For several years the command of the “Pilgrim” had been entrusted to Captain Hull, an experienced seaman, and one of the most dexterous harpooners in Weldon's service. The crew consisted of five sailors and an apprentice. This number, of course, was quite insufficient for the process of whale-fishing, which requires a large contingent both for manning the whale-boats and for cutting up the whales after they are captured; but Weldon, following the example of other owners, found it more economical to embark at San Francisco only just enough men to work the ship to New Zealand, where, from the promiscuous gathering of seamen of well-nigh every nationality, and of needy emigrants, the captain had no difficulty in engaging as many whalemen as he wanted for the season. This method of hiring men who could be at once discharged when their services were no longer required had proved altogether to be the most profitable and convenient...FROM THE BOOKS.

"Dick Sands the Boy Captain" by Jules Verne is an enthralling adventure novel that centers around the young protagonist, Dick Sands. Set against the backdrop of a maritime voyage, the story follows Dick Sands as he faces a series of challenges and tests his mettle as a leader and a hero. The narrative begins with the young cabin boy, Dick Sands, aboard the ship "Pilgrim." When disaster strikes and the ship becomes wrecked on the coast of Africa, Dick Sands finds himself in a position of authority and responsibility. With the crew and passengers looking up to him, Dick must step up and lead the group to survival. Despite his youth, Dick Sands demonstrates remarkable resourcefulness, courage, and determination. As he navigates through the unfamiliar and often perilous terrain of Africa, he shows a strong sense of ethics and justice. He forges connections with both the native people and his fellow shipwrecked companions, highlighting themes of understanding and cooperation. Throughout the novel, Jules Verne weaves together themes of leadership, exploration, and cultural exchange. The story explores the clash between different cultures and the potential for mutual learning and respect. As Dick Sands takes charge and strives to keep his group safe, readers witness his growth from a humble cabin boy to a capable and inspiring leader. Verne's meticulous attention to detail and vivid descriptions create a rich and immersive reading experience. The African landscape and its challenges come to life, offering readers a glimpse into the beauty and harshness of the environment. The narrative is also punctuated with moments of action, suspense, and emotional depth, keeping readers engaged from start to finish. "Dick Sands the Boy Captain" is a testament to the indomitable spirit of youth and the power of determination. It showcases the potential for leadership and heroism to emerge from unexpected sources and underscores the importance of unity and understanding in the face of adversity. Jules Verne's masterful storytelling skillfully combines adventure, exploration, and profound themes, making this novel a timeless and captivating read for audiences of all ages.

Jules Verne is a paramount literary figure, whose pioneering works have entertained readers for over a hundred years, laying the foundations of modern science fiction. Verne’s influence extends far beyond the realms of literature into the world of science and technology, where he inspired generations of scientists, inventors and explorers. This eBook offers the most complete collection ever compiled of Verne’s work in English translation, with numerous illustrations, rare novels and informative introductions. (Version 4) * Beautifully illustrated with images relating to Verne’s life and works * Concise introductions to the novels and other texts * 50 novels in English translation, with individual contents tables * French texts available for the 13 novels that cannot appear in English * Rare novels appearing for the first time in digital publishing * Images of how the books were first published, giving your eReader a taste of the original texts * Excellent formatting of the texts * Famous works are fully illustrated with their original artwork * Rare short stories * Includes Verne’s non-fiction masterpiece ‘Celebrated Travels and Travellers’ * Ordering of texts into chronological order and genres * UPDATED with revised texts, numerous illustrations and three rare translations: ‘The Castaways of the Flag’; ‘The Lighthouse at the End of the World’; ‘The Chase of the Golden Meteor’ Please note: sadly, a complete works of Verne in English is not possible due to copyright restrictions. To compensate for the 13 novels not available, the original French texts have been provided in their place (see the titles given in French below). As soon as new translations enter the public domain, they will be added to the eBook as a free update. CONTENTS: The Novels Five Weeks in a Balloon A Journey to the Centre of the Earth From the Earth to the Moon The Adventures of Captain Hatteras The Children of Captain Grant Around the Moon Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea A Floating City The Adventures of Three Englishmen and Three Russians in South Africa The Fur Country Around the World in Eighty Days The Mysterious Island The Survivors of the Chancellor Michael Strogoff Off on a Comet The Underground City Dick Sand: A Captain at Fifteen The Begum’s Fortune Tribulations of a Chinaman in China The Steam House Eight Hundred Leagues on the Amazon The Green Ray Godfrey Morgan Kéraban the Inflexible The Archipelago on Fire The Star of the South Mathias Sandorf Robur the Conqueror The Lottery Ticket The Flight to France The Waif of the “Cynthia” North against South Two Years Holiday The Purchase of the North Pole Family without a Name César Cascabel Mistress Branican The Carpathian Castle Claudius Bombarnac Foundling Mick The Wonderful Adventures of Captain Antifer The Floating Island Facing the Flag Clovis Dardentor An Antarctic Mystery Le Superbe Orénoque The Will of an Eccentric The Castaways of the Flag Le Village aérien Les Histoires de Jean-Marie Cabidoulin Les Frères Kip Bourses de voyage Master of the World Un Drame en Livonie L’Invasion de la mer The Lighthouse at the End of the World Le Volcan d’or L’Agence Thompson and Co The Chase of the Golden Meteor Le Pilote du Danube Les Naufragés du “Jonathan” Le Secret de Wilhelm Storitz L’Etonnante aventure de la mission Barsac The Shorter Fiction Martin Paz The Blockade Runners Dr. Ox and Other Stories Frritt-Flacc Hier et demain A Drama in Mexico The Mutineers of the Bounty In the Year 2889 An Express of the Future The Non-Fiction Celebrated Travels and Travellers Please visit www.delphiclassics.com to browse through our range of exciting titles or to purchase this eBook as a Parts Edition of individual eBooks