The Children of the New Forest: The Models of Captain Marryat
Frederick Capt. Marryat
(Mcbooks Press, Feb. 1, 2021)
The Children of the New Forest is a part of Frederick Marryat’s collection of adventure novels, beloved by the likes of Mark Twain and Ernest Hemingway. Marryat was a Royal Navy officer during the Napoleonic Wars, but retired to research and writing after the wars’ end in 1815. He wrote dozens of novels, plays, short stories and essays inspired by his naval experiences. Originally published in 1847 and then re released in 1896, The Children of the New Forest follows four orphans that get caught up in political violence. They are saved by a Verderer, who disguises the children as his grandchildren. The story centers on the orphans' transition from aristocratic children to foresters and on their coming of age journeys.