Beadle's New York Dime Library No. 11

This volume presents Midshipman Easy by Captain Marryat, serialized from the complete novel. The narrative begins with the domestic life of Mr. Nicodemus Easy, a Hampshire gentleman and amateur philosopher preoccupied with egalitarian theory, whose wife Mrs. Easy pursues her own interests. After eleven years of marriage, Mrs. Easy becomes pregnant and bears a son. Chapter II depicts a lengthy comic argument between the parents over naming the child—Mr. Easy opposes "Bob" (associated with shepherd's dogs) and eventually advocates "John," while his wife alternates between willing compliance and protest. Chapter III describes the infant Jack Easy's early months and Mrs. Easy's search for a wet nurse. Mr. Easy applies phrenological principles to examine candidate Sarah, a young, unwed woman, while Doctor Middleton advocates her suitability based on her health. A domestic dispute ensues regarding Sarah's character, with the doctor defending her against Mrs. Easy's moral objections.