I am sure many of you are familiar with G.A. Henty. He is a very prolific Victorian-era English author. His books have received acclaim among Christians and homeschoolers for many years. I am, now, ashamed to admit that I read one of his books for the first time today, notwithstanding I have 2 or 3 on my shelves. I am now convinced that he is a must-read for children (12+) studying history and wanting to learn it from historical literature. All the good I have read about him is true. Most especially, though not exclusively, I highly recommend these books for young men. It seems there is so much good literature for young women. My own daughters love to read books by Jane Austen and the Bronte sisters. These books seem to me to be in that calliber of writing. Don't mistake me; the writing is not the same style as these female authors, but is great writing and full of adventure, excitement, piety without being preachy, and good advice, as well a smidge of romance.
The book I read, "In the Reign of Terror: A Story of the French Revolution" had me hooked from the first chapter. As Harry, an English boy, prepares to travel to France he receives this advice from his father:
"You will see much that is new, and perhaps a good deal that you don't like, Harry, but it is better for you never to criticize or give a hostile opinion about things; you would not like it if a French boy came over here and made unpleasant remarks about English ways and manners. Take things as they come and do as others do; avoid all comparisons between French and English customs; fall in with the ways of those around you; and adopt as far as you can the polite and courteous manner which is general among the French....If questioned, you will, of course, give your opinion frankly and modestly; ....Be natural and simple, giving yourself no airs, and permitting none on the part of the lads you are with; ....But on the other hand, do not be ever on the lookout for small slights, and bear with perfect good temper any little ridicule your...ways and manners may excite. I need not tell you to be always straightforward, honest, and true, for of these qualities I think you possess a fair share. Above all things restrain any tendency to use your fists...So, whatever the provocation, abstain from striking anyone. Should you find that in any way your position is made intolderable, you will of course appeal to the marquis...but avoid anything like petty complaints." (pages 8-9)
Besides such a plethora of great moral example, there is opportunity to talk about Voltaire and Rousseau, the Jacobin club, Robespierre, King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, the Bastille, and Tuillieries, and the guillotine. Many a great conversation we have had about tyranny, anarchy, and Republican government. I think we can learn so very much contrasting the American Revolution, which was truly a secession, and the French Revolution, which was a true revolution and which traded one tryanny for another after intollerable anarchy. "...in England there is little fear of such an oubreak of democracy as that which is destroying France." (page 64) What a great time to have a discussion on what democracy is and what it isn't!
I am so excited to include these books in my history studies that I have ordered "The Boys Guide to the Historical Adventures of G.A. Henty" by William Potter. I was able to download a collection of G.A. Henty books, "The Works of G.A. Henty" onto my kindle for $2.99.
I want to add that if anyone is interested in a further study on Marie Antoinette, I can heartily recommend the book, "Marie Antoinette: The Journey" by Antonia Fraser. This book is very comprehensive and informative. There is so much mystery surrounding this woman that I greatly enjoyed reading a book that was exclusively devoted to presenting her as a person in her time. The author was admittedly biased toward Marie Antoinette, but I did not find that any problem in the read. It is definitely an adult or older youth book, 458 pages and very academic but worth it if you are interested. A simpler book about her is included in the "Royal Diaries" series, "Marie Antoinette: Princess of Versailles, Austria-France 1769". One of my daughters read this book and enjoyed it.
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