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A fatherless boy joins the crew of a whaling ship in order to earn a living for himself and his mother. Beyond being a fascinating depiction of a now-alien time, occupation, and culture, it's also a rousing adventure story. One is left with the impression that hunting and catching a whale in a sailing ship was akin to you or me being stalked, ambushed, and killed by a shoebox full of mice. (Summary by the reader.)

2Golden Dream

By R. M. Ballantyne

Thoroughly engaging, at times even harrowing, adventure tale set in the San Francisco gold rush. Detailed depiction of its time and place, complete with everything from mining techniques to societal attitudes. You'll feel like you're in the diggings. (Summary by Lee Elliott)

3Madman and The Pirate

By R. M. Ballantyne

R. M. Ballantyne (April 24, 1825 – February 8, 1894) was a Scottish juvenile fiction writer. Born Robert Michael Ballantyne in Edinburgh, he was part of a famous family of printers and publishers. At the age of 16 he went to Canada and was six years in the service of the Hudson's Bay Company. He returned to Scotland in 1847, and published his first book the following year, Hudson's Bay: or, Life in the Wilds of North America. For some time he was employed by Messrs Constable, the publishers, but in 1856 he gave up business for the profession of literature, and began the series of adventure stories for the young with which his name is popularly associated.

4Dog Crusoe and His Master

By R. M. Ballantyne

This is a story of an adventure involving a young man, his dog, and two friends. Together they wander through the Western prairies on a mission to make peace between the "pale-faces" and the "Red men". They face many perils and become heroes many times over. This wonderful story takes the characters (and the reader) on an action-packed journey through the Western prairies during the times when relations between the white man and the Natives were not always peaceful. (Summary by Allyson Hester)

5Fast in the Ice

By R. M. Ballantyne

At the age of 16 Ballantyne went to Canada and was six years in the service of the Hudson's Bay Company. His rule in writing, being in every case, was to write as far as possible from personal knowledge of the scenes he described.</p><p>In this book he details the lives of the crew as they must overwinter in the frozen north including their meetings with Eskimos and bears and their struggles with disease. This is a realistic account of what life was like for the explorers of the Arctic. (summary by Esther, adapted from Wikipedia)

6Coral Island

By R. M. Ballantyne

Ralph Rover is a traveler at heart, and has always dreamed of shipping out to the South Seas islands. He finally convinces his aging parents to let him go and find his way in the world. But the islands that Ralph finds are not as idyllic as in his dreams. Shipwrecked on a large, uninhabited island, Ralph and his fellow survivors, Jim and Peterkin, discover a world of hostile natives and villainous pirates. Danger, high adventure, and wonders of the sea greet them at every turn. When all seems lost, they find help from an unexpected source. (Summary by Tom Weiss)

7Black Ivory

By R. M. Ballantyne

Although the book's title Black Ivory denotes dealing in the slave trade it is not our heroes who are doing it. At the very first chapter there is a shipwreck, which leaves the son of the charterer of the sinking ship, and a seaman friend of his, alone on the east coast of Africa, where Arab and Portuguese slave traders were still carrying out their evil trade, despite the great efforts of patrolling British warships to limit it and free the unfortunates whom they found being carried away in the Arab dhows.<br /><br />Our heroes encountered a slave trader almost at the very spot where they come ashore, and thereby managed to get to Zanzibar in a British warship that had captured the trader's dhow in which our friends had hitched a lift.<br /><br />At Zanzibar they pick up some funds, and set forth on a journey into the interior. Here again they encounter the vile trade, but most of the story deals with other encounters of a more acceptable nature.<br /><br />This book will open your eyes to what really went on. At the time of writing slave-dealing on the west coast of Africa was, due to the efforts of the British, almost extinct, but this was not the case on the east coast. (Summary courtesy of Nick Hodson, http://www.athelstane.co.uk)

8My Doggie and I

By R. M. Ballantyne

This story surrounds a child waif, a young woman, a young gentleman doctor, and an elderly lady. This tale unfolds the story of a bond that brings these unlikely friends together and merges their separate paths of life into one common path. The bond is "Dumps", or "Pompey", the "doggie". With many twists, turns, and uncertainties, the ending may surprise the reader. All's well that ends well in this doggie "tail". (Introduction by Allyson Hester)

9Iron Horse

By R. M. Ballantyne

“Is that your bundle, sir?” repeated Mr Blunt a little louder. “Eh? yes, yes—all right,” replied Edwin, annoyed at the interruption, and thinking only of Emma Lee, to whom he turned, and went on—“Well, when Colonel Jones had scaled the first wall—” “Come, sir,” said Blunt, entering the carriage, and laying his hand on Edwin’s shoulder, “it’s not all right. This is another man’s property.” The youth turned round indignantly, and, with a flushed countenance, said, “What do you mean?” “I mean that you are travelling with another man’s property,” said Blunt, quietly pointing to the strapped rug. “That is not my property,” said Edwin, looking at it with a perplexed air, “I never said it was.” “Didn’t you though?” exclaimed Blunt, with an appealing look to the captain. “Didn’t you say, when I asked you, ‘Yes, it’s all right.’ Moreover, young man, if it’s not yours, why did you bring it into the carriage with you?” “I did not bring it into the carriage,” said Edwin, firmly, and with increasing indignation. “I came down to this train with a lady, who is now in it, and who can vouch for it that I brought no luggage of any kind with me. I—” (Summary by Author)

10Post Haste

By R. M. Ballantyne

In this book, Ballantyne weaves the story of Phillip Mayland and his friend, George Aspel with an interesting portrayal of the British Post Office as it existed in the 19th century. In the words of R. M. Ballantyne himself: "This tale is founded chiefly on facts furnished by the Postmaster-General’s Annual Reports, and gathered, during personal intercourse and investigation, at the General Post-Office of London and its Branches.<br /> It is intended to illustrate—not by any means to exhaust—the subject of postal work, communication, and incident throughout the Kingdom. I have to render my grateful acknowledgments to Sir Arthur Blackwood; his private secretary, Charles Eden, Esquire; and those other officers of the various Departments who have most kindly afforded me every facility for investigation, and assisted me to much of the information used in the construction of the tale.<br /> If it does not greatly enlighten, I hope that it will at all events interest and amuse the reader."<br /> R.M. Ballantyne. - Summary by AlaynaMay

11Charlie to the Rescue

By R. M. Ballantyne

Charlie Brooke is always rescuing others, and sometimes even himself! His latest rescue, though, could turn out to be fatal...- Summary by Adele de Pignerolles

12Gorilla Hunters

By R. M. Ballantyne

Ralph Rover is happily at home from his adventure on <a href="http://librivox.org/the-coral-island-by-r-m-ballantyne/">The Coral Island</a> and wondering if he should settle down when he receives a visit from an eccentric stranger that won't give his name. This visit starts him on a string of adventures that find him getting charged by rhinoceroses, chased by African natives, and facing down a larger-than-life gorilla on his own. Of course, this is only the start of his adventure in to the land of the gorillas.<br /><br /> Please note: this book has some words now considered derogatory, which are used in a generic way without any derogatory meaning. At the time the book was written, these words were normal language. I have endeavored to read them as such--words that were perfectly suitable in the context of their day. (Summary by Adele de Pignerolles)

13Twice Bought

By R. M. Ballantyne

This story is set in the gold fields of Oregon, where Tom Brixton, and his best friend, Fred Westly, are digging gold to try to “make their pile”. Before leaving England, the steady and God-fearing Fred had promised Tom's mother that he would do his best to take care of his friend, but in spite of all his efforts, Tom had fallen in with bad companions and taken to gambling. He was convinced that he could make his fortune quicker by attempting to increase it at the dice or card table, and all his friend's attempts to make him see his errors were unavailing. Finally, after being cheated out of all he owned, he stole the money back from the camp bully, Gashford, who had taken it from him, and had to flee for his life from the camp, before “Judge Lynch” could catch up to him. After being captured by the irate miners, and released by another friend, he managed to almost escape, but was caught again, this time near the cabin inhabited by an older prospector and his daughter, whom Tom loved with his whole heart. There was a difficulty though in his way- Betty, (otherwise known as the “Rose of Oregon”) was a devout Christian, and would never give her heart to one who wasn't. She did give him some excellent advice though, at a time when he most needed it.<br></br> After being captured the second time, and confined in the mining camp, Tom gives up all hope of escape, and even when his friends buy him off he refuses to escape. Circumstances force him to flee a second time though, and this time his two friends go with him. After various other adventures, and several very close calls with death, matters are eventually worked out, and Tom, Fred, Paddy Flinders (a hilarious Irishman) and Betty live “happily ever after”, and are also a powerful witness to the rough gold-mining population of Oregon, before going back to England. - Summary by Alayna May

14Island Queen

By R. M. Ballantyne

The story of Dominic, Otto and Pauline Rigonda, three siblings who are blown onto an island after being shipwrecked, and are later joined by the immigrant passengers and crew of a ship that is wrecked on the same island. When the question of government comes up, the little colony chooses a queen, and they work on improving the island for some time, despite internal dissensions, and an attack by savages. But eventually the colony encounters natural forces it cannot resist, and the queen and her family return to England, hopefully to live "happily ever after". - Summary by Alayna May

15Fighting the Flames

By R. M. Ballantyne

Frank Willders is a brave young member of the London Fire Brigade - Willie is his mischievous but helpful younger brother. The two of them encounter a cast of unforgettable characters as Frank and his companions perform heroic rescues and fight the never-ending battle against the flames. Meanwhile the mysterious and sinister Gorman is hatching dark plots, lovely Emma Ward has set Willie’s heart on fire, and Mrs. Denman can’t forgive the courageous fireman who carried her out of a burning building <i>in her nightclothes</i>! All these and more come together in a rousing adventure and inspiring story you won't soon forget. (Summary by Rachel)

16Jarwin and Cuffy

By R. M. Ballantyne

Jarwin is an English sailor who has been shipwrecked. He is stranded on a raft with only his dog Cuffy, and land is nowhere in sight. Their food and water is running out. What can Jarwin do to save his dog's (and his own) life? Summary by Esther ben Simonides

17Dusty Diamonds Cut and Polished

By R. M. Ballantyne

A runaway carriage, a spunky little girl, and a street urchin combine on the first page of <u>Dusty Diamonds Cut and Polished: a Tale of City Arab Life</u> in a hilarious combination that you won't want to leave. This story shows first hand what 'city arabs' have to face day by day and the impact Christians can make. - Summary by Adele de Pignerolles

18Dog Crusoe and his Master (Version 2)

By R. M. Ballantyne

Set in the exciting North American frontier this tale of a rescued dog and its loyalty and help to its new master really underlines the old saying that a dog is a man's best friend. The book really is a story of adventure in the early Western prairies not just about the dog. It is more what it was like to hunt a buffalo and live at a time when the Indians presented a problem and also how the early settlers dealt with them. It touches on things that were new to the people at the time Ballantyne wrote it. Crusoe was won by a young lad in a shooting contest as well as a rifle. And as the boy and dog grew and rode out to see the grand prairie for the very first time we meet the different animals and great country and the reader gets to share the excitement of adventure. - Summary by phil chenevert and wikipedia

19Freaks on the Fells: Three Months' Rustication, Story 2 (Dramatic Reading)

By R. M. Ballantyne

Join us in a journey of two young men in search of adventure as they discover more than they bargained for. - Summary by Linette Geisel<br><br>(Note: The first two files were discovered in an archaeological dig of the LibriVox servers, were carefully retrieved, and are now presented to the public along with more modern recordings of the rest of the story.)<br><br> <b>Cast</b><br> Narrator: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/1401">Sibella Denton</a> and <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8677">Foon </a> <br> Robert ‘Bob’ Smith: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/1977">Jennie Hughes</a> and <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/3157">TriciaG</a> <br> John ‘Jake’ Brown <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/92">Cori Samuel</a> and <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/9698">Doug Fajardo</a><br> Edwards: <a href=" https://librivox.org/reader/94">David Barnes</a> and <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7079">Chuck Williamson</a><br> Various other roles read by: <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/94">David Barnes</a>, <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/5717">Phil Chenevert</a>, <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/92">Cori Samuel</a>, <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/7079">Chuck Williamson</a>, <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/5796">linny</a>, <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8169">tovarisch</a><br> <b>Edited by:</b> <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/5796">linny</a><br> <b>Proof listener:</b> <a href="https://librivox.org/reader/8677">Foon</a>

20Freaks on the Fells: Three Months' Rustication, Story 1

By R. M. Ballantyne

In this first story in Freaks on the Fells, Mr Sudberry, a successful London merchant takes his family on a Scottish highlands vacation. Over the course of the summer the family has lots of exciting adventures near and around the farm and adjoining fishing stream. - Summary by Linny

21Freaks on the Fells: Three Months' Rustication, Story 3

By R. M. Ballantyne

In this, our last short story, we join a fishing expedition in Norway.

22Away in the Wilderness

By R. M. Ballantyne

Jasper Derry was on a mission. He had left the northern wilderness a few years earlier when he had worked for the Hudson's Bay Company, but in doing so he had also left some unfinished business behind. Now he is on his quest to complete those affairs. We travel with Jasper and his two companions through the rugged, desolate region, and while doing so, we learn a great deal of just how wild and untamed the wilderness was in the mid-19th century. This is an adventure, a series of learning experiences, and a lesson in bonding to ensure survival away in the wilderness. - Summary by Roger Melin

23Pirate City: An Algerine Tale

By R. M. Ballantyne

The Pirate City follows the three members of the Rimini family on their adventure to the African city of Algier, Algeria. The story begins in the Remini abode in Sicily, where Francisco and his two sons Lucien and Mariano are contemplating their trading expedition to Malta. - Summary by Wikipedia

24Young Fur Traders

By R. M. Ballantyne

The Pirate City follows the three members of the Rimini family on their adventure to the African city of Algier, Algeria. The story begins in the Remini abode in Sicily, where Francisco and his two sons Lucien and Mariano are contemplating their trading expedition to Malta. - Summary by Wikipedia

25Blue Lights: Hot Work in the Sudan

By R. M. Ballantyne

Miles Milton is a prodigal. He struggles with authority and, like the prodigal son in Scripture, must learn the lessons of life the hard way. Through a series of events, he joins the British army for the war in the Sudan, thinking he will experience the good life of adventure and proudly make his way in the world. However, the providential hand of God has prepared a course for young Miles whereby, through the adventures and experiences of life in the blazing heat of the Sudan and among the tribal clans, and while attempting to survive among his enemies, he realizes the folly of his youthful ways. But is it too late? - Summary by Goodreads