Published by Blackie And Son Limited: London c1915 (undated, inscription dated 1915)
"Marvellous Escapes from Peril by Walter Wood is a thrilling collection of true and dramatized stories recounting extraordinary instances of survival against the odds. Aimed at a broad audience, particularly younger readers, the book captures the excitement and tension of shipwrecks, daring rescues, battlefield heroics, and narrow escapes from natural disasters. Each tale highlights the bravery, resourcefulness, and determination of individuals who faced life-threatening danger, often in extreme or exotic circumstances. Wood's vivid storytelling brings these dramatic moments to life, emphasizing both the peril and the human spirit that overcame it.
The book reflects the Edwardian fascination with adventure, empire, and personal heroism, aligning with a broader cultural appetite for tales of courage and endurance. While most stories are set in various parts of the British Empire or on the high seas, they offer moral lessons as well as entertainment, reinforcing values such as loyalty, quick thinking, and perseverance. Marvellous Escapes from Peril remains a compelling example of early 20th-century adventure literature, contributing to the genre that shaped the imaginations of readers in both Britain and its colonies, including Australia."
