Orange and Green A Tale of the Boyne and Limerick

by G.A. Henty

The Irish Confederacy's taking of Limerick was made far easier than subsequent attempts by the fact that they had the support of most of the city's population. About 600 English Protestant settlers had fled to the city to escape the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and had fortified themselves in King John's Castle in the centre of Limerick. The city was predominantly Catholic and appealed to the new Confederate Catholic government at Kilkenny to capture this Protestant citadel.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, War, Adventure, Reference

173 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1888

About the author

George Alfred Henty, better known as G.A. Henty, began his storytelling career with his own children. After dinner, he would spend and hour or two in telling them a story that would continue the next day. Some stories took weeks! A friend was present one day and watched the spell-bound reaction of his children suggesting Henty write down his stories so others could enjoy them. He did. Henty wrote approximately 144 books in addition to stories for magazines and was known as "The Prince of Story-Tellers" and "The Boy's Own Historian." One of Mr. Henty's secretaries reported that he would quickly pace back and forth in his study dictating stories as fast as the secretary could record them.

Henty's stories revolve around fictional boy heroes during fascinating periods of history. His heroes are diligent, intelligent, and dedicated to their country and cause in the face, at times, of great peril... Henty's heroes fight wars, sail the seas, discover land, conquer evil empires, prospect for gold, and a host of other exciting adventures. Along the way, they meet famous personages... In short, Henty's heroes live through tumultuous historic eras meeting leaders of that time. Understanding the culture of the time period becomes second nature as well as comparing/contrasting the society of various cultures.

Reviews

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Usually, I really appreciate all of Henty's books. They are well-researched and thought out, and, although the main characters are always very similar, the stories are still interesting and engaging. The historical details are very thorough and comprehensive.

However, Henty was definitely a defender of the Church of England over Protestantism. As an heir, so to speak, of those early Protestants, I really didn't like the way that Henty portrayed them. He combined all the Protestants together in a group, making them all bloodthirsty and oppressive. I also disagreed with his idea that the Old and New Testaments should be separated; I believe that the Old Testament is just as important and applicable as the New, and that neither one contradicts the other in any way.

Like many other Catholics of his day and before, Henty defends the Catholic religion not on the basis of true or sound doctrine but simply on the idea that the Church can do no wrong and anybody who disagrees is a heretic. That being said, I did still enjoy this book and the history it offered. I just didn't like the perspective Henty used.

[Katja Labonté · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars & 4/10 hearts. This book really made me reflect, the first time I read it. It shows again and again how the choice of one man can cause suffering for an entire nation, or change the course of history. How hatred can be the cause of much death and suffering. This is an exciting story and well done. The discussions on the Puritans’ religion made me think. I recommended this as a good thinking book. I do not agree that there are different ways to Heaven—Christ is the only way—, so sometimes I didn't agree with the characters’ conclusions, but it it is true that all persecution is wrong, and also that there is not much difference between Catholics and Protestants (so the discussion between a Protestant character and a Catholic character about their religions being the same didn't really bother me).

*This review was written a few days after reading it so I may have forgotten some content.*

A Favourite Quote: “The town, or rather its ruins, were in the possession of the British, and the brilliant success, which had been won by the valour and determination of the Irish troops, was forfeited by the carelessness , folly, and self-confidence of the French general. Had he listened to the advice of the Irish officers, the attempt, like those which had preceded it, must have failed, and in that case there was nothing remained to Ginckle but a precipitous retreat to Dublin, with the loss of the whole of the advantages gained in the previous campaign, and the necessity of bringing the war to an end.... The whole course of history was changed by the folly of one man.”
A Favourite Humourous Quote: “‘He went off with Larry Doolan,’ a boy ... shouted.
‘Then, as sure as fate, they are up to some mischief,’ Mr. Davenant said. ‘Walter is bad enough by himself, but with Larry to help him, it would take a regiment to look after them.’

[George]

Another of Henty's very popular 19th century historical adventures about courageous young men living in difficult times marked by military conflict who rise above because of their intelligence, bravery and leadership abilities.

The tale of two families: the Catholic Davenants, a well established Irish family and the Protestant Whitefoots who fought with Cromwell's defeat of the Irish thus gaining much Davenant land as spoils of the conquest in 1652. This story opens in 1688 with the Glorious Revolution in England, the strengthening of England's Protestantism and its resulting affect upon the Irish Catholics. The boys 16 and ends 3 years later The story focuses upon the friendship of grandsons Walter Davenant and John Whitefoot who go to opposite sides in the struggle of James II, favored by Irish Catholics, to retain the throne while the English government has invited William of Orange to become king who is favored by Irish protestants. The story deals with this struggle, the relationship between the boys and their exploits for both sides of this struggle and the ultimate destinies of their families. Walter is the major focus of the story.

[Daryl Martinke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I thought it was great the way that Henty develops his protagonist with strong moral character with focus and purpose.

[Angelyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Henty is about the Catholic and Protestant wars in Ireland.