Synopsis
With Drake on the Spanish Main follows a young castaway whose ordeal begins after surviving a shipwreck during a voyage aboard a vessel wrecked in a violent storm. Washed ashore on an uncharted island, the protagonist must rely on wit and determination to face the perils of solitude, hunger, and the possibility of dangerous encounters. Reflections on the wreck highlight fear, resilience, and cautious optimism during the search for sustenance and signs of life. Through this perspective, the novel explores not only the physical struggle for survival but also the psychological demands of isolation in unfamiliar territory. As the journey continues, growing awareness of potential threats from imperial forces suggests the broader conflict of the age of exploration. The path becomes a test of endurance and self-reliance, unfolding against a backdrop of natural challenge and looming geopolitical danger. The story presents a layered depiction of human adaptability, the drive for discovery, and the silent struggle between empire and individual as the protagonist confronts uncertainty in an untamed world.
About the Author
Herbert Strang was the shared pseudonym of English writers George Herbert Ely and Charles James L'Estrange, who collaborated throughout the early 20th century to produce popular adventure fiction, primarily targeting young readers. Both authors were affiliated with Oxford University Press, which published many of their books and helped lend their stories an air of literary respectability. Their works often depicted tales of imperial valor, technological innovation, and youthful courage, drawing inspiration from the narrative style of Jules Verne and continuing the legacy of adventure authors like G. A. Henty. The duo crafted stories that engaged with contemporary and historical settings, such as the Russo-Japanese War, Elizabethan naval exploits, and frontier conflicts, blending imaginative storytelling with moral clarity and patriotic sentiment. Their name also appeared on a variety of anthologies and serialized collections designed to appeal to young audiences, including adventure-themed annuals and school stories. A related pseudonym, Mrs Herbert Strang, was used for adventure fiction aimed at girls, including robinson tales. Their joint bibliography includes works like Round the World in Seven Days, The Air Scout, and With Drake on the Spanish Main, reflecting their fascination with exploration, flight, and military honor.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.