Japhet, in Search of a Father

"Japhet, in Search of a Father" by Frederick Marryat is a novel written in the mid-19th century. This tale revolves around a young man's quest for his identity and origins, primarily focusing on the character Japhet, who embarks on adventures stemming from his upbringing in a foundling hospital. The story is rich with humor and satire, as it explores themes of self-discovery and societal interactions. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to Japhet, who recounts his unusual entry into the world, left at the Foundling Hospital as a baby. His early life is shaped by a series of whimsical and chaotic events involving various characters, including Mr. Cophagus, an apothecary who takes him in as an apprentice. Japhet's charm, appearance, and knack for deception lead him through a series of professions and encounters, all while he grapples with his mysterious parentage and the longing to know his father. The opening sets the stage for a humorous yet thought-provoking journey of self-exploration and the quest for belonging. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Captain Frederick Marryat was a Royal Navy officer and a novelist. He is noted today as an early pioneer of nautical fiction, particularly for his semi-autobiographical novel Mr Midshipman Easy (1836). He is remembered also for his children's novel The Children of the New Forest (1847). In addition, he developed a widely used system of maritime flag signalling, known as Marryat's Code.