Harvey Cheyne, spoiled millionaire's son, tumbles overboard from a luxury liner-only to be rescued by the crew of a Gloucester schooner.

Thus begins the boy's second voyage into the rugged rites and ways of sailors.

Like all Kipling's masterworks, Captains Courageous is an interweaving of art and moral purpose.

Angus Wilson has said that it shows "delicacy of craft and violence of feeling, exactitude and wile impressionism, subtlety and true innocence." A popular favourite since its first publication, the novel remains a classic story of youthful initiation-and a lively tribute to the author's famous code of bravery, loyalty, an honour among men.