The Poacher: Or, Joseph Rushbrook by Captain Marryat is a compelling work of historical fiction that explores the rugged life of Joseph Rushbrook, a poacher-turned-outlaw in rural England. The novel delves into themes of survival and morality as Joseph grapples with the challenges of living on the margins of society. Poaching, both a crime and a means of survival, sets the stage for conflict between social classes and justice. At its heart, the story revolves around family, particularly the father-son relationship, where loyalty and honor are tested amidst betrayal and exile. As Joseph navigates the tensions between his criminal activities and his moral compass, romance, loyalty, and redemption play pivotal roles in shaping his fate. Set against the backdrop of nature and the rural English countryside, the novel paints a vivid portrait of life outside the law, blending adventure with reflections on justice, social inequality, and personal honor.
Captain Frederick Marryat (an early innovator of the sea story) was a British Royal Navy Officer and novelist. He gained the Royal Human Society's gold medal for bravery, before leaving the services in 1830 to write books. He is mainly remembered for his stories of the sea, many written from his own experiences. He started a series of adventure novels marked by a brilliant, direct narrative style and an absolute fund of incident and fun. These have The King's Own (1830), Peter Simple (1834), and Mr. Midshipman Easy (1836). He also created a number of children's books, among which The Children of the New Forest (1847), a story of the English Civil Wars is a classic of children literature. A Life and Letters was processed by his daughter Florence (1872). He is recognized also for a broadly used system of maritime flag signalling known as Marryat's Code. Familiar for his adventurous novels, his works are known for their representation of deep family bonds and social structure beside naval action. Marryat died in 1848 at the age of fifty.
