Not exactly weak, but definitely slow-building. In spite of all the action, you spend 50+ pages with no idea where the story is going and no particular sense of urgency. Still, that's not a deal-breaker. Walk Two Moons became a genre classic with less plot than this.
Is it just too hard?
It's way too challenging. The dialogue is written in genuine 1600s English, and the ship action is littered with nautical sailing jargon. The characters are complex, and a lot of critical thinking is left to the reader. It assumes a lot of knowledge of 1600s pastoral living, sailing, and global politics. The last chapters throw in Cromwell and the Roundheads and just expect you to know who they were.
I recommend this book for older, well-educated readers who want an authentic adventure yarn.
March 6, 2019
This book was the winner for Newbery in 1927. And I do not understand why. It's the story of Philip Marsham, a 19-year-old who is orphaned. After a weird accident where he accidentally shoots a gun, hurts no one, and does no damage, he has to run away. Why? We don't know.
While he is running around the countryside, he eventually falls in with two sailors and makes it to sea. His father was a sailor and he's learned some stuff, but when he gets on the boat he, apparently, is the awesomest of sailors. He gets promoted and no one is really jealous.
And Charles Hawes makes no bones about this being a book about sailors. Everyone talks in a dialect and I did not understand things. Philip would do something and it would be awesome and I would have no idea what he did! And everyone would talk in their dialect and I didn't understand so it would take me awhile to even figure out that everyone thought Philip was doing awesome things.
The ship gets taken over by pirates. And let me tell you, pirates suck. The book is not about the romantic side of things. I did like that. It felt like an honest account of piracy, but they also talked in weird dialect and I would be reading along and then realize that someone had died. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND SAILOR EUPHEMISMS. And I'm not even the target audience. I'm a great deal older then the target audience. If I were the target audience, I would be bored stiff.
In the intro, the man was very sad that Charles never wrote a sequel. I was not as sad.
While he is running around the countryside, he eventually falls in with two sailors and makes it to sea. His father was a sailor and he's learned some stuff, but when he gets on the boat he, apparently, is the awesomest of sailors. He gets promoted and no one is really jealous.
And Charles Hawes makes no bones about this being a book about sailors. Everyone talks in a dialect and I did not understand things. Philip would do something and it would be awesome and I would have no idea what he did! And everyone would talk in their dialect and I didn't understand so it would take me awhile to even figure out that everyone thought Philip was doing awesome things.
The ship gets taken over by pirates. And let me tell you, pirates suck. The book is not about the romantic side of things. I did like that. It felt like an honest account of piracy, but they also talked in weird dialect and I would be reading along and then realize that someone had died. I DO NOT UNDERSTAND SAILOR EUPHEMISMS. And I'm not even the target audience. I'm a great deal older then the target audience. If I were the target audience, I would be bored stiff.
In the intro, the man was very sad that Charles never wrote a sequel. I was not as sad.
June 7, 2015
1924 Newbery Medal Winner. The Dark Frigate is my third Newbery Medal book as I attempt to read my way through them all from the first. It is a historical fiction set around the time of the English civil war about a 19 your old boy, Philip Marsham, who gets caught up with pirates. I must admit that I had a rough start of it. First I could not find a kindle edition, so I got a free audible trial. I am not used to being read to, and sometimes my ears don't hear well. Combine this with the older and archaic English vocabulary and thick accents from Scotland, Ireland, and England and it was tough. I actually went online to read about the storyline so I could follow it. Finally, approaching the halfway mark, it all started to click for me. I do not consider any of this the book's fault.
I suppose the main reason I rated this book as highly as I did is that the character of Philip Marsham is truly complex. I loved getting into his motivations. It seems many adventure stories for kids now are just a bunch of incredible events that the protagonist overcomes. But this story was about a boy, raised a confessional Anglican, who does what he does because of what he believes is right and true outside of himself. Very different than modern adventure protagonists. He finds himself in bad circumstances, and stays true to himself and what he believes is right. And it is his integrity and honesty that make him one of the most brave of all, even of the pirates. He is not afraid of the consequences as long as he can be true. His basic integrity and honesty earn him respect on both sides of the law.
Another thing I liked about this book is that the pirates are not just a bunch of party boys out for a good time. They are truly evil. The violence they commit is graphic and cruel. And yet, when the pirates take over the ship Philip is on and they want him to be the boatswain or they will kill him, he lets it be known that it is against his will. And so he makes the best of his circumstance. He holds true to his character and yet works hard as one of the pirates. It is this complexity that makes the book very interesting to me. He has grit. He faces bad circumstances, but not as a victim. Bad circumstances are something he must and will get through. The lead pirate, The Old One, also has a strong character. But it seems he is more like a sociopath than someone who lives by a standard. He completely lacks remorse for his wrongs and mocks the consequences even as he faces death.
While I could not recommend this book to young children due to language and graphic violence, it's content would be fine for Jr. High boys. However, I'm not sure I know any Jr. Higher that would have the grit it would take to get through the vocabulary and language in the book. It would be very interesting to compare the motivations of someone like Philip Marsham with a modern day protagonist facing similar circumstances. (1230L)
I suppose the main reason I rated this book as highly as I did is that the character of Philip Marsham is truly complex. I loved getting into his motivations. It seems many adventure stories for kids now are just a bunch of incredible events that the protagonist overcomes. But this story was about a boy, raised a confessional Anglican, who does what he does because of what he believes is right and true outside of himself. Very different than modern adventure protagonists. He finds himself in bad circumstances, and stays true to himself and what he believes is right. And it is his integrity and honesty that make him one of the most brave of all, even of the pirates. He is not afraid of the consequences as long as he can be true. His basic integrity and honesty earn him respect on both sides of the law.
Another thing I liked about this book is that the pirates are not just a bunch of party boys out for a good time. They are truly evil. The violence they commit is graphic and cruel. And yet, when the pirates take over the ship Philip is on and they want him to be the boatswain or they will kill him, he lets it be known that it is against his will. And so he makes the best of his circumstance. He holds true to his character and yet works hard as one of the pirates. It is this complexity that makes the book very interesting to me. He has grit. He faces bad circumstances, but not as a victim. Bad circumstances are something he must and will get through. The lead pirate, The Old One, also has a strong character. But it seems he is more like a sociopath than someone who lives by a standard. He completely lacks remorse for his wrongs and mocks the consequences even as he faces death.
While I could not recommend this book to young children due to language and graphic violence, it's content would be fine for Jr. High boys. However, I'm not sure I know any Jr. Higher that would have the grit it would take to get through the vocabulary and language in the book. It would be very interesting to compare the motivations of someone like Philip Marsham with a modern day protagonist facing similar circumstances. (1230L)
January 11, 2017
A very enjoyable read. Sadly, it is probably inaccessible to most younger readers of today because they haven't been exposed to enough older books with more complex writing styles, vocabulary (even discounting the now-archaic nautical terms), and pacing. The historical subject matter probably also isn't immediately attractive to many kids in this age of airplanes and space exploration (and, of course, virtual fantasy worlds of the digital variety). Those educators tying fiction in with the study of history may have some success with this book. But those who can handle the writing and the content will find much that is appealing about this story of pirates on the high seas. Just don't give up on this too soon after starting, as it takes some 50 pages to get aboard the ship!
Whew! - that does make it sound like a real challenge. I put off reading this for a number of years. I'm very glad that I finally did.
Unlike writers of today's children's books, Hawes does not simplify anything about the writing. His olden-style dialect uses all kinds of jargon and contractions. Most of this one can decipher from the context. The seafaring language is, I assume, accurate (as this is something for which Hawes has been particularly praised). I don't find that the reader need know every last term. Just understand that the sailors are doing something with the sails and it is tricky and requires a great deal of attention, skill, and coordination between men. That's enough for me, at least. Now, in a literary work, certainly that undertaking needs to be expressed and described in the kind of words that would be used by English sailors in the 17th century. So that's what Hawes does.
There are plenty of twists and turns and surprises throughout the book. I wasn't overly thrilled with the ending, myself. I wished things had turned out differently, but that's how life goes sometimes.
Whew! - that does make it sound like a real challenge. I put off reading this for a number of years. I'm very glad that I finally did.
Unlike writers of today's children's books, Hawes does not simplify anything about the writing. His olden-style dialect uses all kinds of jargon and contractions. Most of this one can decipher from the context. The seafaring language is, I assume, accurate (as this is something for which Hawes has been particularly praised). I don't find that the reader need know every last term. Just understand that the sailors are doing something with the sails and it is tricky and requires a great deal of attention, skill, and coordination between men. That's enough for me, at least. Now, in a literary work, certainly that undertaking needs to be expressed and described in the kind of words that would be used by English sailors in the 17th century. So that's what Hawes does.
There are plenty of twists and turns and surprises throughout the book. I wasn't overly thrilled with the ending, myself. I wished things had turned out differently, but that's how life goes sometimes.
September 3, 2018
Several years ago, when I decided to read all of the John Newbery Medal Winners, this was one of the books I was dreading - published in 1923, some of those early winners are slow going. This one, about a boat. How more slow-going can you get?
I am surprised and happy to say that I couldn't put it down. It's about more than a boat. It's about pirates. Not ruffly-shirted, romanticized pirates -real, "I would wring his neck without thought" pirates. This book doesn't sugar coat it -the life of a pirate was brutal and cutthroat and not a black/white issue, as the main character, Philip Marsham discovers.
I found the story of the author, Charles Boardman Hawes, heartbreaking. He died at the age of thirty-five, shortly after the book was published. His widow accepted the Newbery Medal posthumously. There's a hint in "The Dark Frigate" that he might have planned a sequel, although his wife knew of no plans.
It's incredible to me how this book still holds up. The language is beautiful. Each character, even the most minor, is fascinating. It's action packed. It delves into deep moral issues, but doesn't give easy answers. Fellow Newbery Medal winner, Lloyd Alexander, wrote an introduction to the edition that I read. He wrote, "With the continuing development of children's literature as literature we are reluctant, perhaps even unable, to accept saccharine simplicities. Artistic honesty about life and people is one of the most dynamic and generative trends in the field today. Hawes, when his book appeared in 1923, was already there." A good reminder that the best of children's literature should deal with the most difficult issues that young people face in honest, yet hopeful ways.
I am surprised and happy to say that I couldn't put it down. It's about more than a boat. It's about pirates. Not ruffly-shirted, romanticized pirates -real, "I would wring his neck without thought" pirates. This book doesn't sugar coat it -the life of a pirate was brutal and cutthroat and not a black/white issue, as the main character, Philip Marsham discovers.
I found the story of the author, Charles Boardman Hawes, heartbreaking. He died at the age of thirty-five, shortly after the book was published. His widow accepted the Newbery Medal posthumously. There's a hint in "The Dark Frigate" that he might have planned a sequel, although his wife knew of no plans.
It's incredible to me how this book still holds up. The language is beautiful. Each character, even the most minor, is fascinating. It's action packed. It delves into deep moral issues, but doesn't give easy answers. Fellow Newbery Medal winner, Lloyd Alexander, wrote an introduction to the edition that I read. He wrote, "With the continuing development of children's literature as literature we are reluctant, perhaps even unable, to accept saccharine simplicities. Artistic honesty about life and people is one of the most dynamic and generative trends in the field today. Hawes, when his book appeared in 1923, was already there." A good reminder that the best of children's literature should deal with the most difficult issues that young people face in honest, yet hopeful ways.
March 13, 2008
I believe the correct phrase is "a rollicking good yarn."
March 1, 2019
This is a pirate novel in the style of "Treasure Island", full of nautical terms and old-fashioned sailor speak. I enjoyed it very much. Nowadays, it would not be considered for children and would not win the Newbery medal. The main character, Phil, embarks as a sailor in the "Rose of Devon", but pirates board them and kill the captain and mate. The crew, faced with the alternative of being killed or joining the pirate band, do the latter. Phil and a few others, though unhappy with the situation, follow the revengeful new captain's orders as he leads them through a string of ill-fated enterprises, all the while biding their time for the appropriate chance to escape.
August 28, 2017
For a children's book, this started off pretty slow. I kept wondering why it was considered a children's book as the level of the language was pretty complex. But then I remembered this got the Newbery in 1924. What worked as children's books then rarely do now. The definition seems to be based on what children would enjoy as adults read the book to the children, not children reading themselves. At that time, it was rare for children to own books or have access to libraries.
The pace did pick up and the action did get going and it was an enjoyable story. In my mind's ear I could hear the gasp of children as unexpected things happen and the delighted laughs when good things happen.
The pace did pick up and the action did get going and it was an enjoyable story. In my mind's ear I could hear the gasp of children as unexpected things happen and the delighted laughs when good things happen.
March 11, 2015
1924 Newbery. No idea why this won a Newbery, except for maybe the cover. The archaic language makes it especially unreadable even for adults, and the storyline doesn't live up to the fanfare of the subtitle. I doubt any kid ever enjoyed this.
May 19, 2018
I don’t know what to make of this book. I didn’t dislike it; I didn’t like it; I’m not neutral about it either. I’m just unsettled. I can’t think of any other way to say it. So here are my thoughts…
The style and vocabulary are wonderful. They give you a real feel for the times and the nautical setting. I appreciate that in a historical novel. This one is very well done. The older vocabulary was used very naturally without making it hard to understand the story. However, there were a few sentences that I didn’t understand at all. Hawes is incredibly accurate, I assume when he describes ships and how to sail them. He uses the technical terms for each rope, sail, mast, and bit of wood. At least, I think that’s what he was talking about. None of those terms were ever defined, so I had to skip short sections of shouted orders because they were indecipherable to me.
Then we get to the plot. It was ploddingly suspenseful, gruesomely realistic, and a bit unbelievable. I assumed that this was written for a young audience because of the hero’s naiveté, age, and clean vocabulary so the first gory killing was a bit of a shock. There is a lot of violence that may not be suitable for younger children.
It’s a pirates’ story. They are the central focus. Their plans, their actions, their subtlety are the driving forces of the story. It’s more the chronicle of a pirate crew’s demise than the hero’s personal story. He’s just along for the ride.
The main character was annoyingly absent. Things happen to him and around him, but he isn’t really a factor until the very end of the book when his actions do actually influence the story. I found that a little odd. For most of the book he just drifts. I kept waiting for the hero to actually make a decision for himself. That was suspenseful part of the book.
So I loved the writing style but didn’t really care for the story. There is nothing wrong with the book, but there isn’t anything great about it either.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley from Dover Publications. No favorable review was required. It was my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.
The style and vocabulary are wonderful. They give you a real feel for the times and the nautical setting. I appreciate that in a historical novel. This one is very well done. The older vocabulary was used very naturally without making it hard to understand the story. However, there were a few sentences that I didn’t understand at all. Hawes is incredibly accurate, I assume when he describes ships and how to sail them. He uses the technical terms for each rope, sail, mast, and bit of wood. At least, I think that’s what he was talking about. None of those terms were ever defined, so I had to skip short sections of shouted orders because they were indecipherable to me.
Then we get to the plot. It was ploddingly suspenseful, gruesomely realistic, and a bit unbelievable. I assumed that this was written for a young audience because of the hero’s naiveté, age, and clean vocabulary so the first gory killing was a bit of a shock. There is a lot of violence that may not be suitable for younger children.
It’s a pirates’ story. They are the central focus. Their plans, their actions, their subtlety are the driving forces of the story. It’s more the chronicle of a pirate crew’s demise than the hero’s personal story. He’s just along for the ride.
The main character was annoyingly absent. Things happen to him and around him, but he isn’t really a factor until the very end of the book when his actions do actually influence the story. I found that a little odd. For most of the book he just drifts. I kept waiting for the hero to actually make a decision for himself. That was suspenseful part of the book.
So I loved the writing style but didn’t really care for the story. There is nothing wrong with the book, but there isn’t anything great about it either.
I received this as a free ARC through NetGalley from Dover Publications. No favorable review was required. It was my pleasure to provide my honest opinions.
March 15, 2012
My biggest fear right now as I write about these books, is that I will maintain and perhaps expand my reputation as a whiner. I don’t WANT to whine, but I cannot praise this book. My kids can praise it, I think. I was so busy reading it (or trying to) that they got lots of extra computer time in order for me to bribe them into leaving me alone. Gotta watch that in the future. I’m trying to be a role model here.
The reviews I read were good and encouraging: a sea-faring yarn complete with pirates and a near-hanging of our swash-buckling hero. Except there was no swash, there was no buckle. Even our hero wasn’t, not to put too fine a point on it, um, interesting. In fact, the most interesting person was the Pirate captain who — even though he knew the gallows awaited him no matter what, took the witness stand to clear Our Hero’s name. I was rooting more for him than for Our Hero.
Here: this book has the longest subtitle:
Wherein is told the story of Philip Marsham who lived in the time of King Charles and was bred a sailor but came home to England after many hazards by sea and land and fought for the King at Newbury and lost a great inheritance and departed for Barbados in the same ship, by curious chance, in which he had long before adventured with the pirates.
That pretty much sums it up. Let’s move on, friends.
The reviews I read were good and encouraging: a sea-faring yarn complete with pirates and a near-hanging of our swash-buckling hero. Except there was no swash, there was no buckle. Even our hero wasn’t, not to put too fine a point on it, um, interesting. In fact, the most interesting person was the Pirate captain who — even though he knew the gallows awaited him no matter what, took the witness stand to clear Our Hero’s name. I was rooting more for him than for Our Hero.
Here: this book has the longest subtitle:
Wherein is told the story of Philip Marsham who lived in the time of King Charles and was bred a sailor but came home to England after many hazards by sea and land and fought for the King at Newbury and lost a great inheritance and departed for Barbados in the same ship, by curious chance, in which he had long before adventured with the pirates.
That pretty much sums it up. Let’s move on, friends.
August 12, 2016
Newbery Medal Winner--1924
Once you get past the outdated language and sailor speak, this book has some rousing adventure and intrigue. The problem is, I'm not a big fan of pirate tales, so even then the appeal for me was only so-so. The ending in particular grabbed my attention--once the focus came back to Phillip and his plans for escape. I can see why a story like this was popular in its time, but I need a little bit more in my adventure stories.
Once you get past the outdated language and sailor speak, this book has some rousing adventure and intrigue. The problem is, I'm not a big fan of pirate tales, so even then the appeal for me was only so-so. The ending in particular grabbed my attention--once the focus came back to Phillip and his plans for escape. I can see why a story like this was popular in its time, but I need a little bit more in my adventure stories.
May 28, 2022
I can’t think of a single reason to recommend this book. The plot and characters crumble under the weight of the pseudo archaic language and marathon sentences. The author constantly chooses annoying archaisms over clarity, even in tiny ways (i.e., “lanthorn” for “lantern”). Phillip, our protagonist, is so passive he seemingly disappears in many sections. The pirate action is sparse, and when it does emerge, it’s much lower stakes than the violent pirate-y oaths promised. So why did this win the Newbery? The author does avoid the didactic tone so prevalent in children’s lit of the 1920s. And there is the thrill of outlandish trash-talking ne’er-do-wells, if you take the time to decipher what they’re saying. But try not to think, like I did, that if these men could really speak in these florid, complex, multiclause sentences, wouldn’t they have other career options besides being a pirate?
BTW—we don’t know how real pirates spoke. See this blog about where the pirate “dialect” originated:
https://slate.com/human-interest/2014...
BTW—we don’t know how real pirates spoke. See this blog about where the pirate “dialect” originated:
https://slate.com/human-interest/2014...
August 30, 2022
Great story!
Action, drama, pirates, adventure and lots of war at sea.
Even though some characters were acting too dumb to be believable at some point, I thought it was very well written and fun to read. The main character (Philip) wasn't that much likable for me, but the setting around him and what he was getting into was, so I liked it right until the end.
Recommended, especially if you like pirates!
Action, drama, pirates, adventure and lots of war at sea.
Even though some characters were acting too dumb to be believable at some point, I thought it was very well written and fun to read. The main character (Philip) wasn't that much likable for me, but the setting around him and what he was getting into was, so I liked it right until the end.
Recommended, especially if you like pirates!
July 3, 2023
The third book to win the Newbery award. Philip Marsham was raised on ships by his father. His father died in a ship wreck and Philip is wandering across England until he finally finds a boat to sail on. Eventually the ship is overtaken by pirates. This book is very slow moving. It also uses a lot of slang which was confusing. I can't imagine any kid being enthralled by this book, especially the first 100 pages or so. Not a book I'd recommend unless you wan to read all the newberry winners.
January 24, 2022
Read for 1924 Newbery award winner challenge
2.5⭐️
I thought a pirate tale would be more exciting.
2.5⭐️
I thought a pirate tale would be more exciting.
April 26, 2015
1924 Newbery Medal Winner
I was intrigued about reading this book. I was looking for a copy of it online, thinking it might be old enough to be public domain (it's not, a few years and it will be). My husband happened to find some reviews of it with parents saying they wouldn't let their children read it because of the violence in the book. Made me want to read it even more.
I will first say that the English in the book is written in an older style. Even though this book is almost a century old, it is actually historical fiction since the plot takes place in the colonial era. The author tried to reflect this in his style of writing. It is not impossible to read but may be difficult for the struggling reader. I had to slow my normal reading pace to digest it.
As for the violence, it is not bad. The main section of it is when the pirates are killing off the crew of the ship when they take it over. It is not terribly graphic. I've seen worse.
The main character is Philip Marsham. His father was a seaman and Philip himself has already been on several sea voyages. Philip is forced to flee the inn where he is living after an accident. His father is recently lost at sea, so he travels the countryside where he meets up with a man named Martin who is extremely annoying and the two of them sign up to work on a ship, the Rose of Devon. The ship is then hijacked by pirates and Philip is pressed into their service.
My only complaint is that it took 70 pages to actually get to the part where they go aboard the ship and the real adventure begins. Much of that is filler, only certain points become important later in the story. Other than that, it's a worth read.
I was intrigued about reading this book. I was looking for a copy of it online, thinking it might be old enough to be public domain (it's not, a few years and it will be). My husband happened to find some reviews of it with parents saying they wouldn't let their children read it because of the violence in the book. Made me want to read it even more.
I will first say that the English in the book is written in an older style. Even though this book is almost a century old, it is actually historical fiction since the plot takes place in the colonial era. The author tried to reflect this in his style of writing. It is not impossible to read but may be difficult for the struggling reader. I had to slow my normal reading pace to digest it.
As for the violence, it is not bad. The main section of it is when the pirates are killing off the crew of the ship when they take it over. It is not terribly graphic. I've seen worse.
The main character is Philip Marsham. His father was a seaman and Philip himself has already been on several sea voyages. Philip is forced to flee the inn where he is living after an accident. His father is recently lost at sea, so he travels the countryside where he meets up with a man named Martin who is extremely annoying and the two of them sign up to work on a ship, the Rose of Devon. The ship is then hijacked by pirates and Philip is pressed into their service.
My only complaint is that it took 70 pages to actually get to the part where they go aboard the ship and the real adventure begins. Much of that is filler, only certain points become important later in the story. Other than that, it's a worth read.
May 16, 2019
I couldn't tell you why this won a Newbery. Most of them involve characters growing and changing; this one had zero character development. It was just a pirate story. You don't even have to read the book to know the story; the whole thing is summarized in the subtitle of the edition I read: "Wherein is told the story of Philip Marsham who lived in the time of King Charles and was bred a sailor but came home to England after many hazards by sea and land and fought for the King at Newbury and lost a great inheritance and departed for Barbados in the same ship, by curious chance, in which he had long before adventured with the pirates."
When Philip's ship is taken over by pirates, they press him into service. He makes clear to them that he does it unwillingly, which they accept. I don't fault him for agreeing to become a pirate, or really for any of his actions during it. He never participated in their plundering, and escaped the first real chance he could. After the pirates have been captured and Philip is on trial with them, he has a chance to testify of their crimes. A deserter had previously testified, and had made up plenty of extra crimes to get back at the pirate captain. Then it was Philip's turn, and he refused to tell any of what they had done because he had eaten their food. Um, what?? I don't know whether a witness is legally required to testify in court, now or then, but it sure doesn't seem honorable to me, yet the judge considers it so.
I almost didn't finish this, and only somewhat regret that I pressed on.
When Philip's ship is taken over by pirates, they press him into service. He makes clear to them that he does it unwillingly, which they accept. I don't fault him for agreeing to become a pirate, or really for any of his actions during it. He never participated in their plundering, and escaped the first real chance he could. After the pirates have been captured and Philip is on trial with them, he has a chance to testify of their crimes. A deserter had previously testified, and had made up plenty of extra crimes to get back at the pirate captain. Then it was Philip's turn, and he refused to tell any of what they had done because he had eaten their food. Um, what?? I don't know whether a witness is legally required to testify in court, now or then, but it sure doesn't seem honorable to me, yet the judge considers it so.
I almost didn't finish this, and only somewhat regret that I pressed on.
January 1, 2014
90 1924: The Dark Frigate by Charles Hawes (Little, Brown)
Oct. 13, 2013 247 pages
This book may only have been 247 pages, but it felt much longer. There was lots of unfamiliar boating terminology and lots of sentence structure which is today uncommon. It was not a fun read. It did not have lots of meaning and it shared uncomfortably cruel means of punishment. I don't think it is appropriate for elementary kids nor middle school kids because of reading level and subject matter. I have my doubts about the same for high school students and I would not recommend it to other adults either.
The story follows Philip Marsham. His father left a comfortable life to go to sea and he raised Philip for the same life. However, the father dies and Philip must find his own way. He hooks up with a stranger and they sign up for a shipping expedition. However, the ship is overrun by pirates. The captain is cruel and The Black Frigate is a very dark story.
Meaning Not really
Read-aloud Not at all - the sentence structure is complicated, the vocabulary is difficult, and the story is cruel.
Ages None
Length Long - seemed longer due to the writing style
Me I did want to find out how the book ended. However, I did not enjoy this book and could not recommend it to anyone.
Oct. 13, 2013 247 pages
This book may only have been 247 pages, but it felt much longer. There was lots of unfamiliar boating terminology and lots of sentence structure which is today uncommon. It was not a fun read. It did not have lots of meaning and it shared uncomfortably cruel means of punishment. I don't think it is appropriate for elementary kids nor middle school kids because of reading level and subject matter. I have my doubts about the same for high school students and I would not recommend it to other adults either.
The story follows Philip Marsham. His father left a comfortable life to go to sea and he raised Philip for the same life. However, the father dies and Philip must find his own way. He hooks up with a stranger and they sign up for a shipping expedition. However, the ship is overrun by pirates. The captain is cruel and The Black Frigate is a very dark story.
Meaning Not really
Read-aloud Not at all - the sentence structure is complicated, the vocabulary is difficult, and the story is cruel.
Ages None
Length Long - seemed longer due to the writing style
Me I did want to find out how the book ended. However, I did not enjoy this book and could not recommend it to anyone.
December 13, 2017
Part of a project to read all of the Newbery Award-winners. This one...has not aged well. Amongst the first winners of this award for children's literature, this book dates from the 1920's. Given this, there are significant differences in both vocabulary and subject matter that would be appropriate for children. Neither fully explain my problems with the book, which I simply found to be awkwardly paced (long stretches of nothing and then jumpy and disjointed action crammed into a five-page span) and frequently very dull. This is coming from someone who has an absurd love of sea stories, so it was definitely not the nautical terminology or ship-voyage details that put me off. I simply don't think the structure of the story holds up. There are better pirate books for this age group out there!
June 14, 2017
Full of adventure and swash-buckling pirates! (What is a "swash" and what is it "buckled" to?) The writing is very dry and rambles along, but the plot swings forward merrily. The characters are colorful, but also dry. We never really get to know their insides, except for the main character, Philip. We do see more of his thoughts, feelings, and intentions than any of the others.
The action picks up more towards the middle and end, and I was on the edge of my seat for awhile. I was surprised that so many characters died!
The writing is a little disjointed in style; some parts of the story are described in the barest words, and others are given extra unnecessary description. I'm actually surprised that this won a Newberry Award, but it is a good rousing story.
The action picks up more towards the middle and end, and I was on the edge of my seat for awhile. I was surprised that so many characters died!
The writing is a little disjointed in style; some parts of the story are described in the barest words, and others are given extra unnecessary description. I'm actually surprised that this won a Newberry Award, but it is a good rousing story.
November 2, 2021
Life is too short to keep struggling with the language. I find it impressive that the author managed such trueness to the language of the time but it makes the book virtually unreadable. I don’t particularly identify with the main character and I don’t care that he’s in trouble when I stopped reading. If an adult feels so negatively about the book, how can we expect kids to struggle through this? Not recommended. If I were still working, I’d keep one in a reference Newbery collection (which was already ruined by the admin at SDPL) and one to circulate and withdraw all other copies. 1923 Newbery. I’m going to go ahead and at least attempt all the Newbery titles but I’m not going to keep reading it if I detest the title.
June 28, 2008
The story was OK, especially in the middle, but I can only assume the Committee was looking for something very different in its early years. Other reviewers seemed to find the prose clear and lyrical; I thought it was unnecessarily dense and convoluted.
July 6, 2022
Eh. I don't know if it was the stilted, old-fashioned language, in general, or the nearly incomprehensible "sailor speak", but I found this story really hard to follow. I could get the gist of it, and I didn't feel like stopping every paragraph to look up words or phrases. There was some good adventure, but the main character hardly seemed to be a part of the story at all and it was nearly a third into the book before they even set sail. And the final chapter of "wrap up" seemed hastily thrown together, answered nothing, and fell flat for me.
September 3, 2021
The absolute relief I feel to no longer have to suffer through this rushed, Old English, weak character claptrap of a novel. I cannot believe this won a Newbery I have never been so bored in my life.
June 6, 2022
Winner of the 1924 Newbery Award. Quite the adventure story, but kids with tender hearts might struggle with the violence. I was pretty frustrated with the protagonist's choices at the beginning of the book. Come on Phil! Why ignore good fortune THREE TIMES IN A ROW?!
March 4, 2024
Very old and kind of a strange story.
February 3, 2018
This guy really turns a good phrase, and he did a good job of making you feel like you were in the 17th century. That's really the only good thing one can say about this book. The plot felt like one random thing following the other with no necessary connection between them. Not recommended for young people, old people, or in-between people.
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