Six Months at the Cape
May 2019 · Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
117
Pages
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About this ebook
(Excerpt): "Dear Periwinkle,—Since that memorable, not to say miserable, day, when you and I parted at Saint Katherine's Docks, (see note 1), with the rain streaming from our respective noses—rendering tears superfluous, if not impossible—and the noise of preparation for departure damaging the fervour of our "farewell"—since that day, I have ploughed with my "adventurous keel" upwards of six thousand miles of the "main," and now write to you from the wild Karroo of Southern Africa. The Karroo is not an animal. It is a spot—at present a lovely spot. I am surrounded by—by nature and all her southern abundance. Mimosa trees, prickly pears, and aloes remind me that I am not in England. Ostriches, stalking on the plains, tell that I am in Africa. It is not much above thirty years since the last lion was shot in this region, (see note 2), and the kloofs, or gorges, of the blue mountains that bound the horizon are, at the present hour, full of "Cape-tigers," wild deer of different sorts, baboons, monkeys, and—but hold! I must not forestall. Let me begin at the beginning."
About the author
R. M. Ballantyne, born Robert Michael Ballantyne on April 24, 1825, in Edinburgh, Scotland, was a prolific 19th-century author whose adventure novels captivated young readers and left an indelible mark on the genre. The son of a printer, Ballantyne was thrust into the world of literature from an early age. His adventurous spirit was kindled by his own experiences working for the Hudson's Bay Company in Canada, where he spent five formative years amidst the rugged wilderness.Ballantyne's firsthand encounters with the untamed landscapes and diverse cultures of North America infused his writing with authenticity and excitement. His vivid descriptions and dynamic storytelling set a new standard for adventure literature, inspiring future giants like Robert Louis Stevenson and Arthur Ransome. His works often featured young protagonists who embodied courage, resourcefulness, and moral integrity, themes that resonated deeply with Victorian values and continue to appeal to modern sensibilities.Controversy occasionally shadowed Ballantyne's career, particularly regarding his portrayal of indigenous peoples and colonial settings. While his depictions reflected the prevailing attitudes of his time, they have since sparked critical discussions on representation and cultural sensitivity.Beyond his literary contributions, Ballantyne was a pioneer in advocating for realistic and educational children's literature. He believed that young readers deserved stories that were both entertaining and instructive, a revolutionary idea that helped shape the future of juvenile fiction.R. M. Ballantyne passed away on February 8, 1894, but his legacy endures, his tales of adventure continuing to ignite the imaginations of readers around the world.
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