Long John Silver

[poliphilo]

Long John Silver as Stevenson wrote him is very little like the yo-ho-hoing, parrot-shouldered caricature of the movies. He's an educated man- for a pirate- and a careful man- one who has salted his money away and made it to fifty without contracting a serious rum habit like Flint or Billy Bones. Generally speaking, Stevenson's pirates are swinish sensualists- incapable of thinking beyond the next carouse.  Silver is something much more dangerous- a calculating and ruthless capitalist. His jaunt to Treasure Island is the business venture that will finally enable him to set up as a gentleman- and ride in his coach to parliament. He is a born leader and cunning manager of men. I would call him psychopathic- if it weren't for the presence- or teasing absence (because we never get to meet her) of his old lady- a woman of colour- whom he is returning to at the end of the story and whom he trusts absolutely.

Comments

[shullie.livejournal.com]

I use to love that book- you have me wanting to re read it too, and Kidnapped.... hmmmmmmm

[michaleen.livejournal.com]

It has been so very long since I read Stevenson that I shall have to take your word for it. As I recall, I enjoyed the book .

Should you take an interest in the real pirates of the great age of sail, consider the works of David Cordingly. He is a real eye-opener.

[xiphias.livejournal.com]

But he IS a yo-ho-hoing parrot-shouldered caricature like the ones in the movies -- when he thinks it's useful to be. It's an act he puts on, but it IS part of his character.

[solar-diablo.livejournal.com]

You sold me. I've been looking for something new to read of late, will check the library for a copy later today.

[oakmouse]

I just reread Treasure Island, read The Black Arrow for the first time, and am now rereading Kidnapped. Stevenson is great fun, and his developed characters are very well written.