To Herat and Cabul: A Story of the First Afghan War

by G.A. Henty

When sixteen-year-old Angus Campbell finds himself orphaned and his life at risk, he leaves Tabriz and makes his way to Teheran to seek employment with the British ambassador there. His knowledge of Persian, Arabic, Armenian, Kurdish, and Pushtoo secures him a post as a secretary for Mr. MNeill. Resourceful and intrepid, he soon finds himself involved in a number of dangerous and daring undercover missions during what has come to be called the First Afghan War. On one of these missions he rescues from certain death a young Afghan chief, and the friendship that develops between them has surprising consequences.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Adventure

370 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1902

About the author

George Alfred Henty, better known as G.A. Henty, began his storytelling career with his own children. After dinner, he would spend and hour or two in telling them a story that would continue the next day. Some stories took weeks! A friend was present one day and watched the spell-bound reaction of his children suggesting Henty write down his stories so others could enjoy them. He did. Henty wrote approximately 144 books in addition to stories for magazines and was known as "The Prince of Story-Tellers" and "The Boy's Own Historian." One of Mr. Henty's secretaries reported that he would quickly pace back and forth in his study dictating stories as fast as the secretary could record them.

Henty's stories revolve around fictional boy heroes during fascinating periods of history. His heroes are diligent, intelligent, and dedicated to their country and cause in the face, at times, of great peril... Henty's heroes fight wars, sail the seas, discover land, conquer evil empires, prospect for gold, and a host of other exciting adventures. Along the way, they meet famous personages... In short, Henty's heroes live through tumultuous historic eras meeting leaders of that time. Understanding the culture of the time period becomes second nature as well as comparing/contrasting the society of various cultures.

Reviews

[Basil Sands · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good story. Taking a look back in time to the mid-19th century we see that almost nothing has changed both in the attitudes and actions of that whole ancient part of the world.

[Bill Suits · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I've ever read by this author. I'm so glad that I did. I'm probably going to read many many more that he has written. This is a wonderful historical fiction novel based on the first Afghan war and the devastation the British faced. It moves fairly quickly and has lots and lots and lots of historical data and information in it. If you like this type of work you will enjoy it.

I am hooked.

[Mary Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some books I give a four star rating to because they were good and there was nothing wrong with them. I passively enjoyed them. I actively enjoyed this book. And I will finish reviewing it as soon as I finish the paper I am writing about it.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars & 3/10 hearts. This was one of the very few Henty books that I have not read up to now. It was interesting, but not more than that. The whole historical situation was saddening, and I didn’t love Angus (though Pottinger was very nice). I will probably reread this book, however.

A Favourite Quote: “‘You will come in here at once,’ the Armenian said. ‘Does not one in the street run against persons who may be affected? Many of my compatriots have come here to ask my advice, and some of them have stricken friends in their houses. Since I came to reside here I have four times seen the plague raging, and each time it has passed me over. Whether it is the will of God that I should thus be spared I know not, but I am in His hands. Come in, lad, I will take no denial. Shall I desert my friends when they most need comfort and aid? What is my friendship worth if I should, now in your hour of need, turn my back upon you? Come in, I pray you.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘I don't expect to be long in the camp. I am charged with such a ridiculous message that there is no likelihood of any discussion taking place. The minister will, of course, scoff at Yar Mahomed's declarations of respect for the Shah and affection for himself, and the Shah, after taking the trouble to collect an army and come here himself, is not likely to retire at the request of Kamran.’”