Inspired by Arthur Ransome's classic Swallows and Amazons series, John Berry successfully recounts that familiar sense of real adventure experienced by Ransome's well-known characters. He describes how the books became his inspiration, and how he went in search of his hero - finally locating him after cycling 26 miles around the Lakeland fells. Thus began his quest to find the real-life personalities behind the fictional characters - a quest that required years of devotion but led to ultimate success. John's account has a wider appeal than just to Ransome enthusiasts, with its wealth of absorbing information of both historical and local interest and, refreshingly, its message that there is an alternative to today's nanny-state culture. Divided into fourteen chapters, there are accounts of childhood family fishing trips, school days in the Lake District, and many Ransome-like adventures. Original, quality photographs complement the text, helping to transport the reader back to the days of childhood adventures such as those experienced by 'Captain John, Titty and Roger'.

Discovering Swallows and Ransomes demonstrates the power of an author's work to influence his readers' lives and choices - Geraint Lewis, present chairman of The Arthur Ransome Society. ... a fascinating memoir, a very different, concise and remarkably uncliched insight into the unusual character of Arthur Ransome and his not-altogether-fictional characters; ... a succinct and accurate tale ... a true story full of humour and verve. - Jim Andrews, a past Chairman of The Arthur Ransome Society.