The Master Mariner is the author’s final work, unfinished at the time of his death, but published in its incomplete form. It is a two-volume historical novel. Based on the legend of the Wandering Jew, it tells the story of Matthew Lawe, an Elizabethan English seaman who, as punishment for an act of cowardice, is doomed to sail the world's seas until the end of time. Lawe is depicted participating in critical moments in history and serving with key figures. Book One is titled 'Running Proud'.