Little Bobtail; or, The Wreck of the Penobscot.: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition
Little Bobtail; or, The Wreck of the Penobscot.: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Little Bobtail; or, The Wreck of the Penobscot. is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Optic, Oliver (1822–1897).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Little Bobtail; or, The Wreck of the Penobscot" by Oliver Optic is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows a young protagonist named Robert, nicknamed "Little Bobtail," who navigates a series of challenges and adventures, primarily revolving around his discovery of an abandoned yacht and the responsibilities that come with it. The narrative is set against a backdrop of familial conflict, personal integrity, and the trials of youth. The opening of the novel introduces Little Bobtail in a tense familial atmosphere, where domestic strife is depicted through his interactions with his father, Ezekiel Taylor, an abusive drunkard. Robert's protective instincts toward his mother are highlighted as he disposes of a jug of rum to prevent further harm to their household. This sets the stage for his adventurous spirit, which soon leads him to the discovery of a drifted yacht named Skylark. As he explores the vessel and contemplates its potential, Little Bobtail's character begins to emerge as a resourceful and determined young man, ready to overcome the adversities of his life. The premise introduces themes of resilience, moral dilemmas regarding smuggling, and a coming-of-age journey, enticing readers with a blend of adventure and moral reflection.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Little Bobtail; or, The Wreck of the Penobscot.
- Author credits: Optic, Oliver (1822–1897)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Conduct of life -- Juvenile fiction
- Ship captains -- Juvenile fiction
- Shipwrecks -- Juvenile fiction
- Smuggling -- Fiction
- Yachts -- Juvenile fiction
Gutenberg collections
- Category: Adventure
- Category: American Literature
- Category: Children & Young Adult Reading
- Category: Novels
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


