Jack Easy, a midshipman in the Royal Navy, is a man with a particular socialistic philosophy, which he has adopted ironically from his wealthy father. More satirical comedy than treatise on economic philosophy, "Mr. Midshipman Easy" is a coming of age story of its title character, who while at sea befriends a lower deck seaman named Mesty, an escaped slave, who had been a prince in Africa. Mesty is sympathetic to Easy's philosophy however by the end of the novel real world experiences shift both of their perspectives to a more conventional view of economic philosophy. Captain Frederick Marryat's own experience as a midshipman in the Royal Navy is evident in the depictions of early 19th century maritime life of this novel. "Mr. Midshipman Easy" is a lighthearted comedic tale of maritime adventure set during the golden age of maritime travel.
