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brontebabeblog's review
5.0
Written by 15 year old Patrick Branwell Brontë, better known as Branwell Brontë, the only brother of the celebrated novelists, Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë, this tale is part of the Glass Town saga the siblings created in their childhood, and there is a lot to enjoy.
The main character is Branwell's favourite character and pseudonym, Alexander Rougue (sometimes spelled Rogue which is how I will refer to the character). At this stage in the saga, Rogue is a demagogue modelled on Napoleon, a historical figure who fascinated the young Branwell. Rogue is a ruthless and bloodthirsty character, who had already led several rebellions within the Glass Town saga, been exiled, and even killed and resurrected.
The story opens after Rogue's return from exile. The tale is narrated by a character named John Everard Bellingham, a wealthy English banker, who is with Rogue when he is visited by the Duke of Wellington who summons the latter to appear before the court of Admiralty the next day in order to clear his name regarding accusations of piracy. Rogue's men later kidnap Bellingham, the only witness to this conversation, and take him aboard Rogue's ship, the Red Rover.
During their time at sea they encounter another ship and kill the crew. The next ship they encounter is carrying the Earl of Elrington, his sons, and his beautiful daughter, Zenobia. The family are tricked into boarding Rogue's ship, and after he is nearly killed himself, Rogue agrees to return to shore and free Bellingham who saved his life. In return for the Elringtons' freedom, Rogue is promised the hand of Zenobia, who becomes a prominent figure in the Glass Town and Angrian narratives.
This edition features two versions of the text: an edited, or clear version, and a diplomatic version which is faithful to Branwell's original manuscript. There is also a detailed introduction on historical piracy, Branwell's life and writing, and the stories which influenced this particular tale.
For a more detailed review of this book, and information about the Juvenilia Press, visit my blog:
https://brontebabeblog.wordpress.com/2018/07/14/branwell-brontes-the-pirate/
The main character is Branwell's favourite character and pseudonym, Alexander Rougue (sometimes spelled Rogue which is how I will refer to the character). At this stage in the saga, Rogue is a demagogue modelled on Napoleon, a historical figure who fascinated the young Branwell. Rogue is a ruthless and bloodthirsty character, who had already led several rebellions within the Glass Town saga, been exiled, and even killed and resurrected.
The story opens after Rogue's return from exile. The tale is narrated by a character named John Everard Bellingham, a wealthy English banker, who is with Rogue when he is visited by the Duke of Wellington who summons the latter to appear before the court of Admiralty the next day in order to clear his name regarding accusations of piracy. Rogue's men later kidnap Bellingham, the only witness to this conversation, and take him aboard Rogue's ship, the Red Rover.
During their time at sea they encounter another ship and kill the crew. The next ship they encounter is carrying the Earl of Elrington, his sons, and his beautiful daughter, Zenobia. The family are tricked into boarding Rogue's ship, and after he is nearly killed himself, Rogue agrees to return to shore and free Bellingham who saved his life. In return for the Elringtons' freedom, Rogue is promised the hand of Zenobia, who becomes a prominent figure in the Glass Town and Angrian narratives.
This edition features two versions of the text: an edited, or clear version, and a diplomatic version which is faithful to Branwell's original manuscript. There is also a detailed introduction on historical piracy, Branwell's life and writing, and the stories which influenced this particular tale.
For a more detailed review of this book, and information about the Juvenilia Press, visit my blog:
https://brontebabeblog.wordpress.com/2018/07/14/branwell-brontes-the-pirate/
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