Customer Reviews

With Lee in Virginia, A Story of the American Civil War (Works of G. A. Henty)

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I really loved this book written from a rare Confederate view point. The author beautifully portrayed virtues such as honor and courage in the young hero, Vincent. They say these books are written for teenage boys, but I'm a twelve year old girl and I couldn't put down the book for three days. It is probably won of the most exciting books I've ever read.

This book is definitely one of Mr. Henty's masterpieces. It gives a clear view of the South's situation and why the Civil War was fought. I highly enjoyed this book, both for its content and the way history is mingled with a gripping plot. I can't tell you too much because I might spoil it, but it is about a young Southern man who joins the Confederate army and distinguises himself through his many adventures.

An extra bonus in this Henty book is that it includes both the English preface and the American one, which Henty wrote to the `lads' who would read this book. In With Lee in Virginia Vincent Wingfield is the main character, one who lives on a plantation run by slaves, but who is strongly against being cruel to slaves. When he clashes with the overseer over Pearson having whipped a slave, Vincent never imagines it will cause such trouble. Soon, though, Vincent gets involved in the fate of the slave he saved, Tony. Will Vincent be able to help the man escape from the wicked Jackson? What about Tony's wife, who Jackson is selling for revenge? This book draws you right in plantation life in the 18hundreds, you will feel happy with the knowledge that `your' slaves are safe, and will never even consider that you are doing wrong by keeping slaves. Vincent enlists as a volunteer after Virginia secedes and accomplishes many deeds of bravery. This is just another in a long line of thrilling books writing by George Alfred Henty, don't miss reading a single one!!!

I have read many G.A. Henty books and enjoyed them. This story was no exception. However, it was painful to read the account published by Timeless Classic Books. This 2010 edition was apparently not proofread and had over 100 spelling errors. I have never read a book that was so poorly edited. Anyone with a spell checker could have done better. I have tried to contact the publisher, but their website is down.

I'd recommend the book, but please purchase from a different publisher.

Though not all of the history in this book is completely accurate, it is filled with historical characters and events and is very informative. The characters are interesting, the story well-written, and the worldview is Christian. Though I didn't agree with all of Vincent's beliefs, Henty did present Vincent's viewpoint well, and Vincent had a fairly good view of slavery considering his upbringing. The individual slaves are portrayed well, though some readers may find it difficult to understand their speech. I recommend With Lee in Virginia to highschoolers who enjoy adventure stories and history.

This may have been written at the time for young readers (I am 43!), but for anyone interested in the Civil War it is a treasure trove of background to the war, and the men of the South (primarily) that fought it. The descriptions of the battles (complete with maps) fought in Virginia are gripping without being overly-narrated. My 12-year old is reading it soon, and I am sure he won't be able to put it down either.

Ugh! This book is a good one about the Civil War, but sadly, it is poorly published. The lines of text are too long, the margins too narrow. It reads like a manuscript, not a book to curl up with and enjoy. There are tons of errors too. My girls are frustrated because they feel like they are editors, not students while reading the book. If you can find one in a different format, buy it instead.

A great young boy's story. I gave to the grandchildren for Christmas. Hope they read it.

This book was not exciting, nor is it realistic of antebellum life in Virginia. From the title, you would think that the book would be about the War Between the States and about Robert E. Lee. It is neither. It is what an Englishman thinks it might have been like to be in the South before the war begins, but he doesn't know. The research, if there was any research, was not done well. Because most of the book takes place away from any battles, it is a very tedious, boring, and painful book to read. There are much better books to describe life as it was in the war, such as Across Five Aprils or The Red Badge of Courage. If you want good books from a Southern perspective, I recommend Iron Scouts of the Confederacy (for historical fiction) or The History of the Confederate States. I asked my kids to read this book for history, and when they complained, I read it myself. I'm sorry that I ever put them through this, and I will check more carefully the next time I think about asking them to read a book by G.A. Henty.

I am amazed that Amazon has posted a "review" from the right-wing reactionary racist publication entitled "Southern Partisan". It is small surprise that the reviewer presents a vapid, laudatory review of Mr. Henty's work. Henty was a hobbyist who read had no formal education and whose "research" was non-existent. Henty's works are pure fiction, based on a racist perspective from the 19th century. Homeschoolers and others who promote his works as "history" are doing their children a grave disservice.