A Chapter of Adventures: Through the Bombardment of Alexandria

by G.A. Henty

Of the tens of thousands of excursionists who every summer travel down by rail to Southend, there are few indeed who stop at Leigh, or who, once at Southend, take the trouble to walk three miles along the shore to the fishing village. It may be doubted, indeed, whether along the whole stretch of coastline from Plymouth to Yarmouth there is a village that has been so completely overlooked by the world. Other places, without a tithe of its beauty of position, or the attraction afforded by its unrivalled view over the Thames, from Gravesend to Warden Point, ever alive with ships passing up and down, have grown from fishing hamlets to fashionable watering-places; while Leigh remains, or at any rate remained at the time this story opens, ten years ago, as unchanged and unaltered as if, instead of being but an hour's run from London, it lay far north in Scotland.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure

161 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1891

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 3 out of 5]

3 stars & 3/10 hearts. I loved all the sailing/boats/ship aspect to this story! It was humorous and interesting, and had very little historical essay-ing to it. There’s no drinking that I can remember, but there is a point where the boys are dressed in women’s clothes. 

A Favourite Quote: “The Leigh men themselves attribute their freedom from accident in no slight degree to the fact that their boats never go out on Sunday. They are God-fearing men these fishermen, and however bad the times, and however hard the pinch, it is seldom indeed that a bawley puts out from Leigh on Sunday, save to the assistance of a vessel in distress.”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “Jim's face was swollen and bruised all over, and one of his ears was cut nearly off. He was inclined to bear his injuries philosophically until Jack told him that half of his ear was gone. This put him into a furious rage, and he vowed vengeance against the whole of the Egyptian race. ...
“‘I don't think I would mind giving half an ear just at present for a good drink and a bucket of water to wash in[,’ Jack said.]
“‘Nor would I," Arthur agreed. 
“‘That is all very well,’ Jim grumbled. ‘I have lost half an ear and haven't got any water to drink.’”

[Mary McMichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

My knowledge of sea vessel terms is so small, I almost put the book down before finishing the first chapter. However, I know from experience that Henty books are often slow in chapter 1, but really take off after that. His stories are great fun for me!

[Richard Stockton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Loved the Egypt aspects of the story and also loved Joe's yarns. The only reason this isn't rated higher (This is my fault mainly! is because of the ship's aspects and I really don't understand ships!

[Richard Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book! Loved the Egypt aspects of the story and also loved Joe's yarns. The only reason this isn't rated higher (This is my fault mainly! is because of the ship's aspects and I really don't understand ships!

[THOMAS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silly yarns

[Erin Reichard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. Henty fans will enjoy.