William the Pirate

William the Pirate is the fourteenth book in the Just William series by Richmal Crompton. It was first published in 1932. It contains eleven short-stories, one of which (Aunt Arabelle in Charge) features the odious "Anthony Martin" who is often cited as a parody of A.A. Milne's Christopher Robin.

The Stories

• William and the Musician William helps an Italian puppeteer to return to his native land.
• William Holds the Stage William is determined to play the part of Hamlet in a school theatrical performance.
• The Outlaws and the Triplets Henry is forced to look after his baby sister.
• William and the Eastern Curse William helps a girl to find her ideal husband.
• The New Neighbour William takes ingenious revenge on his aggressive next-door neighbour.
• Mrs Bott's Hat Bizarre circumstances force William to pose as a female circus dwarf.
• William and the Princess Goldilocks William falls in love with an actress he sees in a stage play. He sets out to find her but she is not all she seems.
• Their Good Resolution Wanting a more exciting New Year's Resolution, the Outlaws decide to start "rescuing people".
• William's Invention Mrs. Bott tries to persuade a journalist that her house is haunted, and with William's help succeeds.
• Aunt Arabelle in Charge With absent-minded Aunt Arabelle in charge, the Outlaws have the run of Ginger's family home. However, this leads to unexpected problems... (This story is notable for featuring "Anthony Martin", a thinly disguised parody of Christopher Robin Milne, son of A.A. Milne.)
• A Little Affair of Rivalry Robert is infatuated with a newly arrived beauty, but he soon finds he has a rival!