The day after our Scottish dinner, my sisters and I commenced reading another book by Mr. Henty that we borrowed from our dear Pastor’s family. The book is entitled: “In Freedom’s Cause”.
George Alfred Henty was an Englishman who lived from December 8, 1832 – November 16, 1902. He was a married man with children. Mr. Henty was the author of at least 144 books, many of which, if not all, are written to impart real history to the reader. His works include “The Cat of Bubastes”, “In the Reign of Terror” and “No Surrender”. For reasons best known to himself, Mr. Henty chose to use his first initials and his last name for a pen name thus becoming known as “G. A. Henty”.
“In Freedom’s Cause” was first published on July 16, 1894 by Blackie & Son, London. The book I read was a more recent publication by Preston/Speed Publications. In the introduction, the publishers state that they have been careful to maintain the original grammar, spelling and punctuation as the original versions. The book is 27 chapters in length and 337 pages.
“In Freedom’s Cause – A Story of Wallace and Bruce” opens with a young knight, Sir Archibald Forbes, living in Scotland in the late 1200’s and early 1300‘s. King Edward I of England is quickly taking over Scotland. He has already removed their king, put himself in his place and sent in English governors with troops to control any rebellion. Inspired by the stories of the encounters of the brave Sir William Wallace as he begins his fight to free Scotland, Archie though only about sixteen, longs to fight with him. Suddenly, an unexpected opportunity comes along and he finds himself fighting by Sir William’s side. This book follows the history of Sir William Wallace’s many battles including those at Stirling and Falkirk. When Sir William dies, Archie becomes a part of the army of Robert the Bruce. The book follows him as he assists the newly crowned king in his many battles against the usurping English, until the victory at Bannockburn. This book is full of historical information on Sir William Wallace and Robert the Bruce with their contemporaries.
This book was very interesting to read and kept my sisters begging to hear more at every spare moment! (And I was only too happy to oblige them!) Though at least two thirds of “In Freedom’s Cause” is actual history and not Sir Archibald Forbes’ fictitious tale, Mr. Henty has a way of retelling the historical accounts in a way that even a history hating reader would enjoy. (I love history by the way!) In case anyone is interested (Mrs. K. has asked me about it I know), when I read books to my sisters, I do give the characters an accent as near as I can to what they are supposed to have. So far in our European study I have read with Scottish, English, Irish and French accents. I narrate in my plain, ordinary American accent! :)
This book was a pleasure and very informative to read and I would very highly recommend it.
To the KING be all the glory!