Cup of Gold

A Life of Henry Morgan, Buccaneer, with Occasional Reference to History

By: John Steinbeck

Narrated by: Stefan Rudnicki

“There was no desire in him for a state or condition, no picture in his mind of the thing to be when he had followed his longing; but only a burning and a will overpowering to journey outward and outward after the earliest risen star.”

John Steinbeck’s first novel, and his only work of historical fiction, is loosely inspired by Sir Henry Morgan, the infamous pirate of the 1650s and 60s. Captain Morgan was a legendary and notorious man who struck terror into the hearts of men, in service of his personal ambitions. He has become obsessed with two thoughts: the beautiful and mysterious woman known as La Santa Roja, and to conquer Panama City (the titular Cup of Gold) away from Spain.

Unique in Steinbeck’s oeuvre, this swashbuckling tale is both a historical and fantastical retelling of the life of this legendary Welsh pirate.

Featuring an introduction written and read by Stefan Rudnicki

Public Domain (P)2025 Blackstone Publishing / Produced by Skyboat Media