Continuing our study of the United States of America, I recently read my sisters, “Captain Bayley’s Heir” by G. A. Henty.
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 “For the Temple”, “Won by the Sword” and “In the Reign of Terror”. 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”.
“Captain Bayley‘s Heir” was first published by Blackie & Son, London in 1889. My mother bought this book for us recently – our first Henty book in material form! Our book was published by Preston/Speed Publications. The “Introduction” assures us that the spelling, grammar and punctuation remain the same as they appeared in the original versions. This book is 22 chapters in length and 302 pages.
“Captain Bayley’s Heir – A Tale of the Gold Fields of California” takes place in the late 1840’s. Frank Norris, a young man living in England, is falsely accused of theft and instead of facing out the charge, is convinced to flee from the country. He goes to the United States, arriving in New Orleans, where amidst many adventures, he follows the gold rush to California. But the weight of the false accusation, still clinging to his name back home and estranging him from his dear Uncle and beloved cousin, hangs heavily on Frank. Will they ever accept him again? Can he ever win back their affection if he were to return to England? Is his cousin Fred, a rival for his Uncle’s favor and fortune, the real thief? Will he ever be able to clear himself?
This book recounts the difficulties of a caravan traveling across the frontier, the dangers of Indian attacks, the uncertainties of mining for gold and the state of towns such as San Francisco and Sacramento during the gold rush. Mr. Henty also includes the process included in mining for gold and the dangers of transporting large portions of it to other areas. Contrary to what some others have said, I found learning about the gold rush to be interesting and though occasionally dull, it was not boring. :)
This book was very informative and enjoyable to read. I would highly recommend it.
To the KING be all the glory!
Fascinating.