A bit of a delight was found under our Christmas tree, a present from my dear mate, a book.

The book, Arthur Ransome Master Storyteller, By Roger Wardale, has been around for some while, however, it’s title hadn’t fell my way. Christobel said that she found it while we were away on holiday in Norfolk – I suspect it was at the Museum of The Broads…

Of course, like many sailing adults, Ransome’s books have been enjoyed many times. I have read most of the books about Ransome’s books, but not this one.

The book covers the works of Arthur Ransome, more specifically, the twelve about ‘his’ children and their exploits. It was published in 2010 by Great Northern Books and is still available on line.

There have been a number of Ransome inspired books. Christina Hardyment’s Arthur Ransome and Captain Flint’s Trunk looked at the supposed and most likely places the stories were based. Hugh Brogan wrote a biography of Arthur Ransome and also Coots in the North & other Stories, which has sections of unfinished or abandoned yarns. Arthur Ransome also wrote an autobiography too. Taqui Altouayan’s In Allepo Once details a time Arthur and Evginia spent with the Altouayan’s where the family lived for some years.

There was of course, The Racundra First Cruise book by AR himself, which many say cemented ideas for the Swallows & Amazon series. The old seaman who sailed with AR is remembered as Peter Duck…

Don’t expect to find much about Authur Ransome’s own boats – they do get a mention, especially Nancy Blackett (Goblin) as she actually featured in two of the tales. His second cruiser, Lottie Blossom, completed just before WW2 was hardly sailed by Ransome, whilst Peter Duck was built, sailed, sold and promptly repurchased – his boats are told about elsewhere.

Was the book worth a read? Yes.

Do I recommend this volume to anyone who has an interest in Arthur Ransome’s books? Yes, certainly.

So, Ransome fans, go get and enjoy!