Customer Reviews

A Tale of the Western Plains (Dover Children's Classics)

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

 

 

When it seems that tales of the old west just keep on repeating themselves, this wonderful tale gives the American West a new light. G.A. Henty (the boy's historian) gives this tale a unique twist but yet keeps it within historical boundaries. Some may say that this book is a work of fantasy like most western tales. In one sense this is true as Henty uses fictional characters, but the story itself is based off of the experiences of a relative of Mr. Henty (as he stated in the preface). When one reads this tale full of gunfights, wildfires, horse races, round ups, Indian raids, and daring rescues, one would say it still sounds way too impossible. Henty understood this and stated in the preface, "in treating of cowboy life, indeed, it may well be said that truth is stranger than fiction." The tale is one worth reading largely to the sacrifice that men made for women in those days. In some instances within the book, the hero and many others are faced with the situation of saving women and children from a band of Indians, and later two young ladies from a group of outlaws. In both cases many men put their lives at stake, knowing there was little chance of survival, for those who were weaker than them. This is true Godly manhood at its fullest! Some may find a problem with the cowboys mention and use of liquor and tobacco. Let me say that tobacco was generally accepted in the days of Henty, and no one knew what it could really do to a person. Secondly the use of liquor was common in the days of the west, and Henty wanted to keep his tale accurate to the time of the work. It can also be said that Henty mentions many times the negative benefits of the drink. This story is one that you and all those who will come after you will enjoy. I highly recommend this tale for anyone wanting to read a western that is not only profanity free, but historical in setting as well.

My family and I read this book together, and found it to be a very captivating western mystery. The reality of real cowboy life presented in the book, makes the Hollywood cowboy look like a romticized story character. The wild, wild west will never be the same for us. Henty has the ability to paint colorful pictures in the mind, without going into unnecessary, gory detail. A wonderful book for the whole family.

G.A. Henty does an excellent job telling the story of the American West through the eyes of a late teen who has gone in search of experiencing it in full. This story spans his life from age 16 -19. It is not only interesting and adventurous, there is mystery and suspense mixed in. The Gold fields of California--complete with detailed explanations of how their tools work, a murder and an impersonation for an inherited estate, a round-up in Texas, an Indian raid on a ranch where the innocent girls are carried away and their subsequent rescue, a prairie fire and how they used the elements on hand to put it out, and a Mexican gang who has to be captured and dealt with so justice can be served are all included in this wonderful book. Honor and duty, integrity and devotion to friends is common for all main characters. This is a great book to read aloud to children 5 years old and up, or as a reader for ages 8 and up. A terrific introduction to the American West of the 19th century. G.A. Henty is a master storyteller.

I have not read this book yet, as I ordered several books by G.A.Henty at the same time and have not had opportunity to read them all since the short time of their purchase. I think I would have enjoyed history while young if I had known of Henty. A teacher/friend nearing ninety years discovered Genty recently and is keeping our library busy finding his books,and her discussions about them led me to order and read in audio "The Cat of Bubastes". I have now begun to collect and read all of Henty's books in hopes of sharing their unique treasure.