TAM MORGAN, THE LIVELIEST GIRL IN SALEM

Holberg's heroines need no introduction- as books like Tibby's Venture and Tomboy Row can witness. This one, as spirited as the others, takes a period setting, Salem in the 1790's for its background to the story of a motherless, harum scarum Master Shipbuilder's daughter whose tomboyish ways are finally, and willingly bent to the yolk of femininity. Young Tam Morgan whose father is at work on a brig for Jacob Cromwell, is incensed when polite Felicity, Cromwell's daughter, will obviously be the one to christen the ship and on top of that, seems to be stealing her best friend, Jeff Carter's affections. Another problem arrives with Mr. Morgan's second marriage to Abigail and Tam must make room for a step-mother. But after squabbles, Tam's innate good nature ripens relationships. There is concern when Tam thinks she herself could have caused a serious accident to Felicity, but a resultant due honor when Tam christens the brig Felicity and looks forward to long friendship.