Facing Death - A Tale of the Coal Mines is a story with a purpose. It is intended to show that a lad who makes up his mind firmly and resolutely will rise in life, and he who is prepared to face toil and ridicule and hardship to carry out his determination, is sure to succeed. The hero of the story is a typical British boy; dogged, earnest, generous, and though “shame-faced” to a degree, is ready to face death in the discharge of duty. This hero, an orphan named Jack Simpson, at the age of about 10, begins work in the coal mines. Full of excitement, the book relays a strike against the mine owners, a riot against the youth of the town and one catastrophe after another, culminating in a deadly explosion. Our maturing hero discovers a way to escape from certain death in the mine and assumes the most dangerous actions needed to save himself and others. The author stated that this book was his own personal favorite, and the best among his books for boys.
G.A. Henty novels are highly researched as well as drawn from his first-hand experiences of people, places, and events. The years 1400-1403 were among the most stirring in the history of England. Owen Glendower, angered by the usurpation of the English throne by Henry IV, carried fire and slaughter to the Welsh counties, capturing most of the strong places held by the English, and foiling three invasions led by the king himself. A coalition under the English Percy, Welshmen Glendower and Mortimer, and Scotsman Douglas, tried to combine forces to unseat Henry, but were themselves defeated at the battle of Shrewsbury. The continual state of unrest and warfare on "both sides of the border" are full of stirring adventures for our hero, Oswald Forster.
G.A. Henty novels are highly researched as well as drawn from his first-hand experiences of people, places, and events. Set in 1585 through 1604, this sequel to By Pike and Dyke continues the story of the Dutch Protestant struggle for independence from their Spanish Catholic rulers. Two English brothers experience the major conflicts in the struggle, meeting one of the greatest generals of the time, Sir Francis Vere. Their adventures include the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the battle of Cadiz and Ostend, life in Holland and Spain, and more. Henty's legendary storytelling once again captures the reader's imagination while educating them all the while.
G.A. Henty novels are highly researched as well as drawn from his first-hand experiences of people, places, and events. From 1579 through 1585, the heroic Dutch Protestants fight for freedom from Catholic Spanish rule. Few know of the persistent efforts of the Prince of Orange, known as William the Silent, or the huge obstacles he faced as the leader of the Dutch. Through the eyes of Ned Martin you will be taken back to these turbulent and troubled times. Learn about the noble character of William the Silent, 16th Century Dutch history, and the brutality of the Spanish. Ned enters the service of the Prince as a volunteer, and is employed by him in many dangerous missions, in the discharge of which he passes through the great sieges of the time.
G.A. Henty novels are highly researched as well as drawn from his first-hand experiences of people, places, and events. From 1413-1415 the butcher's guild, otherwise known as the "White Hoods" of Paris, kept that city in a state of near anarchy. With a mad king, a virtual civil war between the houses of Orleans and Burgundy, and King Henry V of England claiming the French throne, there is plenty of opportunity for Guy Aylmer, a squire to Sir Eustace de Villeroy, to show his mettle in many a skirmish, finally winning his spurs at the lopsided victory of the English over the French at the Battle of Agincourt on October 25, 1415.
G.A. Henty novels are highly researched as well as drawn from his first-hand experiences of people, places, and events. In 1812, Napoleon invaded Russia, and two brothers, diligent Frank and carefree Julian, end up on different sides of the conflict. Napoleon's army of 500,000 defeat the Russians at Smolensk and Borodino, but wait too long after entering a deserted Moscow for Russia's capitulation, which never comes. Retreat is the only option, and a mere fifth of the army survives. Frank and Julian meet in Moscow under unexpected circumstances; one as the aid-de-camp to Sir Robert Wilson, the other having rescued the child of a Russian nobleman.
G.A. Henty novels are highly researched as well as drawn from his first-hand experiences of people, places, and events. No portion of English history is more crowded with great events than the Hundred Years' War from 1337-1453 under King Edward III and his son, the "Black Prince." The Battles of Cressy and Poitiers, the destruction of the Spanish fleet, the plague of the Black Death, and the Jacquerie rising are vividly related in this historically accurate adventure novel. Walter Somers, although of good family, begins life as a London apprentice. But, after countless adventures and perils, by valor and good conduct, becomes a squire, and, at last, the trusted friend of the Black Prince.
G.A. Henty's "tale of ancient Egypt" tells the story of Amuba, prince of the Rebu, who is taken captive when his people are conquered by the Egyptians, and then becomes the servant and companion of Chebron, son of the high priest of Osiris. A mystery unfolds as the lads find evidence of a murderous conspiracy within the ranks of the priesthood; but they must then flee for their lives when they unintentionally kill the cat selected as the successor to the Cat of Bubastes, one of the most sacred animals of Egypt. Amuba and Chebron are strong, courageous, and resourceful - but will this be enough to carry them beyond the long reach of the power of Egypt? George Alfred Henty was a prolific English novelist and a special correspondent. He is best known for his historical adventure stories that were popular in the late 19th century.
It is the 1570's, and the people of the Netherlands live in terror under the cruel dominion of Spain. Though many long to be free of Spanish tyranny, efforts at rebellion are failing, and allies are nowhere to be found. Edward "Ned" Martin, son of an English captain and a Dutch lady, is thrust into the conflict when he resolves to help his mother's people and avenge his murdered relatives. Entering the service of the revolutionary leader William the Silent, Prince of Orange, Ned is called upon to carry out dangerous secret missions deep within occupied territory. Through hairbreadth escapes, fierce sea fights, terrifying sieges, and daring rescues, Ned becomes a witness to the inspiring and heartbreaking events of the rise of the Dutch republic. George Alfred Henty was a prolific English novelist and a special correspondent. He is best known for his historical adventure stories that were popular in the late 19th century.
Set in the days of the religious wars of Europe, St. Bartholomew's Eve is the tale of the Huguenot's desperate fight for freedom of worship in France. As the struggle intensifies the plot thickens, culminating in the dreadful Massacre of St. Bartholomew's Eve. Henty, "The Boy's Own Storyteller" weaves the life and adventures of Philip Fletcher and his cousin, Francois DeLaville, into the historical background with thrilling battles, sieges and escapes along the way (not to mention a fair damsel in distress! ). George Alfred Henty was a prolific English novelist and a special correspondent. He is best known for his historical adventure stories that were popular in the late 19th century.
During the reign of King Alfred, Danish forces have invaded the English countryside. Although the English try to repulse these attacks, they are overrun by the savagery and sheer numbers of the Danes. One of those deeply touched by these attacks is young Edmund. As a boy, he watched as his father was slain in battle fighting the Danes. Although young, he was intelligent, and noted the mistakes made on the battlefield. As he grew into a man, he put that knowledge into use and created a uniquely trained group of soldiers and built a new, stronger ship called the Dragon. Manning this ship with his special soldiers, Edmund joins the battle for freedom from Danish oppression. His adventures take him all throughout Europe and lead to glory, wealth, and eventually love.
With the exception of the terrible retreat from Afghanistan, none of England's many little wars have been so fatal in proportion to the number of those engaged as our first expedition to Burma. The Burman policy of carrying off every boat on the river, laying waste the whole country, and driving away the inhabitants and the herds, maintained our army as prisoners in Rangoon through the first wet season; and caused the loss of half the white officers and men first sent there. The subsequent campaign was no less fatal and, although large reinforcements had been sent, fifty percent of the whole died; so that less than two thousand fighting men remained in the ranks, when the expedition arrived within a short distance of Ava. Not until the last Burmese army had been scattered did the court of Ava submit to the by no means onerous terms we imposed.
