Rafael Sabatini

Oliver Tressilian, a Cornish gentleman who helped defeat the Spanish Armada, is betrayed by his half-brother, throwing him into circumstances where he becomes a Barbary pirate and a follower of Islam.

The Sea-hawk

Rafael Sabatini's novel 'The Sea Hawk' was first published in 1915. The story is set over the years 1588–1593. It is about a retired Cornish seafaring gentleman, Sir Oliver Tressilian, who is villainously betrayed by a jealous half-brother. After being forced to serve as a slave on a galley, Sir Oliver is liberated by Barbary pirates. He joins the pirates, gaining the name "Sakr-el-Bahr" meaning "the hawk of the sea", and swears vengeance against his brother.

The Sea-Hawk

Andrew John Kinney

Sabatini is the master of the swashbuckling tale. I liked Captain Blood better than The Sea-Hawk, but both have galloping plots that ensure a quick and enjoyable read. My dad loved the Sabatini books, and I have him to thank for putting me on to them.

The Sea-hawk

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