Swallowdale

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First Publication

Published by Jonathan Cape November, 1931.

Availability

In print.

Hardback: Jonathan Cape ISBN978-0224606325

Paperback: Red Fox ISBN978-0099427155

E-book: Random House Children’s Books (from 30 June, 2011)

Also available as an abridged audiobook (Gabriel Woolf)

Background

Swallows and Amazons sold slowly at first, but despite this both Ransome and Jonathan Cape were keen to produce a sequel. Ransome began Their Own Story, and early version of Peter Duck, and also toyed with Swallows in Syria, but quickly abandoned both. Instead he began Swallowdale in January, 1931.

Synopsis

The four Swallows, John, Susan, Titty and Roger return to sail and camp on Wild Cat Island, the year after thier first visit in Swallows and Amazons. They are looking forward to renewing their alliance with Nancy and Peggy, the Amazon Pirates. But a shipwreck and an unwelcome visit by the Amazons’ fearsome Great-Aunt soon upset their plans.