The Dog Crusoe and His Master (eBook)

R.M. Ballantyne (1825–1894) was a prolific Scottish author of juvenile fiction who espoused Victorian values and a sense of adventure. Born on April 24, 1825, in Edinburgh, Robert Michael Ballantyne was part of a famous family of publishers and booksellers. At the age of 16, he moved to Canada and worked for the Hudson's Bay Company, giving him plenty of experiences that later served as material for his adventure stories. After returning to Scotland, Ballantyne took up writing as his career, aiming to entertain young minds while instilling moral lessons. His most famous work is 'The Coral Island' (1858), which influenced the genre of boys' adventure fiction and even inspired literary greats like R.L. Stevenson. Another notable work by Ballantyne is 'The Dog Crusoe and His Master' (1860), a story set in the North American prairies, which exhibits Ballantyne's hallmark of weaving survival themes with detailed natural descriptions and assertive Christian morals. His literary style was characterized by vivid scenes, exciting plots, and an innate ability to capture the interest of the youth, as well as educating readers about various parts of the world. Over the course of his career, Ballantyne wrote more than 100 books, securing his place as a significant figure in children's literature. His other works include 'Martin Rattler' (1858) and 'The Young Fur Traders' (1856), documenting his influence on literature during the 19th century.