The Captain Pamphile of the title is one of Dumas’ most intriguing creations. An anti-hero, the Captain is a rogue and a swindler who decides to exploit the demand for exotic animals that was prevalent in the early 19th century. However, Pamphile’s methods are unconventional, to say the least. If you like your adventures on the high seas served up with betrayal, intrigue, mutiny, and a liberal dose of sardonic humour, then this is the book for you. A satirical tale with a twist, ‘Captain Pamphile’ is the perfect read for fans of seafaring adventures. Alexandre Dumas (1802 – 1870) was one of the most popular French authors and playwrights of the 19th Century. After the death of his father, Dumas travelled to Paris where he eventually decided to work in the theatre. He first came to public attention at the age of 27 with his first play, ‘King Henry III and his Courts.’ After a succession of successful stage plays, Dumas turned his hand to writing novels. Many of these were serialised in newspapers, such as ‘La Comtesse de Salisbury; Édouard III,’ and ‘Le Capitaine Paul.’ Many of Dumas’ later works have been hailed as timeless classics and adapted for television and the silver screen, such as ‘The Three Musketeers’, starring ‘Lord of the Rings’ ́ Orlando Bloom, and ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, starring ‘Superman’ star, Henry Cavill.