A Knight of the White Cross [Paperback]

G. A. Henty (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1999 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

Young Gervaise Tresham leaves England and the turmoil of the Wars of the Roses to become a Knight of St. John.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Writing in World magazine, George Grant reminisced about the childhood pleasure of reading George Alfred Henty's books. Whenever I ran across [a Henty book] in our local library I quickly checked it out, rushed home, and read it usually without putting it down.

George Alfred Henty wrote his first boys' adventure, Out of the Pampas, in 1868. Its popularity spurred him to write some eighty more children's books. Drawing on his own experiences fighting in the Crimean War and as a foreign correspondent in Europe and Africa, Henty fashioned stories for children that combined realism and what he called a manly tone, with admiration for British strength and courage. His novels encompass an array of times and places from the early days of Egypt to the mines of the California Gold Rush.

George Alfred Henty was born in Trumpington, England, on December 8,1832. He studied at Cambridge, but left without his degree so he could volunteer for service in the Crimean War. After several failed attempts at careers, he decided in 1865 to become a writer, beginning as a correspondent for The Standard. He also wrote adult novels of mysteries and adventure, but turned to children's stories after contributing with success to Union Jack magazine.

In his World article, George Grant calls Mr. Henty a Victorian literary phenomenon whose 144 books and myriad short stories have long enthralled adults and children alike. His fiercely accurate narratives range across the whole spectrum of human achievement, highlighting the greatest characters and the most decisive moments in history.

George A. Henty died on November 16, 1902, leaving a literary legacy that Lost Classics Book Company is proud to help revive.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 487 pages
• Publisher: Lost Classic Books (December 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890623067
• ISBN-13: 978-1890623067
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #256,403 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #82 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Historical Fiction > Medieval
  • #84 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Historical Fiction > Ancient Civilizations

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a hero!, March 26, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: A Knight of The White Cross: A Tale of the Siege of Rhodes (Library Binding)

Gervaise's father wishes that his son will grow up to be a Knight of the White Cross, and so Gervaise leaves his dying mother and travels to Rhodes. When he arrives at Rhodes he never dreams of all the adventures he will be undertaking, and the excitement he will be involved in. First comes the rescuing of Ricord and Santoval, after which the Grand Prior knights Gervaise and his comrade, Ralph, which is a great privilege for the boys. Some time later, after visiting the house of Signor Vsados, Gervaise mentions to Ralph that he did not like the looks of the Greek who had also been at the Vsados household. Ralph laughs at him, but Gervaise's suspicions are aroused even more when he sees the man talking to a slave of the Order. After reporting to Sir John Kendall Gervaise suggests he disguise himself and go among the slaves, to try to find out if a plot is being arranged. What will he find? Gervaise has many more adventures, and also a little romance, for Claudia De Forli bestows her colours on him. Gervaise also sets an example by the boy-galley that he was put in command of. It is the only galley ever to have only young knights appointed to it. In the end Gervaise takes part in the Siege of Rhodes, which was a bloody affair. Don't miss reading this story of a gallant Knight of the White Cross!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Masterful storytelling, September 6, 2005

By 

Kara Ortiez (Hamilton, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Knight of The White Cross: A Tale of the Siege of Rhodes (Paperback)

England is embroiled in the War of the Roses. Young Gervaise Tresham is sent from his war torn homeland by his father to join the Knights of St. John. Initially, this order was a semi-religious organization with its members taking vows of obedience, chastity, and poverty for the purpose of ministering to pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land. With more incidents of pilgrims being attacked, robbed, and enslaved by the Moslems, the Hospitallers quickly changed, out of necessity, to a great military organization.

Proceeding to the stronghold of Rhodes, Gervaise is eventually appointed commander of a war galley. The war galleys of the Knights of St. John patrolled the Mediterranean which was infested by Moorish corsair pirates.

Tons of adventure, fast paced story tellign and great attention to historical detal make this yet another great Henty read.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another fabulous tale from Henty, June 30, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: A Knight of The White Cross: A Tale of the Siege of Rhodes (Library Binding)

This is an awesome book. One will feel that they are there, fighting the corsairs or seeing the great fortresses at Rhodes. The scenes are vividly described, and the whole story is incredibly exciting. Gervaise is the ideal knight - strong, brave, loyal, and willing to give his life for Christendom. One feels like they know him in real life, so vividly is he described. The Turks can be pictured ad well, with their huge cannons and keen scimitars. The adventures of Gervaise are very perilous, and sometimes it seems there is no way out. Yet, there is a way, and he always finds it somehow or other. His exploits are phenomenal. He does everything from defending the fort of Rhodes to impersonating a Turkish prisoner, all in the name of the order. There are a few words in the story that most middle school students wouldn't know, but these don't interfere much with understanding the story as a whole. There is some violence in this book, but nothing else that would be considered repulsive. This book is a great read for anyone who likes action, adventure, history, or the Middle Ages. I give it an A.