The Lance of Kanana

by Harry Willard French

The peculiar thing about Kanana was that he never held a lance in his hand but once; yet many a celebrated sheik and powerful chieftain of his day lies buried and forgotten long ago, while the name of Kanana is still a magic battle cry among the sons of Ishmael, and his lance is one of the most precious relics of Arabia. The Lance of Kanana is a story rich with fine characterizations, exciting plot, and the many poetic passages of description that have won it a place among the hero classics of all times.

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1892

About the author

Henry (Harry) Willard French (1854-? ), who was also known as Abd El Ardavan, was the author of: Art and Artists in Connecticut (1879), Ego: A Novel (1880), Castle Foam; or, The Heir of Meerschaum: A Russian Story (1880), Gems of Genius (1881), Nuna: The Bramin Girl (1882), Our Boys in China (1883), Our Boys in India (1883), The Only One (1884), The Lance of Kanana (1892), Through Arctics and Tropics: Around the World by a New Path for a New Purpose (also known as Around the World Through Arctics and Tropics) (1892), Oscar Peterson: Ranchman and Ranger (1893), The Colonel (1893), The Young Cascarillero and Colonel Thorndike's Adventures (with Marlton Downing) (1895), Our Boys in Ireland (1896), John Olmstead's Nephew (1898), American Boys in the Arctics (1899) and The Devil's Discharge (1914).

Reviews

[Zainab Jasim]

This really opens up what people need to consider as they go through life.That bravery and wit will always outweigh blind faith and turning to violence as a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Standing one's ground, no matter what anyone says is important because if you don't stand by your core values, how can you stand at all? It also shows that you can take charge of your life and fulfill a grand destiny. That no matter how small you are, you can make a difference.

[Adelle Powers]

One of those treasures you find in a used book store, hoping that it's as magical as the cover. In this case, it absolutely was - this book was lyrical and sweeping, and the author clearly had a personal connection to the Middle East as it existed in the late 19th century. It tells the story of Kanana, a legendary figure in the Arab world who defied expectation and arguably saved many tribes from ruin and domination by foreign invaders.

[Paul Welford]

A great little book. In the style of Arabian Nights. About a young bedouin boy who is spurned by his family and village and the act of being cast aside drives him to amazing exploits of heroism.

[Sanjay Rao]

I had read an excerpt from this book many years ago in my Colliers Junior Classics. Did not like it much then. Still did not like it now. d

I had read an excerpt from this book many years ago in my Colliers Junior Classics. Did not like it much then. Still did not like it now. So much for the effect of age and experience on the human mind

[Sherri]

THIS REIGNS AS CO-KING IN MY EARLITEEN YEARS AS THE BEST IN SHOW: ALONG WITH 'THE OUTSIDERS' - THESE TWO STORIES DESERVE THE MOST IMINENT OF CINEMATIC RENDITIONS... THE OUTSIDERS GOT A FAIRLY GOOD RUN. ITS TIME FOR MY LANCE OF KANANA SCRIPT TO GET SOLD...HA!

[Kari]

Reading Boy of the Lost Crusade reminded me of this. This is good.

[Mary]

"Kanana" rhymes with "katana" and "banana" (British pronunciation) and I found that to be slightly distracting. But I persevered and it was worth it.