The Cornet of Horse A Tale of Marlborough's Wars

by G.A. Henty

This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Adventure, Historical, Military Fiction

164 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1881

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

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars & 5/10 hearts. Rupert Holliday is one of my favourite Henty heroes. ;) The fencing is thrilling, and Rupert & his friends are often very humorous. When you reach the chapter titled “Blenheim”, I strongly recommend reading the poem “The Battle of Blenheim” by Robert Southey. In my case I have two quotes commenting upon the poem as well. It certainly makes you think. Typically Henty, there are ubdetailed/passing mentions of drinking, gambling, smoking, & swearing, and unclothed public swimming. Also a somewhat detailed mention of torture.

*review to be updated*

A Favourite Quote: “And yet, notwithstanding their great superiority of numbers, the enemy did not venture to attack, and for a fortnight the armies remained facing each other, without a blow being struck on either side. The French were, in fact, paralyzed by the jealousy of the two great generals commanding them , each of whom opposed the other's proposals[.]”
A Favourite Humourous Quote: “‘Quick, quick!’ she exclaimed, ‘Monsieur Rupert is fighting with a wicked young man!’
“‘Then,’ said Monsieur Dessin grimly, ‘it will be very bad for the wicked young man, whoever he is.’”

[Jeremiah (Star struck and VERY smitten Cowboy) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three cheers for G. A. Henty!!!!!

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best G.A. Henty book that I've ever read. Henty made a good point with his antagonists. You'll notice that Rupert Holliday kills his enemies relatively quickly. They don't last very long. But as soon as he dispatches one jerk, another takes its place. I see this as a true story of life. Many stories depict a hero who destroys his enemy and then lives happily ever after. And that's fine. Rupert's story is more true to life. No matter how many times you overcome, you will still need to overcome. There will always be evil in the world. Anyway, yeah so it was a really great book.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published in 1885, this book has got to be one of the best regarding the struggle between the English and the Scots in the 1300s. You can tell Henty is a historian because written as a novel, he includes the English view of the same events. The Scots had amazing tactics against such a strong force. I really enjoyed this book

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've just discovered G. A. Henty. As a writer of historical fiction he fits midway on the spectrum between Sir Walter Scott and Rafael Sabatini. He wrote for what we would call the Young Adult audience. I'm guessing many readers today would find his Victorian didacticism irritating but, being a proponent of old-fashioned virtues myself, it didn't bother me.

I would characterize Henty's work as Horatio Alger-type stories in a military history setting. His young heroes come of age and make their fortune in the context of a military campaign.

Henty's history, unlike so much modern "historical" fiction, is absolutely impeccable. His characters tend toward the one dimensional but are entertaining nonetheless. Above all, the characters are true to their time.

I guess I liked this book more because I am a military history buff than because it was great literature, but I would still recommend it.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was intrigued by George Henty, he sounded like an author I'd really like, boys' historical fiction with excellent attention to the historical detail.
I wasn't let down, I think that is exactly what Cornet of Horse delivers and it's engaging, the historical detail is good.
I think my problem with this book is that I'm not a boy anymore, my fictional and historial reading have led me to expect gritty realism, dirt and unpleasantness.
Understandably Henty's presentation of his story is sanitised for a young Victorian audience and comes across somewhat oddly to 21st century reader.
Still, a ripping yarn with a hero so virtuous he could be a paladin of old!
Worth a read if you can suspend belief a little.

[Richard L. Sumter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Europe at War! Again.

Exciting adventure with a lesson in history. What more could you ask for in a book. The French had a well deserved respect for the Duke of Marlborough and the allied armies of Europe during a turbulent time in history. Toss in a young hero and the tale is perfect. Good reading for young and old history buffs.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by G.A. Henty!

[Selah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ah, I love this book so much! One of my absolute favs by Henty.

[Nathaniel Ransley · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZING! A book in my opinion every young man should read this book and this author