Showing results by author "G.A. Henty" in All Categories

Join Desmond Kennedy, a young Irishman fleeing political oppression and religious persecution, as he embarks on an epic adventure in the service of Louis XIVs French armies. Captured during the tumultuous Stuart Restoration of 1715 in Scotland, Desmond and his steadfast companions hatch a daring escape plan. Their journey leads them through thrilling escapades in Spain and the chaos of the Battle of Oudenarde. As he returns home, Desmond must uncover his true identity to reclaim his rightful place in his homeland. -- Summary by Pamela Nagami

Won by the Sword describes the conclusion of the Thirty Years’ War (1640s) recounting the years after the deaths of generals Gustavus Adolphus and Wallenstein when France took the lead in the struggle. The appointment of young Hector Campbell, orphaned son of a Scottish captain, as an aide in the household of the French General Turenne marks the beginning of a series of adventures that includes battles, captures and escapes, a meeting with Mazarin, and high honors and awards for his prowess and bravery in battle.

In this stirring tale of the last days of the Temple at Jerusalem, robber bands and political infighting set the stage for the Roman destruction of the city in 70 A.D. In the face of overwhelming odds, John of Gamala does his best to save God's Temple, harassing Roman work parties, burning Roman camps, defending Jerusalem during the Roman siege, and even fighting Titus himself in hand-to-hand combat, forging a relationship with the Roman leader that lasts until after the war.

Facing Death - A Tale of the Coal Mines is a story with a purpose. It is intended to show that a lad who makes up his mind firmly and resolutely will rise in life, and he who is prepared to face toil and ridicule and hardship to carry out his determination, is sure to succeed. The hero of the story is a typical British boy; dogged, earnest, generous, and though “shame-faced” to a degree, is ready to face death in the discharge of duty. This hero, an orphan named Jack Simpson, at the age of about 10, begins work in the coal mines.

When Ronald Mervyn from Devonshire is falsely accused of murder he emigrates to South Africa. He takes part in the Kaffir war and during this time he rescues a family from death. The family then return to England and try to establish Ronald's innocence. (Summary by Michele Eaton)

"Of all the chapters of history, there are few more interesting or wonderful than that which tells the story of the rise and progress of Venice." And thus begins another swashbuckling adventure by G. A. Henty. The great city-state is in trouble from Genoa and other neighboring cities, and of course it's up to a young English lad to save her! Kidnappings, sea battles, dangerous adventures of all sorts and even a little romance combine to make this one of Henty's most exciting novels. Climb aboard and join us for an adventure that will leave you on the edge of your seat! (Summary by Rachel)

In all history, there is no drama of more terrible interest than that which terminated with the total destruction of Jerusalem. Had the whole Jewish nation joined in the desperate resistance made, by a section of it, to the overwhelming strength of Rome, the world would have had no record of truer patriotism than that displayed, by this small people, in their resistance to the forces of the mistress of the world. Unhappily, the reverse of this was the case. Except in the defense of Jotapata and Gamala, it can scarcely be said that the Jewish people, as a body, offered any serious resistance to...

In a time of chaos and Viking onslaught, Alfred the untested Saxon king must fight to save his ravished land. The tale unfurls through the eyes of a young thane, Edmond, who becomes Alfred's friend and mightiest warrior. When Danes over run the land and the Saxons capitulate, this young knight trains and leads a devoted corps of pike-men to recapture the kingdom.

G.A. Henty novels are highly researched as well as drawn from his first-hand experiences of people, places, and events. No portion of English history is more crowded with great events than the 100 Years’ War from 1337-1453 under King Edward III and his son, the “Black Prince.” The Battles of Cressy and Poitiers; the destruction of the Spanish fleet; the plague of the Black Death; and the Jacquerie rising are vividly related in this historically accurate adventure novel.

During the reign of King Alfred, Danish forces have invaded the English countryside. Although the English try to repulse these attacks, they are overrun by the savagery and sheer numbers of the Danes. One of those deeply touched by these attacks is young Edmund. As a boy, he watched as his father was slain in battle fighting the Danes. Although young, he was intelligent, and noted the mistakes made on the battlefield.

Join 15-year-old Dick Holland and his mother as they embark on a daring journey from England to rescue his father, who has been missing for six long years. In the midst of the tumultuous Indian war with Tippoo Saib, they face incredible challenges and dangers, all while the infamous Tiger of Mysore looms large in their quest. Will they find his father and uncover the truth behind his disappearance? (summary by annise)

In With Lee in Virginia, follow the gripping journey of Vincent Wingfield, the son of a prosperous Virginian planter. As the nation plunges into war, Vincent bravely enlists in the cavalry and finds himself in the thick of action under various commanding generals across Virginia. His adventures are not limited to the battlefield; he faces personal foes, orchestrates daring prison escapes, rescues a young lady, embarks on espionage missions, and even undertakes the recovery of a stolen slave. As he rises through the ranks of the Confederate army, the aftermath of the war leads him back to his ...

In one of historys most audacious military feats, Cortez led a mere handful of men to conquer a vast civilization. This gripping tale follows an Englishman who embarks on a merchant ship bound for the New World, only to find himself shipwrecked in Pre-Columbian Mexico. With danger lurking at every turn, Roger must navigate this perilous landscape and discover a way to escape becoming one of the many human sacrifices to the Aztec gods.

The Golden Canyon is an exhilarating tale of adventure and danger as a group of fortune-seekers embarks on a perilous journey to find a hidden gold mine in Apache territory. Facing brutal challenges, they must battle treacherous landscapes, outlaws, and deadly enemies.

In a twist of fate, a nursemaid mistakenly swaps her baby boy with the son of her employer. Choosing to raise both children as their own, the family faces a dilemma when years later, the nursemaid reappears with a sinister plan to extort money. One of the boys, unwilling to be part of her scheme, flees, unknowingly heading into the heart of conflict in Sudan. As the family launches a desperate rescue mission, they find themselves in a race against time with war on the horizon. This gripping narrative is brought to you by Adele de Pignerolles.

Colonel Thorndyke’s Secret is a thrilling tale of intrigue, murder, and highwaymen. When a British soldier steals a sacred Hindu bracelet, its curse follows his family to England. As assassins pursue the treasure, secrets unravel in a story filled with mystery, danger, and adventure.

Wulf of Steyning, a young Saxon then in the service of Earl Harold, accompanies him on his fateful trip to Normandy, takes part in the Welsh wars, the Battle of Stamford Bridge, and the Battle of Hastings. Growing to manhood in such tumultuous times, Wulf's fidelity and honor earn him the respect of all he serves.

One of G.A. Henty's most stirring adventures tells the story of William Wallace and Robert the Bruce as they battle the brutal seizure of their native Scotland by England's King Edward I (1326-1314). With the Scottish heroes is the courageous young Archie Forbes, whose daring, insightful mind is as sharp as his flashing sword.

Owen Glendower, angered by the usurpation of the English throne by Henry IV, carried fire and slaughter to the Welsh counties, capturing most of the strong places held by the English and foiling three invasions led by the king himself.

G.A. Henty novels are highly researched as well as drawn from his first-hand experiences of people, places, and events. From 1579 through 1585, the heroic Dutch Protestants fight for freedom from Catholic Spanish rule. Few know of the persistent efforts of the Prince of Orange, known as William the Silent, or the huge obstacles he faced as the leader of the Dutch. Through the eyes of Ned Martin you will be taken back to these turbulent and troubled times.