Black Ivory

Name: Black Ivory
Author: R. M. Ballantyne

By R. M. Ballantyne

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Adventure British Literature

About This Book

A young supercargo named Harold Seadrift faces a leaking brig off the east African coast and chooses to remain aboard while most of the crew abandon ship; a loyal sailor also refuses to leave. The narrative uses that voyage and stranding to weave documented material about the contemporary east African slave trade into an adventure plot, following coastal and inland encounters, commercial and missionary contacts, and moral dilemmas. Documentary detail and light fiction are blended to expose the trade’s mechanisms and human cost while tracing the characters’ choices under danger and ethical pressure.

About the Author

R. M. Ballantyne

R. M. Ballantyne was a Scottish author known for his adventure novels, particularly popular among young readers in the 19th century. His works often explore themes of exploration, bravery, and the natural world, reflecting his own experiences as a sailor and traveler. Among his notable titles is "Away in the Wilderness," which showcases his ability to weave thrilling narratives with moral lessons. Ballantyne's storytelling is characterized by vivid descriptions and engaging plots, making him a significant figure in children's literature of his time. His extensive bibliography includes nearly a hundred works, many of which remain influential in the adventure genre.