In Greek Waters: A Story of the Grecian War of Independence

by G.A. Henty

The people of the little fishing village of Seaport were agreed on one subject, however much they might differ on others, namely, that Mr. Beveridge was "a wonderful learned man." In this respect they were proud of him: learned men came to visit him, and his name was widely known as the author of various treatises and books which were precious to deep scholars, and were held in high respect at the universities. Most of the villagers were, however, of opinion that it would have been better for Seaport had Mr. Beveridge been a trifle less learned and a good deal more practical. Naturally he would have been spoken of as the squire, for he was the owner of the whole parish, and his house was one of the finest in the county, which some of his ancestors had represented in parliament; but for all that it would have been ridiculous to call a man squire who had never been seen on horseback, and who, as was popularly believed, could not distinguish a field of potatoes from one of turnips. It was very seldom that Mr. Beveridge ventured outside.

Genres: Historical Fiction

408 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1893

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]

5 stars & 5/10 hearts. This is one of my very favourite Henty books. There is very little mentions of drinking and a few teasing comments about kisses, that is all. It’s almost all action, swarming with ships, full of lieutenants (Martyn is my favouirte <33), plenty of humour, little historical information-dumps, very clean... I simply love it. <3

A Favourite Quote: “‘I am sure, my lads, that there is not a British sailor who would not risk his life to save those of women and children, and that is what we mean to make our first object[.] It is a work, my lads, in which we may all be proud to take part, and in which, whether we fight under the English flag or the Greek, we shall be doing a duty dear to every British sailor.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘What on earth are they putting up a battery here for?’ Miller said. ‘At this distance they might as well fire potatoes at the citadel. Ask that officer, Horace, what they are up to?’
“The Greek replied that they were going to run their trenches forward against the citadel from this point. 
“‘Well, then, they are fonder of work than I gave them credit for,’ Miller said when he understood the reply. ‘If the whole of them were to set to work in earnest, it would take them a month to run their trenches from here up to the citadel, and, at the rate at which they are working now, it would take them a couple of years.’”

[Megan Tee]

A great story detailing just what happened in the Greek War of Independence as a story.