Generations of children & their parents have delighted in Arthur Ransome`s ` Swallows & 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 & tighter of plot; it is a rite-of-passage tale quite unlike the others, & 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 & sheer celebration. Peter Willis combines an analysis of a classic of maritime literature (”a book of which Conrad would have been proud”
- Hugh Brogan) 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 & restoration, & her renaissance as an ambassador for Ransome & his tales.