The Life of a Ship

audiobook

The Life of a Ship

by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne

EN·~35 minutes·1 chapter

Chapters

1 total
1

35:14

Description

A lyrical prologue sets the tone, celebrating the sea’s vast blue and the awe‑inspiring birth of a ship, only to remind listeners that even the grandest vessels can be humbled by a sudden storm. The verses weave together the joy of launch day, the community’s cheers, and a quiet faith that guides sailors back home when the waves turn fierce.

From this poetic backdrop emerges Davy, a curious boy whose whole family has lived off the water. He watches ships on the horizon, dreams of sailing beyond the line where sky meets sea, and gets an unexpected invitation to a shipyard. There, the massive “skeleton” of a vessel opens his eyes to the intricate language of keels, ribs, and decks, turning his childhood fascination into a hands‑on education. As he learns the craft behind the towering masts, the story captures the wonder of growing up with the ocean’s call ever louder in his heart.

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Details

Language

en

Duration

~35 minutes (33K characters)

Publisher of text edition

Project Gutenberg

Credits

Produced by Nick Hodson of London, England

Release date

2007-06-07

Rights

Public domain in the USA.

About the author

R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne

R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne

1825–1894

Best known for classic adventure stories such as The Coral Island, this Scottish writer drew on real travel and working life to give his tales energy, danger, and a strong sense of place. He wrote for young readers, but his stories still carry the pull of exploration and survival.

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