Lit2Go

Jack Tier; or, The Florida Reef

by James Fenimore Cooper

Jack Tier; or, The Florida Reef

Set during the time of the Mexican War, Jack Tier is a realistic sea story.

Source: Cooper, J. F. (1848). Jack Tier; or, The Florida Reef . New York: Hurd and Houghton.

Preface
The preface to the novel
Part I, Chapter I
Captain Spike prepares the Molly Swash for departure. Rose Budd and her aunt will be on board. Jack Tier appears, to Captain Spike's dismay.
Part I, Chapter II
The boat avoids trouble. Captain Spike remembers Jack Tier. Mrs. Budd shows her interesting view of things. Jack Tier boards the Molly Swash. The captain disguises the boat.
Part I, Chapter III
Rose struggles through disagreements with her aunt during a letter writing session. Rose questions Captain Spike, speaks with Mulford, and takes a liking to Jack Tier.
Part I, Chapter IV
There is a misunderstanding between the Captain and Mrs. Budd. The ship is stopped by a cruiser.
Part I, Chapter V
Mulford and Rose discover their location. Captain Spike meets with Don Wan. There is a tornado. Mulford feels trapped by circumstances.
Part 1, Chapter VI
Mulford and Rose talk. He reveals his jealousy over her relationship with Jack Tier, but she reveals that Jack is married. Wallace questions the captain. Spike gives Jack Tier orders.
Part I, Chapter VII
Jack, Mulford, and Rose make plans. Rose is frustrated by her aunt's ignorance. The boat faces danger.
Part I, Chapter VIII
Mulford makes certain the ladies are safe, but the boat is lost. The group faces thirst and hunger.
Part II, Chapter I
Mulford swims for the boat. The group is reunited with Captain Spike, who tries to rid himself of Mulford.
Part II, Chapter II
Jack speaks to the other seamen and plans to assist Mulford. Jack reveals his plans to Rose.
Part II, Chapter III
The group argues over the continuation of their plans. They discuss the reasons for rejoining the Swash.
Part II, Chapter IV
Spike and Don Juan arrive at the lighthouse. Harry and Rose speak to Don Juan. The men fear Mulford's "ghost."
Part II, Chapter V
Superstition abounds. Jack questions Spike about his behavior.
Part II, Chapter VI
Jack tells Spike of Harry and Rose's wedding, and his own involvement in the escape. The Swash is threatened.
Part II, Chapter VII
The Molly is forced onto the breakers. Spike is willing to sacrifice all else for his own escape.
Part II, Chapter VIII
Jack Tier's true identity is revealed.
Part II, Chapter IX
The fate of all is revealed. Spike has the chance to consider the faults and wrongs he has committed.
  • Year Published: 1848
  • Language: English
  • Country of Origin: United States of America
  • Readability:
    • Flesch–Kincaid Level: 3.5
  • Word Count: 190,098
  • Genre: Adventure
  • Keywords: adventure, nautical
  • ✎ Cite This
  • Share |
  • Available on iTunes U