Finally! Here is the twelfth, and final, book in Arthur Ransome's
acclaimed Swallows and Amazons series. People familiar with his earlier
work will recognize the pattern: children set out on an adventure (this
one off the coast of Scotland) with a minimum of parental advice and
interference. Here, the story centers on a desperate race to thwart the
efforts of pernicious egg collectors threatening the survival of a pair
of rare birds not previously known to nest in British waters (actually,
the bird is the handsome North American "Great Northern Diver," more
commonly called a loon). When we first considered reissuing this beloved
series, we asked our friends what they thought of the idea. No one
encouraged us; but we loved the books. They were rooted in reality and
had the grit and voice of real experience. Practical information
abounded - about sailing and navigating, tickling trout and tying knots.
Problems set to children were solved. Today, with all twelve titles in
print, we're pleased to report that there are legions of Ransome fans
who welcome each new addition with enthusiasm. The success of fine
writing has everything to do with good stories, palpable energy,
engaging models, and credible adventures; and all these Arthur Ransome
provides in spades. "Written in the most beautiful English, this is one
of the books that I would be proud to give anyone." - BBC
