A swashbuckling, patriotic tale of romance, villainy and adventure on the high seas, written by American author Winston Churchill (not to be confused with British statesman Winston S. Churchill), Richard Carvel was a publishing phenomenon in its time, selling more than 2 million copies in a nation of 76 million people. In 1765, young Richard Carvel, an orphaned descendant of English nobility, lives on his grandfather's estate in colonial Maryland. He witnesses growing discontent with the rule of King George III and observes the transformation of his childhood playmate, Dorothy Manners, into a celebrated debutante. After being kidnapped by pirates, Richard is rescued and brought to England by a Scots sea captain. Upon learning that his grandfather has died and his treacherous uncle has claimed his inheritance, Richard returns to Maryland, where he joins the struggle for American independence. He also fights to regain his inheritance and win the hand of his beloved Dorothy.