Release date is 2022-09-06

The owner of the Patriarch -- The order of the wooden gun -- Captain Balaam of the Cormorant -- Jack-all-alone -- The mutinous conduct of Mrs. Ryder -- The comedy of the Oriana.

Al Haines

"Captain Balaam of the 'Cormorant' and Other Sea Comedies" by Morley Roberts is a collection of humorous maritime stories written in the early 20th century. The book introduces readers to a range of characters from various backgrounds navigating the challenges and comedic situations aboard ships, particularly focusing on Captain Balaam, the obstinate and unruly captain of the vessel "Cormorant". At the start of the first story, we meet Geordie Potts, a young sailor aboard the ship "Patriarch", who grapples with the impending fortune he believes he may inherit from his wealthy uncle, Thomas Tyser. As the crew banters about Geordie's relationship with his uncle, a mix of camaraderie and rivalry develops due to Geordie's unexpected claim to wealth. The narrative showcases Geordie's drunken escapades and the humorous dynamics between him and his crewmates, highlighting both their gripes and aspirations in the world of seafaring, setting the tone for the comedic sea adventures to follow. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Originally published: United Kingdom: Eveleigh Nash, 1905