Eben Tyne, Powdermonkey - 1st Edition/1st Printing

Beatty, Patricia and Phillip Robbins

ISBN 10: 0688088848 / ISBN 13: 9780688088842

Published by Morrow Junior Books, New York, 1990

About this Item

First edition/first printing in Very Good+ condition with soiling to page edges and top board in alike dust-jacket with minor edgewear; Eben Tyne is a clever and curious powder monkey who travels with the British army during the American Revolution. He is always inquisitive and eager to learn, and his quick wit and sharp wit make him a valuable member of the army. Tyne is always up for a challenge, and he is always trying to come up with new ways to help the army win the war. He is a brave and determined soldier, and he always puts the safety of his comrades first. Tyne is a fun and entertaining character, and he is a great addition to any book about the American Revolution.; 8vo; FSA.

Seller Inventory # 33512

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Eben Tyne, Powdermonkey - 1st Edition/1st Printing
• Publisher: Morrow Junior Books, New York
• Publication Date: 1990
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0688088848
• ISBN 13: 9780688088842
• Binding: 1/4 Cloth
• Edition: First Edition; First Printing.
• Condition: Very Good+
• Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • Fiction::Young Adult
  • First Editions
  • Collection Starter::Hundred Dollars or Less
  • By Year Of Issue::1990s

About this title

Synopsis

A thirteen-year-old powdermonkey in the Confederate navy joins the crew of the ironclad Merrimack in a mission to break the Union blockade of Norfolk harbor.

Reviews

Grade 5-8-- That war causes suffering for all becomes blatantly evident here. Set in Virginia at the time of the construction of the Merrimack , this story masterfully unveils the history of the use of ironclad vessels during the Civil War, heralding a change in naval warfare forever. Eben Tyne, 13, has shown such skill in sailing and cool-headedness in emergencies that he is selected to work on the ship that is secretly being readied for use against the Yankee blockade off the Virginia coast. He becomes the powdermonkey, the one who brings the gunpowder up from the ship's hold. Once involved in combat, he quickly discovers it is not glorious but is filled with myriad horrors. The devastating physical effects on military personnel firing cannons is graphically described. Although the emphasis is on history, the book also focuses on trust, friendship, responsibility, and growing up. Unfortunately, characterization is somewhat uneven. Eben's passions are not always convincing, and he does not inspire readers' sympathies as do Charley Quinn in Charley Skedaddle (1987) or Hannalee in Turn Homeward, Hannalee (1984) and Be Ever Hopeful, Hannalee (1988, all Morrow). In addition, the ending is somewhat contrived. Despite these drawbacks, the story is gripping, and it successfully details an important part of our history. It should be added to collections that already include Scott O'Dell's The 290 (Houghton, 1976), Irene Hunt's Across Five Aprils (Follett, 1964; o.p.), and Beatty's earlier novels. --Renee Steinberg, Fieldstone Middle School, Montvale, NJ
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.