Under Drake's Flag: A Tale of the Spanish Main (Dover Children's Classics) [Paperback]

G. A. Henty (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up | Series: Dover Children's Classics

From the "Prince of Storytellers," an exciting account of life on the high seas as seen through the eyes of young Ned Hearne. The brave 16th-century teen sails with Francis Drake, experiences a harsh seafaring life, visits unexplored lands; and witnesses the great naval battle between the English fleet and the Spanish Armada.

Editorial Reviews

From AudioFile

In this old-fashioned tale of incredible escapades, a lad accompanies Sir Frances Drake on several amazing voyages. One of G.A. Henty's classic historical novels for children, this story also provides adults a glimpse of the exciting but ruthless life on the high seas and unexplored lands of the sixteenth century. Although Fred Williams's manner might be a good match for the stilted, formal style of this nineteenth-century work, it's not pleasant for the listener. He employs the same stiff-upper-lip tone throughout narrative, dialogue, and journal writings. A few attempts at vocal characterization are oddly chosen and inconsistent.The flawed production overshadows the charm and exhilaration of this historical adventure. N.M.C. © AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (August 10, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486442152
• ISBN-13: 978-0486442150
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #430,137 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Stories for boys, or how to go to war with the right spirit, April 9, 2000

By 

Owen Hughes (Montreal, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Under Drake's Flag: A Tale of the Spanish Main (Library Binding)

In the early 90s, I came into possession of what I took to be a very nearly complete collection (I have 75 volumes), mostly in first or other early editions, of the British writer G. A. Henty. Henty died in 1902 or thereabouts, having written his last books about the actions which took place in the war opposing English troops and Boer commandos. And that was his formula, first and foremost to record in print the historical events associated with any British military venture from the early Middle Ages onwards. The other characteristic of his writing was, that it was intended for consumption by boys and as such it was typical of a genre that was well developed in the late Victorian period. Henty's prefaces invariably start, "My Dear Boys," and he developed a sort of intimacy with his youthful audience that eventually made him something of a best selling author at the end of last century. It is interesting to note that he is still in print, or was until very recently.

Most of his books have a two-fold purpose therefore; recounting (mainly) military history and inculcating a certain notion of the standard of behaviour to be expected from a future young subaltern. No doubt, of the thousands of officers from British and colonial regiments who went to the front in 1915 and dashed themselves bravely against the German wall, a great many had had this form of early Henty training. Having read so many of them, one can scarcely recall the actual details of plots and sub-plots. Yet on the details of the history involved, there is much to learn, as Henty was a meticulous man who recorded as fully as possible (and some times too fully, it must be admitted, with respect to the endless movements of particular regiments into the line) the events he describes. He is equally good at sea as on land and has written some classics of maritime literature, particularly "Under Drake's Flag," and "Cochrane the Dauntless." So while Henty can hardly be expected to have a wide audience today, for those who find him to their taste, it must be said that the material, most of which will have to be located second hand, is not wanting.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really cool!, June 5, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Under Drake's Flag (Works of G. A. Henty) (Paperback)

This is a great book! The adventure never lets up, and the charachters set good examples of manilness, dignity, and honor. I highly recommend it! It's a wonderful book to read aloud as a family or just by yourself.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Super Kid!, August 18, 2001

By 

John Knight "JK" (Davis, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Under Drake's Flag: A Tale of the Spanish Main (Library Binding)

Subtitled "A Tale of the Spanish Main" this is an enjoyable book with lots of history easy to digest and learn. Ned Hearne - a brave, intelligent teen from Plymouth meets English privateer Francis Drake (not a "Sir" yet) and his adventures begin. Along with three friends (with each of whom he has an improbable, but stirring adventure) Ned takes along through the Elizabethan years and events leading up to the Spanish Armada and the subsequent fact of Britannia becoming the preeminent sea power. History can be fun!