Emerson Hough (1857–1923)

When two runaway boys set on being pirates float onto his part of the river, Harry, an ex-lawyer, decides to join them and even fund their adventure. Armed with "The Pirate's Own Book", some supplies from Hary's house and an impressive array of antique weaponry, the small but determined band sets off in search of adventure, spoils, and in Harry's case, love.

Fun book, lots of pirate lingo. Not really a romance, more of an adventure with a romance necessary to that adventure. After all, what's show more a pirate story without a fair captive? Definitely not a bodice-ripper though, so if that's your flavor, don't bother. There isn't one single scene that goes beyond polite hand kissing. As historical fiction though, it's an entertaining look at the time, as well as some interesting tidbits about real pirates, particularly Jean Lafitte in Louisiana.

A bit of a warning: if you get bent over an occasional lack of modern political correctness, I might not recommend this. It was first published in 1913, so there are some terms that are less than polite now. The characters are from the northern states though, so it's not bad for the period it was written in.

I started reading it as my "waiting book" (the kindle book I read while waiting in lines or what-not) but by half way through I was interested enough in it to just sit down and read it. My only issue with it was Helena, the fair captive in question. Maybe her personality was a product of the times, but I still found her greedy and vapid and never could quite understand why anyone would lose a minute's sleep over her. To be fair, the story wouldn't have worked if she was any other way, but just because she's necessary doesn't mean I have to like her. I adored Harry though and the little bits of philosophy that were used to add dimension to his character. The descriptions of locations were also awesome. I could almost taste the food in the restaurant in Baton Rouge (and wanted to slap Helena for leaving before the meal ended), and the storm...wow. Plus I just like pirate stories *shrug*. show less

143. The Covered Wagon, by Emerson Hough (read 28 Feb 1944) When I finished this book on Feb 28, 1944, I said it was a pretty good pioneer story, but that I disliked Hough's style.

142. 54-40 or Fight, by Emerson Hough (read 23 Feb 1944) When I started this book on Feb 18, 1944 I said I don't like it, that the book is anti-British and assumes it knows words of history. When I finished the book on Feb 23 I said: "No good. Anti-British, pro-Calhoun. I didn't like it, made-up history."