John Masefield (1878 - 1967) was a British poet, writer. He was Poet Laureate until his death in 1967. His best-known children's works were The Box of Delights and The Midnight Folk. He is also noted for writing the novel Captain Margaret and the poem The Everlasting Mercy. Jim Davis was published in 1911. When the orphan Jim Davis is sent to live on the Devon coast he sees a group of smugglers and becomes caught up in their world. Because of what he has seen and knows, he is forced to sign up on a voyage. He encounters many trials on this journey. Jim faces a battle with a British frigate, a chase on horseback and gypsies. Jim's exploits and a fast paced plot will keep a young boys interest.