The Pirate Slaver: A Story of the West African Coast by Harry Collingwood is a gripping novel set in the late 19th century, focusing on the perilous operations against the Portuguese slave trade along the West African coast. The story follows Henry Dugdale, a young midshipman aboard the British warship Barracouta, tasked with patrolling the Congo River region to intercept and destroy slave ships. As the narrative unfolds, Dugdale is captured by slavers, leading to a tense and complex relationship with the captain's son, which forms the heart of the story. The novel explores the dark undercurrents of maritime history, highlighting the brutal realities of the slave trade while also depicting the personal struggles and moral dilemmas faced by the crew. As Dugdale embarks on his first naval conflict, the plot weaves through intense naval engagements, including the capture of a slave-laden brig. Through the eyes of Dugdale and his fellow crew members, Collingwood brings to light the harshness of the era, along with the themes of camaraderie, duty, and the difficult choices in the fight against the injustice of slavery.