About this book
Rugged and full of seaside charm, Captain Mugford; or Our Salt and Fresh Water Tutors by William Henry Giles Kingston whisks listeners to a windswept Cornish headland in the early nineteenth century. When the respectable Tregellin family installs young relatives at an old house by the sea, two unlikely tutors arrive: scholarly Mr. Clare and the seafaring Captain Mugford, whose lessons in sailing, swimming, and seamanship turn childhood play into practical education.
A classic blend of historical fiction and sea stories for teens and young adults, Kingston’s tale explores coming-of-age themes, moral instruction, and the hard-won confidence born of outdoor adventure. Against the backdrop of coastal life, rowboats, wrecked brigs, and the ever-present threat of storm and smuggling, the boys’ training is tested by real danger and moral choices. Colourful supporting characters—including the devoted caretakers Clump and Juno and a brave dog named Ugly—enrich the novel’s Victorian atmosphere without sacrificing brisk momentum.
Perfect for listeners who love nautical adventure, historical coming-of-age tales, or family-friendly classics, this audiobook offers an engaging mix of practical seamanship, suspense, and period detail that will appeal to young readers and fans of timeless sea stories.
