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The Master: An Adventure Story facts for kids

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The Master
Master cover.jpg
First edition (UK)
Author T. H. White
Country United Kingdom
Language English
Genre Science fiction
Publisher  • Jonathan Cape (UK)
 • G. P. Putnam's Sons (US)
Publication date
1957
Media type Print (hardcover)
Pages 256
OCLC 504128135
LC Class PZ3.W5854 Mas2 FT MEADE

The Master: An Adventure Story is an exciting science fiction adventure novel written by the English author T. H. White. It was first published in 1957. The story takes readers on a thrilling journey with two young heroes who find themselves in a very strange situation.

What's the Story About?

The book tells the tale of two children, Judy and Nicky. They are twins. Their loyal dog, Jokey, is with them. They get stuck on a tiny, lonely island called Rockall. This island is in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean. It's usually empty, with no people living there.

But Judy, Nicky, and Jokey soon discover a big secret. The island isn't just a rock. It's hollow inside! And living deep within it is a mysterious person known only as "the Master." This Master has a secret plan. He wants to take control of the entire world. The children must figure out how to stop him.

Meet the Characters

The story has a small but interesting group of characters. They are divided into two main groups: the children and their family, and the Master's unusual team.

The Young Heroes and Their Family

  • Nicky: He is one of the twins. Nicky has a special ability. He is very good at resisting the Master's mind control. The Master hopes to train Nicky to take over his plans one day.
  • Judy: She is Nicky's twin sister. Judy is more open to the Master's mind control. This makes her journey on the island very challenging.
  • Jokey: This is Judy's beloved dog. He is a mixed-breed dog. Jokey is about the size of a Skye Terrier. He is a loyal companion to the children.
  • The Duke: He is the father of Nicky and Judy. His family home is in England. It is called Gaunt's Godstone.
  • The Duchess: She is the mother of the twins. Her first name is Fanny.
  • Mr. Pierrepoint: He is the Duchess's brother. This makes him the twins' uncle.

The Master's Team

  • The Master: He is a very old and powerful character. He is 157 years old! The Master talks to people using telepathy. This means he can speak with his mind. He can also control other people's thoughts. He has invented a special "vibrator-ray." He plans to use it to take over the world.
  • Mr. Blenkinsop ("the Chinaman"): His real Chinese name means "Golden Tiger in the Tea Forest." But he chose the name Blenkinsop when he studied at Oxford University. The Master first became friends with him because he liked the Chinese language. Now, they communicate using telepathy.
  • Dr. Totty McTurk: He used to be a ship's doctor named Jones. He might be Welsh. But he likes to use different accents when he talks to the children. He uses Irish, Scottish, Cockney, and Australian accents.
  • Pinky or Pinkie: He is the cook on the island. Pinky is mute, meaning he cannot speak. He is a follower of Gandhian nonviolence. This means he believes in solving problems without fighting.
  • Squadron-Leader Frinton: He is the pilot of the helicopter. This helicopter brings mail and supplies between Rockall and Ireland. Squadron-Leader Frinton tries to help the children escape from the Master.

TV Show Adaptation

In 1966, a television show was made based on The Master. Southern Television created this six-part series. It starred Adrienne Posta and Paul Guess as the children. Olaf Pooley played the role of the Master.

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