For the King

Carey Family #5

by Ronald Welch, William Stobbs (Illustrator)

Neil Carey, a student at Cambridge, is forced to choose between King and Parliament in the turbulent days of England's Civil War.

For the King or for Parliament? This is the choice that confronts young Neil Carey. His elder brother, Denzil, an ardent Royalist is already at Court, but Neil's cousin and great friend, Francis Vaughan, is a strong supporter of Parliament. Neil is reluctant to take part in the Civil War, but he follows his father in declaring his support for the King's cause, and with the fiery little soldier, Owen Price, rides off to join the Royalist army. Denzil and his fashionable friends despise Neil for his lack of inches and his quiet air, but his courage and his skill with the small-sword soon win their respect. But Neil makes enemies as well as friends and eventually finds himself sentenced to death on a false charge, based on the evidence of two men who despise him.

Ronald Welch has written a really exciting tale of the Civil War, which is given special interest by his knowledge of military history

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, 17th Century, English Civil War, Childrens, Young Adult

220 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1961

About the author

Ronald Welch is the pen name of Ronald Felton, author of twelve historical novels for children. After reading history at Cambridge, he taught at Bedford Modern School and then became headmaster of Okehampton Grammar School in Devon. He was awarded the Carnegie Medal forKnight Crusader in 1954 which is to be serialized in Story Time on BBC on 4th July, 1972. His interest in military history stems from his family background and his service in The Welch Regiment during the 1939–45 war.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quiet, self-effacing Cambridge student and a moderate at a time of extremes, Neil Carey, the younger son of the Earl of Aubigny, finds himself swept up in the events of the English Civil Wars in this excellent work of historical fiction for younger readers. Although alive to the merit of both the Royal and Parliamentary arguments, Neil follows his father, one of the wealthiest and most influential of the Welsh nobles, into the Royalist cause, fighting in the Battles of Edgehill, Lansdown and Roundway Down. Escaping, after being captured, he makes his way home to Wales, where he takes a hand in the ill-fated Battle of St Fagans, before finding himself a prisoner in London...

Originally published in 1962, For the King is the fifth book in Ronald Welch's series of novels devoted to the adventures of the noble Carey family over many centuries of English history. Like the four books preceding it in the series—it's worth noting that the Carey Family Chronicles are now arranged by story chronology, rather than by publication date—it features an immensely engaging and likable young hero, a wealth of historical detail, and an exciting, action-driven plot. Welch is very evenhanded in his presentation of the two sides of the English Civil Wars, and he demonstrates, through the subplot involving Neil and his Parliamentarian cousin, Francis Vaughan, the terrible tragedy of families and friends divided by such internecine conflicts. I don't know that this will rank amongst my favorites from Welch—I am reading the entire series as part of a project undertaken with friends—but it was certainly both entertaining and thought-provoking. I found it poignant at times, but perhaps not as poignant as I expected, given the themes explored. In any case, this is one I highly recommend to young readers who enjoy historical fiction, as well as to those looking for supplementary reading for a unit on the English Civil Wars.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book changes things around a bit, but there are still commonalities shared with (historically) earlier books in the series. One is the attitude taken by our hero, Neil Carey, toward servants. He is consistently kind, even respectful, recognizing the knowledge, experience, and simple dignity that they possess, and he is cognizant and thoughtful regarding the sometimes awkward position that he holds with respect to them. At no time is he rude, cursory, or overbearing. This stands in contrast to how Neil interacts with some of his equals. When they deserve it, they receive harsh words or actions. Another recurring theme is that of the well-treated prisoner - unfortunately, I doubt that most come out of such situations as well as do Welch's heroes.

As the title clearly states, the Careys are "for the king," but it is interesting how Welch presents the English Civil War. He goes to great lengths not to be one-sided, and in fact, frequently sets the Careys (and others) as very reluctant participants, almost neutral bystanders to a war being fought by hardcore polarized opponents.

I wouldn't want this to be the only historical fiction book that students encounter on the subject, but I think it's a good one to include as part of a curriculum.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as good the second time and a good foil for Simon by Rosemary Sutcliff who writes for the Parliamentarians.

[Rob Markley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably my second favorite as a boy but the re-read dropped it a few notches, but still 5 stars

[Robbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

As enjoyable as any in the series.