G. A. Henty Novels Review
Review By Harriet Yoder
 PrestonSpeed
has done an excellent job of reprinting the
Henty Books since 1996. They had a dream to
put this wonderful collection of accurate historical novels back into print.
Careful to keep the original spellings and content (no abridging here), Doug and
Beverly, owners of PrestonSpeed
Publications, make sure the books are printed on museum quality paper with
the highest quality cover stock available. The bindings are smyth sewed—not just
glued.
Written for “young lads” these historical novels are great for young lasses too!
These excellent books, called Henty Books,
make a great basis for homeschool history studies. Each gripping story captures
the attention while informing the reader about the history, geography, military,
customs, and politics of the era. As we read these aloud for our multilevel
history study, we use a historical atlas and plot the movement of the characters
on a map. I choose appropriate historical coloring books to keep the younger
children busy while the older children prefer to draw their interpretation of
the scene.
Henty does a wonderful job of teaching in his books. There are many mentions of
science in the books we’ve read. You can incorporate science into your study.
Henty usually discusses the animals and science of the age. For example,
irrigation is discussed in Cat of Bubastes. You'll also find engineering and
science in his discussions of military tactics.
I especially appreciate the character building values that are demonstrated by
the main characters. The young lad is always a good role model for the
listener-- generous, brave, kind, intelligent (keeping his wits about him), and
a good leader. In the books I have read there is usually a strong heroine who
helps our lad on his quest -- in keeping with the traditions of courtship. The
young characters are considerate, courageous, and respectful of parents and
elders. The hero uses his head in difficult situations and never gives up hope.
Before I read the outcome of each peril to them, I challenge my children to try
to figure out solutions. Great for building critical thinking skills.
While there wars and battles in the various novels, one needs to keep in mind
that in the time periods we are studying it was typical. Personally I have
gained insight to spiritual warfare. The very characteristics that make our
heroes successful in battle will help us to win spiritual battles: courage,
determination, creativity, etc. Many times we are taught that battles were lost
by pride, disagreement among leaders, lack of unity among troops, rejoicing over
a victory before it was complete, and not knowing when to retreat.
An added benefit of these books is the wonderful vocabulary. It is always good
to read to children using a higher vocabulary level. New words also make for
great discussions. Keep your dictionary handy when you are reading these novels.
One suggestion for using the Henty books in your home school curriculum is to
read them chronologically and supplement with library books on related topics.
Another is to start with the time period you are currently studying. In either
case to find related quality literature by time period or geographic location, I
like All Through the Ages. Another resource,
Let the Authors Speak also groups good literature by time period.
Overall, these will be a great addition to your homeschool library. Though
sometimes Henty was a little tedious in his explanations of history in the
beginning of the books – to set the scene for the reader, if you stick with it,
you will hear “read one more chapter, please!”
G. A. Henty Resources
Henty Hardcover Edition Novels Save during
our sale.
Henty Books on Audio See our review of
the unabridged Henty books read by Jim Hodges on MP3 audio CD. Excellent for the
auditory learner!
Henty Stories on CD
Jim Weiss of Greathall Productions reads dramatized and abridged versions of
some of the Henty books.
Supplemental Resources
Great Science Adventures Useful science unit studies to coordinate with your
history studies.
Uncle Josh’s Outline
Maps
100+ reproducible outline maps. Includes each of the fifty states, continents,
ancient historical regions, historical war regions, and more. Reproducible.
Dover Coloring Books
Great for keeping young hands busy during reading time. We have a wonderful
selection of historical and scientific coloring books.! I like the ones about
the history of the ships, sword, warriors, castles, or bridges because you can
usually find an item to match your Henty book.
All Through the Ages: History Through Literature
Guide Christine Miller "A compilation of over 5,600 of the best living books
and great literature, arranged by chronological era, geographical region, and
reading level, from many respected resources."
Let the Authors Speak, A
Guide to Worthy Books Based on Historical Setting Excellent resource for unit studies.
Bellerophon Coloring Books Historical coloring books from Bellerophon!
Design-A-Study Guide to History Plus By Kathryn Stout K-12 history and
geography objectives in easy-to-use question guide useful in the study of any
period or culture. Activity guide allows you to integrate other subjects by
using a more in-depth unit study approach. Resource List.
Bethlehem Books
Offers historical fiction and very useful reading for history studies.
Sower Series
Biographies of famous persons! |
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