This wonderful classic combines three unbeatable elements: a sea story, living characters, and a protagonist who undergoes a character transformation.

Harvey Cheyne is the pampered son of a multi-millionaire who falls off an ocean liner and is rescued by a small fishing boat. After being punched in the nose by the captain of the small vessel for smart-mouthing him, Harvey quickly learns respect, toughness and gratitude. He steps up from self-centeredness into the difficult but fulfilling realm of self-reliance and unselfishness.

A popular favorite since its first publication in 1897, the novel remains a classic story of youthful initiation and a lively tribute to the author's famous code of bravery, loyalty, and honor among men.

"[Shows] delicacy of craft and violence of feeling, exactitude and wile impressionism, subtlety and true innocence."

Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936) was born in Bombay, India. At seventeen Kipling began work as a journalist and over the next seven years established an international reputation with his stories and verses of Indian and Army life, including such classics as The Jungle Book and Kim. In 1907, he became the first English writer to receive the Nobel Prize.