With Wolfe in Canada: Or the Winning of a Continent

by G.A. Henty

When young James Walsham leaves England unexpectedly in 1755 and finds himself in America fighting in the French and Indian War, he discovers that he must still contend with the treachery of his old rival.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Classics, Adventure, Audiobook, Childrens

353 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1894

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

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Wolfe in Canada tells of young James Walsham and how an unfortunate incident in his quiet English sea town landed him as an enlisted military man on the shores of America. The story was rather entertaining and I loved following James as he journeyed through the colonies, Canada, and eventually back to England. However, for most of the latter half of the book, Henty departs from the story to give us lengthy expositions on the various battles taking place. He sometimes went for several chapters before informing us of James' welfare. I found myself skimming over much of the book. But aside from that, it was an enjoyable read.

I'm giving it 3 1/2 stars.

[Malachi Cyr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was really good for a Henty. I would recommend it to any history lovers.

[Ross]

G.A. Henty is a predictable but delightful author. Since his books were written almost a hundred years ago, the lead character is always a young, promising Anglo-Saxon youth with so me sort of problem to be overcome. Usually by some sort of military achievement. This is the fare that generations ago grew up reading to inspire them to greatness and to succeed. Today's youth could benefit from reading this genre, even though it is so politically incorrect that it would not stand a chance in today's left leaning social climate.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. I love this book!!! All the woodcraft and hairbreadth excitement... !! <3 Nat and Jonathan are so interesting, as well as Captain Rodgers. I do think Henty is prejudiced against French-Canadians and perhaps exaggerates their failings—I am certain not all Canadians, or even most, behaved so savagely. It is very clean, for Henty. [Mentions of drinking, smoking, & suicide; derogatory attitude & terms for Amerindians knocks off .5 stars.] All-in-all, one of my favourite Henty books.

A Favourite Quote: “‘The bravest men are always the most courteous and gentle with women.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘My idea was,’ James replied, ‘that I should land with a party near Cap Rouge, as if to reconnoitre the French position there. We should, of course, be speedily discovered, and would then retreat to the boats. I should naturally be the last to go, and might well manage to be cut off.’
“‘Yes,’ Wolfe replied, ‘but you might also, and that far more easily, manage to get shot. I don't think that would do, Captain Walsham.’”

[Phoebe Hinkle · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a better story than I remembered. I recalled it as being too campaign-heavy (because some of Henty's books are), with too much detail on what the Natives did to prisoners etc.
As far as "our hero", Jim, he's not a bad character. He's not trying to pay anyone back or avenge a family wrong or anything. He's a bit impetuous at the beginning, gets mixed up with smugglers (which I don't approve of), but he turns into quite an admirable young fellow. He's humble and forgiving, even going so far as to shield his archenemy and help him escape a court-martial.
Still I think the book is a bit heavy on the campaigning (I zoned out a bit, haha), and I don't think Mr. Henty needed to have gone to so many unpleasant details (though it's by no means nearly as gory as it could be).

[Daniel Little · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review will be a bit different as it will combine two different books. The reason for this is that I highly recommend reading ‘With Wolfe in Canada: The Winning of a Continent’, by George Alfred Henty (1832-1902), immediately before reading ‘Canada under British Rule 1760-1900’ by Sir John George Bourinot (1836-1902). Both are currently free on Amazon as eBooks, and together, they take the reader through the fascinating creation of what would become the best country in the world. ‘With Wolfe in Canada’ was first published in 1922 and as with ‘Canada Under British Rule’, first published in 1900, the reader must expect that the language of the time is not politically correct by today’s standards.

Henty’s work is a historical novel, his specialty as a prolific author and journalist during the 19th century, and the reader is taken through the life of British medical student James Walsham, who is unhappy with his career choice, made to appease his mother. Twists of fate soon have him on the adventure of a lifetime however, as he finds himself in the Royal Navy on the way to America, where, similar to what happened with Forrest Gump in the popular film, he finds himself embroiled in battle during the Seven Years War. Students of history will be impressed with the historical accuracy of the novel and how Henty wove young Walsham into actual events while maintaining an accurate timeline, not surprising given the author’s time as a war correspondent.

By the end of the novel, you are ready to attack ‘Canada under British Rule 1760-1900’, which is an accurate history of Canada during those times, and you will find this a smooth transition from novel to history book. Sir John George Bourinot KCMG FRSC, a Canadian journalist, historian, and civil servant, was the first Canadian to accurately document Parliamentary Procedure and Practice, and he was also considered an expert in constitutional law.

It’s amazing how well these two books go together. It was sheer coincidence that I read them in this order, and I am sure most lovers of history will agree with me on how they flow into each other. If you have a Kindle, be sure to explore the Kindle store as it is chock full of books such as these that are either free or just a few dollars. Bear in mind however, that you are going to read the non-whitewashed version of history, written long before the concept political correctness came into being.

www.daniellittle.com

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main story woven throughout was honestly the best part about it. The main (I assume made-up) character is one worth emulating and respecting. There needed to be some serious editing of extraneous details. Lots of small skirmishes were written about in great detail, including the names of the main ones involved - and it become very dreary for chunks of the book. The whole part of "with Wolfe" was actually a very small part of the book, though worth reading if that particular event is relevant if reading that period.

[C Ervin · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you've read Henty before you know what to expect; flawless brave young man as the protagonist, everyone is kind and polite behaving as they should(even the antagonist) and nothing is left up for speculation. I particularly enjoyed the amount of history that is relayed to the reader.
If I were about 15 years younger or my kids were a few years older I'd probably read it to them as the morals and characters within are more intended for a younger audience.

[Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

very very very slow start on this book

[Lone Star Republic · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a good book on the French and Indian War then here it is!

[Shannon B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henty gets on his rants again in this book, but was nice hearing Canadian history covered for a change. Would read again:)

Story line with his acquaintance/villain is cheesy at best, definitely takes away more from the story rather than adding to it. Plots are supposed to drive the story forward, but on that it utterly fails. It doesn’t show growth either, for MC is mostly a saint again and never looks down on anyone for anything

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a pleasant surprise! This novel begins like a Thomas Hardy novel with a wonderful story of a young boy and his associates in England but after the boy becomes a young man and enters the military, it reads like a Bernard Cornwell Richard Sharpe military adventure novel with plenty of historical fiction and non-fiction. Unlike most novels written in 1877, it reads like a modern book and although Henty's books are usually considered for children (because the story begins with the hero as a child), this is definitely a book for adults, not children. You also may actually learn some history here, about America before the Revolution when the British and Americans fought the French, Canadians and Indians. Definitely recommended.

[Curtiss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another of Henty's historical novels in which the juvenile hero grows to maturity, faces adversity, encounters real-life heroes (in this case Col. George Washington), and in the end wins renown - and the girl.

[Curtiss · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another of Henty's historical novels in which the juvenile hero grows to maturity, faces adversity, encounters real-life heroes (in this case Col. George Washington), and in the end wins renown - and the girl.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

beginning and ending were 5 star reading, rest was well written and informative but not of a lot of interest to me. Very easy to read. I had read very little about this period of time in Canada prior to this.

[Matt Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!

[Jack Haefner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book; couldn't put it down!