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.
3.5 stars & 4/10 hearts. I’ve read this story before, but it was still very exciting. I loved Dick and his light-hearted teasing, but I appreciated the serious themes that ran through, such as the siege of Cawnpore. There were a very few mentions of drinking & smoking, a cheek kiss, and another kiss, but that is all. There was a good deal of humour, which was a good balance to the horrors of the time. Overall, I enjoyed this story.
A Favourite Quote: “One noble action connected with the relief of Lucknow will never be forgotten. Before General Havelock started up from Cawnpore, General Sir James Outram, his senior officer, arrived, with authority to take the command. Upon his arrival, however, he issued a general order, to say that to General Havelock, who had done such great deeds to relieve Lucknow, should be the honor of the crowning success; and that he therefore waived his seniority, and would fight under General Havelock as a volunteer until Lucknow was relieved. A more generous act of self-negation than this was never accomplished. To the man who relieved Lucknow would fall honor, fame, the gratitude of the English people, and all this General Outram of his own accord resigned. He was worthy indeed of the name men gave him—the ‘Bayard of India.’” A Favourite Humorous Quote: “A shout burst from the natives as the last portion of the door dropped from its hinges, and the doorway was open. There was, however, no inclination betrayed to make a rush. “‘Forward! Death to the infidel dogs!’ shouted their officer. “‘Suppose you lead us,’ said one of the troopers; ‘the officers always show the way.’”
This is a propaganda piece for young British males. It's about the uprising in India against the British, and in this story all British are gallant and all the rebels are scurrilous. The heroes are two teenage boys. Need I say more?