John Corwell, Sailor and Miner; and, Poisonous Fish 1901

"John Corwell, Sailor and Miner; and, Poisonous Fish" by Louis Becke is a narrative work that combines elements of adventure and observation, likely composed in the early 20th century. The book follows the exploits of John Corwell, a sailor turned miner, who embarks on a journey to discover fertile lands and resources in the South Seas while also delving into the perils of local flora and fauna, particularly the poisonous fish of the Pacific Islands. The first part of the book chronicles John Corwell's ventures as he reports his findings to the Governor of New South Wales, including the discovery of a rich harbor and gold deposits on an island. With the support of the Governor, who promises assistance despite the limitations of the fledgling colony, Corwell sets out to reinforce his ship, the "Ceres", and gather a trustworthy crew to return to the island. As they extract gold and navigate the challenges of trust and betrayal, the narrative takes a darker turn with the introduction of treachery among the crew, leading to tragic consequences for Corwell and his wife, Mary. The latter part of the book then shifts to an account of the dangerous and often deadly nature of certain fish in the Pacific, underscoring the complexities of life in remote islands and the local knowledge necessary to survive. Overall, the book presents a rich tapestry of adventure, human struggle, and the intricacies of nature in the Pacific realm. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George Lewis Becke was at the turn of the nineteenth century, the most prolific, significant, and internationally renowned Australian-born writer of the South Pacific region. Having lived and worked among Pacific Islands and Islanders as a trader, ship's supercargo, and villager for some two decades, learning languages and observing natural and cultural life, Becke was prompted by J F Archibald of The Bulletin to write down his experiences, eventually becoming a popular and respected author of short stories, novellas, novels, as well as historic and ethnographic works.