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

In the annals of history, few events rival the gripping tragedy of Jerusalems destruction. Imagine if the entire Jewish nation had united in the fierce resistance mounted by a small faction against the formidable might of Rome; we would be left with a testament to unparalleled patriotism. Regrettably, the reality was starkly different. Beyond the valiant defenses of Jotapata and Gamala, the Jewish populace largely failed to mount a serious challenge against the Roman legions. The defenders of Jerusalem represented a mere sliver of its inhabitants, primarily composed of restless zealots and ...

In Cornet of Horse, Rupert Holiday is thrust into a life of adventure as he flees England after wounding a scoundrel in a fight. Joining the Duke of Marlborough, he embarks on a series of daring escapades during the tumultuous War of Spanish Succession. As Rupert faces danger at every turn, he proves his mettle and earns distinction on the battlefield. This captivating tale marks one of Hentys earliest works, propelling him into the limelight as a master of Historical Fiction. - Summary by Charles P. Sapp

In the tumultuous era of King Alfreds reign, the English countryside is besieged by relentless Danish forces. As chaos reigns, a young boy named Edmund witnesses the brutal murder of his father in battle, igniting a fire within him. Despite his youth, Edmunds keen intellect allows him to observe the blunders of war. As he matures, he channels his insights into forming a uniquely skilled band of warriors and constructs a formidable ship named the Dragon. Together with his elite crew, he embarks on a daring quest to reclaim freedom from the Danish oppressors. His thrilling adventures across ...

G.A. Hentys captivating tale set in ancient Egypt follows the journey of Amuba, a prince of the Rebu, who finds himself captured after his people are defeated by the Egyptians. As he becomes the loyal servant and companion of Chebron, the son of the high priest of Osiris, a thrilling mystery unfolds. Together, they uncover a deadly conspiracy within the priesthood, but their fate takes a perilous turn when they accidentally kill the revered cat destined to be the next Cat of Bubastes, one of Egypts most sacred creatures. With courage and resourcefulness, Amuba and Chebron must navigate the ...

When young Frank finds himself wrongly accused of a crime, he escapes from England in search of adventure and a fresh start in America. Joining a wagon train bound for the California gold fields, he quickly learns that the West holds more challenges than he ever imagined. Facing fierce Indians, lurking wolves, and numerous perils, Frank is determined to strike it rich while dreaming of one day clearing his name and returning home. - Summary by Rachel

In this captivating series, we explore the tumultuous period of the Roman invasion and its profound impact on the people of England. The bravery of the native Britons, celebrated by Roman historians, stood in stark contrast to the disciplined might of their invaders. While the Roman conquest initially brought much-needed civilization and stability to a land ravaged by tribal conflicts, it ultimately led to the decline of the Britons martial spirit. As the Romans withdrew their legions, the Britons found themselves vulnerable to the Saxons, whose seemingly friendly arrival quickly turned into a...

Join us on an exhilarating journey through the tumultuous years of the Jacobite rebellion in 1755. This riveting tale follows the son of a Scottish officer, whose life takes a dramatic turn when he is arrested for aiding a Jacobite agent. With courage and determination, the boy escapes to France, where he embarks on thrilling adventures alongside Prince Charlie. Experience the intrigue and valor of a young hero in a captivating historical narrative. - Summary by Ann Boulais

Immerse yourself in the gripping saga of Napoleon Bonapartes ambitious campaign in Egypt, where he sought to establish a French colony and challenge British interests in India. Follow the journey of Edgar Blagrove, the son of an English merchant in Alexandria, as he finds himself embroiled in the conflict, showcasing remarkable bravery and dedication to his homeland in the face of French forces. (Summary by Grace Silvey)

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.

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.

The sacred cat of Bubastes has accidentally been slain; now young Chebron must pay for the offense with his own life, as this is the law of the Pagans in Egypt, 1250 BC. Chebron, the son of a high Egyptian priest, flees for his life taking his sister Mysa, one of the household slaves Amuba, and several companions with him.

In 1812 Napoleon invaded Russia. Two brothers, diligent Frank and carefree Julian, end up on different sides of the conflict! Napoleon’s army of 500,000 defeat the Russians at Smolensk and Borodino, but wait too long after entering a deserted Moscow for Russia’s capitulation, which never comes. Retreat is the only option and a mere fifth of the army survive. Frank and Julian meet in Moscow under unexpected circumstances; one as the aid-de-camp to Sir Robert Wilson, the other having rescued the child of a Russian nobleman.

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.

A match at bowls was being played in which Drake and other high officers of the fleet were engaged, when a small armed vessel was seen running before the wind into Plymouth Harbor, with all sails set. Her commander landed in haste, and eagerly sought the place where the English lord admiral and his captains were standing. He was master of a Scottish privateer, and he told the English officers that he had that morning seen the Spanish Armada off the Cornish coast.

With the exception of the terrible retreat from Afghanistan, none of England's many little wars have been so fatal in proportion to the number of those engaged as our first expedition to Burma. The Burman policy of carrying off every boat on the river, laying waste the whole country, and driving away the inhabitants and the herds, maintained our army as prisoners in Rangoon through the first wet season; and caused the loss of half the white officers and men first sent there.

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.

G.A. Henty offers the thrilling story of Francis Hammond, the son of an English merchant working in Venice. Francis must overcome threats to the lives and freedom of his Venetian friends and himself, and keep his wits and sword arm strong during sea battles against pirates and opposing navy fleets. With the balance of European power and vast riches at stake, this is a story of adventure and intrigue, dastardly villains and profound tests of loyalty, honor, courage, and intelligence set among the winding canals of Venice and on the surging waves of the Mediterranean Sea. Set in 1380 A.D.

Of The Lion of St. Mark, G.A. Henty wrote: "I have laid my story in the time not of the triumphs of Venice but of her hardest struggle for existence, when she defended herself successfully against the coalition of Hungary, Padua, and Genoa, for never at any time were the virtues of Venice, her steadfastness, her patriotism, and her willingness to make all sacrifice for her independence more brilliantly shown.

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.

Dive into G.A. Hentys insightful and humorous exploration of the animal kingdom, where he sheds light on often-overlooked species and challenges the unfair perceptions humans hold about them. While the narrative reflects the era it was penned, it invites listeners to engage thoughtfully with its themes. Please be mindful that the content may not align with contemporary sensibilities, as LibriVox presents works unedited. - Summary by Silas Jackson