The Blockade Runners

The Civil War tears apart the United States of America. The Union fleet has blockaded the Confederate coastline, cutting off all sea trade, and European merchants suffer heavy losses as a result. One of the trading houses in the city of Glasgow builds a fast ship capable of breaking the blockade and bringing unheard-of profit. But aboard that ship, people set out not only those seeking gain…

The story was probably written during the American Civil War (1861–1865). During this war, blockade-runners were indeed widely used; many of them died near Charleston and even in the port itself. It’s interesting that the surname of the character, James Playfair, has a translation: PlayFair means “fair play.”

Jules Verne’s story again weaves together familiar components: a dangerous journey, mysteries, brave heroes, romantic feelings—and all of this against the majestic backdrop of a major war. Although the writer sympathizes with the Northerners, credit is due—he does not depict the other side of the conflict in an overly disgusting way; you can only feel regret for the war. As always, the story includes detailed geographical descriptions of the places where the main events unfold.