Good Little Ship

Generations of children and their parents have delighted in Arthur Ransome's series of 12 'Swallows and Amazons' books, but one of them stands out from the rest as being of a different order altogether. 'We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea' is both larger of theme and tighter of plot; it is a rite-of-passage tale quite unlike the others, and in describing the experiences of its protagonist John it illuminates much of Ransome's own psychology. 'Good Little Ship' is a blend of literary criticism, maritime history and sheer celebration. Peter Willis combines an analysis of classic maritime literature with the story of the Nancy Blackett, Ransome's own boat which appears as the Goblin in his story. He describes her life, near-death and restoration, and her renaissance as an ambassador for Ransome and his tales.