The Black Buccaneer

by Stephen W. Meader

The Black Buccaneer. Jeremy’s father helped him drive the sheep into the rude pen on the island off the coast of Maine, and then hurried to return to his colonial clearing on the mainland. “I sort of hate to leave you here alone,” he said, “but I’ll be back this time tomorrow.” Before “this time tomorrow” the boy had been carried away by pirates who had been using the island as a base. A perilous trip follows to the West Indies, rough and lonesome for the boy until the son of a man prominent in the Carolinas is captured. Their attempts to escape and their trip overland to Maine complete the story. As thrilling a tale of piracy as any boy could desire.

Genres: Fiction, Young Readers

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1920

About the author

Stephen W. Meader (May 2, 1892 – July 18, 1977) was the author of over forty novels for young readers. His optimistic stories generally tended to either concern young men developing independent businesses in the face of adversity, or else young men caught up in adventures during different periods in American history.

Meader graduated from Haverford College in Philadelphia in 1913, and initially worked in Newark, New Jersey as a cruelty officer with the Essex County Children's Aid Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, and by 1915 was working for the Big Brother Movement. After working for a Chicago publishing house in 1916, he took a position with the Circulation Department of the Curtis Publishing Company in Philadelphia, eventually reaching the position of Editor of the Sales Division publications. His first novel, The Black Buccaneer, was the first juvenile publication of the newly founded Harcourt, Brace and Howe.

Reviews

[Eyes of the Owl BQQKS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another terrific historic novel by Stephen W. Meader, a New Hampshire author known for his ability to connect with boy readers. I haven't read this in a while, but it is fast paced and excellent. This features a boy who heads to sea.

[Mbuye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This 1920 thrill-packed, coming-of-age novel is a package of adventure and excitement, with shanghaing, piracy, treasure maps, fights and dramatic rescues at sea. Ideal for readers (or auditors) from ages five to fifteen but suitable, for sheer suspense if nothing else, for all ages.

[Marilyn M. Bitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful

I've read this book before when i was young. It was terrific back then and is still a wonderful read. I recommend this book to young and old alike. Also check out a book called " Sinful Peck " another sailing adventure.

[PottWab Regional Library]

SM

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meader's first published work, its filled with men and boys with stern and resolute features who ne'er shed an unmanly tear and dastardly, disfigured, foul villains. The protagonists lack the depth of character that that show up in his later written works and the few women who appear are treated more as objects than as people. Still, its better than many of its contemporaries, though that's faint praise!

T Model Tommy is one of his better works if you want to read an example of boy's books from the early 20th century.

I read by Dad's first edition, printed in 1920, I'm too lazy to add a new edition entry.

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of two young men kidnapped by pirates in 1718. It tells of there adventures on the pirate ship, their subsequent escape and rescue. And finally helping to track down the pirates and discovering their buried treasure.
I found this a fun book to read. It brought back childhood fantasies of adventures on the high seas and searching for buried treasure. I recommend this book.

[Raymond Bial · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to discover a couple of Stephen Meader's books and am now reading all of his work, beginning with his first published work: The Black Buccaneer. As with Meader's later books, this historical novel is chillingly suspenseful, brilliantly written, and knowledgeable. It is an entertaining novel and a great introduction to a chapter in Early American history.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not only an exciting tale of the high seas and dangerous pirates, it also provides a realistic and vivid description of North America's coast as it was seen by the earliest settlers.

[Philip Dampier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like all Stephen W. Meader books this one is well researched and well written. I have read every single one of his books and am sad to this day that he did not write more.