Swallows and Amazons

by Arthur Michell Ransome

No cover — Arthur Michell Ransome: Swallows and Amazons (1985, Godine)

351 pages

English language

Published Jan. 4, 1985 by Godine.

(16 reviews)

This is one of the finest books for children, both boys and girls. In 1928, four children, aged 7 to 12 (?), whose father is in the navy, vacation with their mother and baby sister on a lake in the north of England. They borrow a 13' sailboat (the Swallow) from the farmer with whom they are staying, and camp on an island in the lake. They meet two girls (the Amazons), about the same age, and have realistic adventures together. The first in a series of twelve books, maybe the best kids' books ever written.

52 editions

loppear reviewed Swallows and Amazons. by Arthur Michell Ransome

childhood re-read

4 stars

A little imagination to travel to a steam and sail era lake country summer vacation, and further with a group of kids earnestly imagining themselves as explorers and pirates. Inspiring now as when I was the kid's ages, instructively detailing technicalities of sailing, camping, exploring, as well as life lessons about earning responsibility, negotiating with friend and foe, and dealing with fear and misjudgement.