Rafael Sabatini
Today, April 29, marks the birth of two of the most prolific and popular writers of adventure stories in the early 20th Century. Rafael Sabatini (1875-1950) and H. Bedford-Jones (1887-1949). I haven’t had time to read anything by either man today. It’s also Jack Williamson’s birthday, and I did manage to read one of his stories.
Both Sabatini and Bedford-Jones published in Adventure magazine, one of the top fiction publications of the day, and one of the highest-paying.
Fortunately the works of both men are in print. Sabatini is best remembered for his pirate novels, such as Captain Blood and The Sea Hawk.
H. Bedford-Jones
I’ve read a bit more Sabatini than I have Bedford-Jones, so I don’t know where to tell you to start. Altus Press has been reprinting his work for a while now, and there are plenty of titles to choose from.
I’ve been reading some stragiht historical adventure lately and want to read more. These are two authors I to move higher in the queue.
Sabatini was an excellent short story writer, actually. Check out his tales of Casanova or the tales found in THE BANNER OF THE BULL. The latter is fairly Howardian.
For Bedford-Jones, I’ve only read his novels. THEY LIVED BY THE SWORD is good, as are his D’Artagnan pastiches.
I really need to read more Sabatini. I’ve read the Sea Hawk, Scaramouche, and Captain Blood. Haven’t read anything at all by Bedford-Jones. Too many authors to check out.
I’ll agree with too many authors to check out. I’ll also agree with Deuce that Sabatini’s short stories are really good. I’ve read several in his series about Cesare Borgia and thought they were quite good.
Right on, Keith! Those Borgia tales are from THE BANNER OF THE BULL. Dark, menacing stories, on the whole. I think a truly excellent two-volume collection of Sabatini’s short stories could be put together. They tend to not follow the “Sabatini Formula”–a highly successful formula and one I enjoy. They are usually a bit grittier with the outcomes entirely up in the air. I think such a collection would challenge many readers’ preconceptions of Sabatini.
Bottom line: more people need to read Sabatini.
I agree with your last sentence, and I include myself in that group.
Believe me, Keith, I’m not casting stones. So many books…
BTW, here’s my belated b-day post for ol’ Rafe:
https://dmrbooks.com/test-blog/2020/5/2/forefathers-of-sword-and-sorcery-rafael-sabatini
I didn’t take it that way, I promise.
And thanks for the link.