The Blue Pavilions

"The Blue Pavilions" by Arthur Quiller-Couch is a novel written in the late 19th century. Set against the backdrop of 17th-century seaport life, the story revolves around two captains, John Barker and Jeremy Runacles, who navigate personal challenges and societal changes following their experiences at sea. The narrative hints at themes of friendship, ambition, and the complexities of love, as well as the historical tensions of the period. At the start of the novel, Captain John Barker is introduced in a lively Harwich amidst the aftermath of the Dutch War. While waiting for a shave, he overhears local gossip, revealing past friendships and the current state of affairs. The opening establishes a vivid portrayal of town life, while also hinting at the captains' pasts and their plans for the future. The narrative quickly shifts as Barker learns of the widow Margret Salt, prompting him to make hasty decisions regarding their old friendship. This inciting event sets the stage for a series of developments involving both captains, their aspirations, and the responsibilities they must confront in their quests for happiness. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch was a British writer who published using the pseudonym Q. Although a prolific novelist, he is remembered mainly for the monumental publication The Oxford Book of English Verse 1250–1900 and for his literary criticism. He influenced many who never met him, including American writer Helene Hanff, author of 84, Charing Cross Road and its sequel, Q's Legacy. His The Oxford Book of English Verse was a favourite of John Mortimer's fictional character Horace Rumpole.