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

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.

"He is sharp, and does his lessons well. I have no difficulty with him, on that score; but he is a perfect imp of mischief." Young Bob Repton always has some bright idea, making him quite popular with the boys at school... if not with the teachers. But when a bit of mischief pushes him out of school and into the world of adults, where will his ingenuity and initiative take him? Bob will join the defense in the historic Siege of Gibraltar, which "stands almost alone in the annals of warfare, alike in its duration and in the immense preparations made, by the united powers of France and Spain, ...

Godfrey Bullen, the son of an English trader, is sent by his father to Russia to work in their firm in St. Petersburg. He unknowingly gets caught up in a Nihilist plot and gets arrested and sentenced for life in the prisons of Siberia. By pluck and genius, he manages the impossible and escapes from his captivity and overcomes the difficulties of his journey to rejoin his family in England. - Summary by Grace Silvey

When young Frank is falsely accused of a crime, he leaves England to seek adventure in America. He joins a wagon train heading west to the California gold fields, but as he is soon to find out, the West is more than just adventure! Braving Indians, wolves, and other dangers, Frank is determined to strike it rich - and perhaps someday clear his name and return home. - Summary by Rachel

My series of stories dealing with the wars of England would be altogether incomplete did it not include the period when the Romans were the masters of the country. The valour with which the natives of this island defended themselves was acknowledged by the Roman historians, and it was only the superior discipline of the invaders that enabled them finally to triumph over the bravery and the superior physical strength of the Britons. The Roman conquest for the time was undoubtedly of immense advantage to the people -- who had previously wasted their energies in perpetual tribal wars -- as it ...

This is a tale of the French expedition into Egypt led by Napoleon Bonaparte, aimed to establish a French colony in Egypt and to threaten English possessions in India. Edgar Blagrove, the son of an English merchantman trading in Alexandria, gets caught up in the conflict and does great service for his country against the French. (Summary by Grace Silvey)

Follow Frank Mallet, Henty’s gentleman hero, as he aids in putting down the mutiny of the Sepoys of Barrackpore and then comes home to his estate in England only to be off on another adventure when his sweetheart is carried off by a villain. From England to the West Indies, a daring yacht chase ensues and the reader is plunged into a thrilling story of adventure, villainy, love, and courage. - Summary by Grace Silvey

It is the 1570's, and the people of the Netherlands live in terror under the cruel dominion of Spain. Though many long to be free of Spanish tyranny, efforts at rebellion are failing, and allies are nowhere to be found. Edward “Ned” Martin, son of an English captain and a Dutch lady, is thrust into the conflict when he resolves to help his mother’s people and avenge his murdered relatives. Entering the service of the revolutionary leader William the Silent, Prince of Orange, Ned is called upon to carry out dangerous secret missions deep within occupied territory. Through hairbreadth ...

In this adventure story by the novelist and war correspondent, G.A. Henty, Desmond Kennedy, a young Irishman flees political oppression and religious persecution at home to serve in the French armies of Louis XIV. We join Desmond and his loyal companions as, captured in Scotland during the attempted Stuart Restoration of 1715, they engineer a daring prison escape. There are adventures in Spain and the harrowing events of the battle of Oudenard. Returning home, our hero must discover his true identity if he is ever to resume his rightful place in his native land. -- Simmary by Pamela Nagami

Follow young Cuthbert on his adventures which lead him on a crusade to the Holy Land and back. - Summary by Sonia

Another stirring tale from the master of historical fiction set in the time of Robert Bruce and William Wallace and their struggle for Scotland's independence. (Summary by Annise)

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.

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. As he grew into a man, he put that knowledge into use and created a uniquely trained group of soldiers and built a new, stronger ship called the Dragon. Manning this ship with ...

Set in the days of the religious wars of Europe, St. Bartholomew's Eve is the tale of the Huguenot's desperate fight for freedom of worship in France. As the struggle intensifies the plot thickens, culminating in the dreadful Massacre of St. Bartholomew's Eve. Henty, "The Boy's Own Storyteller" weaves the life and adventures of Philip Fletcher and his cousin, Francois DeLaville, into the historical background with thrilling battles, sieges and escapes along the way (not to mention a fair damsel in distress! ). (Summary by Minkona)

G.A. Henty offers a clever and witty perspective on different animal species, especially focusing on over-looked or under-appreciated species, and how humans often view many of them unfairly or too harshly. Please note: The language and ideas in this book reflect the period in which it was written. LibriVox does not censor works recorded. Some readers and listeners may be offended. - Summary by Silas Jackson

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...

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.

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.