Legendary Captain Dynamite Johnny's Battle Enjoyed Rough Seas and Danger

Dennis M. Powers has penned numerous books about adventurous maritime exploits from treasure hunting to salvaging ships, but it’s hard to argue that “Tales of the Seven Seas” does not top the list for dynamite sea and human interest stories. The subject, Captain John O’Brien, lived and sailed during the exciting period of the late 1860s to early 1930s as full-sail ships became steamers, as the last glorious days of exploration ended, when South Seas royalty still held power, and a lack of regulation allowed adventure to flourish on the high seas.

Acquiring the nickname Captain Dynamite Johnny after saving a steamer from exploding in two during a severe storm due to its loose cargo of dynamite, Captain O’Brien’s middle name otherwise might have been “danger” or “adventure.” No trip was beyond him as he sailed the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Antarctic Oceans. From being chased by pirates off the coast of Hong Kong to maneuvering through ice floes in the Arctic, O’Brien was always able to meet the challenge.

A wise man, when O’Brien realized steam would replace sails, he took lower positions to quickly learn the “ropes” of captaining steamships. Being in the right time at the right place, he experienced the Klondike Gold Rush first hand in steaming into Alaska and the Arctic. On one such trip, he met the budding writer, Jack London, who weaved O’Brien’s stories into his famous character, Wolf Larsen, in his novel, “The Sea Wolf.” O’Brien also had a softer side, being devoted to his wife, Emily, who traveled with him after their marriage and gave birth to their second child at sea.

Whether a fan of maritime stories, or one who likes high adventure, every reader will be engrossed by “Tales of the Seven Seas: The Escapades of Captain Dynamite Johnny O’Brien.” Best of all, this gripping story is true, yet seemingly so fantastic that it is based on fiction. Powers is the first author to compile the full story of Captain O’Brien, and no author is more qualified or more skilled at telling a good seafaring tale. Once they set sail, readers will never forget crossing the seven seas with Captain Dynamite Johnny O’Brien.

About the Author

Before turning his attention to writing, Dennis M. Powers was a full-time attorney specializing in business law. He is the author of ten books, including “Tales of the Seven Seas,” “Treasure Ship,” “Sentinel of the Seas,” “Taking the Sea,” and “The Raging Sea.” Dennis Powers has been featured in “USA Today” and on “Hard Copy,” “Extra!,” on CNN, NPR, “The O’Reilly Factor,” and other national media.

“Tales of the Seven Seas: The Escapades of Captain Dynamite Johnny O’Brien” (ISBN 9781589794474, Taylor Trade Publishing, 2010) can be purchased through local and online bookstores. For more information, visit www.dennispowersbooks.com.