Black Ivory: Norman Collins

Comparable to Treasure Island or Mutiny on the Bounty, here is a story of high adventure, mutiny and high-jacking told in the first person by a 13 year-old boy who runs away from home to seek a fortune for his family. Ralph Raikes is the son of a farmer who has been evicted from his holding by an unjust landlord. He goes to Liverpool where a gang of scoundrels force him to sign on as a cabin boy under the notorious Captain Swing. He recounts his terrifying, strange experiences on board the Nero, which he discovers to be a slave ship bound for another load of 'black ivory' from Africa. There are many adventures, lessons and triumphs before Ralph goes home. With black and white illustrations.