The story of Jerry, while possessing not the entire completeness of other volumes of the series, owing to the lamented death of the author before he had finished the work, will be found wanting in none of those attractions which have secured for the “Aimwell Stories” their great popularity. Its design is to show the folly of restiveness under parental restraint, and the blighting influence upon character of vicious or low associates; and thus to incite the young reader to the prompt performance of filial duty, and to cherish those high aims which are the basis of manly character. Jerry’s own story of his adventures will be found to contain much useful information pertaining to sailor life, and to the portions of the world which he visited; while the whole work, like its predecessors, has been written with our motto in mind, “Precepts may lead, but examples draw.”
Jerry; or, the sailor boy ashore
About This Book
A young sailor returns home after years at sea and recounts his voyages, beginning with enlistment on a brig and hardship at sea, including sea-sickness, catching a shark, crossing the line, stops in Rio and Valparaiso, rounding Cape Horn, encountering icebergs, storms that wreck the ship, survival on an island, and eventual rescue and passage home. Interwoven are moral lessons about the perils of running away, the corrupting influence of bad companions, and the value of filial duty, industry, thrift, and steady application, illustrated further by a thrifty friend who exemplifies saving, study, and mechanical skill.