The Middy and the Moors: An Algerine Story

"The Middy and the Moors: An Algerine Story" by R.M. Ballantyne is a novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story follows the adventures of George Foster, a young British naval officer who becomes entangled in the treacherous world of piracy and slavery in the Mediterranean. As George faces capture by Algerine pirates, the themes of courage, hope, and the quest for freedom against adversity begin to unfold. At the start of the narrative, we meet George Foster, a midshipman who is eager to enjoy a night out rowing in the Mediterranean. However, he soon finds himself engulfed by a sudden storm that pushes him far out to sea. Exhausted and desperate, he spots a pirate ship and attempts to board it, only to be captured and taken prisoner. The opening chapters establish his gradual realization of the dire situation he faces as a captive of the notorious Algerine pirates. His subsequent reflections on hope, faith, and the empathetic connections he forges with other captives set the foundation for his journey through oppression, resilience, and the longing for freedom. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Michael Ballantyne was a Scottish author of juvenile fiction, who wrote more than a hundred books. He was also an accomplished artist: he exhibited some of his water-colours at the Royal Scottish Academy.