Swallows and Amazons. Arthur Ransome

Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons series has stood the test of time. Ransome is not only a great storyteller, writing from first-hand experience, but each story celebrates eternally valuable qualities of practical knowledge, independence, and initiative. The twelve books are for children or grownups—anyone captivated by a world of sailing, adventure, and imagination. Swallows and Amazons , the book that started it all in 1930, introduces the Walker family, the camp on Wild Cat Island, the able-bodied catboat «Swallow,» and the two intrepid Amazons, plucky Nancy and Peggy Blackett.