Book Summaries

British History       Regional History       Military History       Biography       Legends       Literature       Historical Fiction      

	Struggle for Sea Power   by M. B. Synge Book IV of the Story of the World series focuses on the age of world colonization, particularly during 18th century. The histories of European colonies in America, Australia, South Africa, and India are related, along with the ongoing wars between Britain and France for domination in Asia and North America. Also covered are the American Revolution, the French Revolution, and the campaigns of Napoleon. [87 sheets]
	Growth of British Empire   by M. B. Synge Book V of the Story of the World Series focuses on the 19th century and is written from a British centric point of view. It covers the revolutions in South America and Mexico, the Boer War in South Africa, and the exploration of Central Africa, the Greek and Italian wars for independence, the Crimean War, the American Civil War, the opening of trade with Japan and China, and the rebellion in India. [89 sheets]
	Reign of Queen Victoria   by M. B. Synge This book traces the history of the British Empire during the reign of Queen Victoria, from 1837 to 1901. Important domestic reforms of the Victorian era include restrictions on child labor, manhood suffrage, independence for Ireland, and free trade. Short histories of many of the diverse colonies of Britain are given, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and India. The most important wars of the British Empire, including the Crimean War, the Indian Mutiny, The Zulu and Boer Wars in South Africa, and the wars in Egypt and Sudan are also covered. [90 sheets]
	Stories from English History: III   by Alfred J. Church This is the third volume of Church's Stories from English History series. It covers 1647 to 1880 and includes stories of Cromwell, the Great Plague and Fire of London, the Battle of Londonderry, Queen Anne, Plassey, Quebec, the American Revolutionary War, Nelson and Trafalgar, Wellington and Waterloo, the reign of Victoria, and others. [67 sheets]
	Our Island Story - Hanoverians   by H. E. Marshall The last twenty chapters of Marshall's storybook of English history briefly covers the imperial age of Britain, from the Act of Union in 1707 do the death of Queen Victoria in 1901. The stories selected from this period touch on the most important events of the era, both at home and abroad. Domestic topics include the Jacobian rebellions, the industrial revolution, and the Napoleonic Wars. Imperial topics include British conquests in Canada, India, and Africa; exploration and settlement of Australia, the Indian Mutiny, and the Boer Wars. [46 sheets]
	Hanoverians   by C. J. B. Gaskoin This book presents an excellent intermediate history of the rise of the British Empire under the Hanoverian Monarchs, from the first Hanoverian king to the first world war (1714 to 1911). The first five sections of the books give the chronological history under the most important Prime Ministers, including Walpole, the elder Pitt (Chatham), the Younger Pitt, Robert Peel, Gladstone and Disraeli. The later sections provide more detail about such developments as the industrial revolution, the reformed English Government, and the nations included in the British Empire. [126 sheets]

	Our Empire Story   by H. E. Marshall This book provides a vivid and picturesque account of the principal events in the building of the British Empire. It traces the development of the British colonies from the days of discovery and exploration through settlement and establishment of government. Included are stories of the five chief portions of the British Empire: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and India. [203 sheets]
	Peeps at History: Canada   by Beatrice Home A concise, and wonderfully illustrated history of Canada. Although short and easily read, it covers all the major events in Canada, from the early settlements of Cartier and Champlain, to the Acadians, and the ongoing wars with the British, culminating in the fall of Quebec, to the early years of British dominion. An excellent introduction to Canadian History. [41 sheets]
	Peeps at History: Ireland   by Beatrice Home This history of Ireland is wonderfully short and clear, and yet it covers all the major events in Irish history from the Celtic era and the arrival of St. Patrick, to the rebellion during the Napoleonic Wars, and the period immediately preceding Irish Independence. The book is concise and well illustrated, and an excellent introduction to Irish History [44 sheets]
	Peeps at History: Japan   by John Finnemore This brief history of Japan covers the four main historical periods of Japan up until the First World War. These include the legendary period (660 B.C. to 645 A.D.), the Fujiwara and Taira Dynasties (645 to 1186), the Shogunate (1186 to 1868), and the modern period (from the opening of Japan in 1868). [55 sheets]
	Peeps at History: India   by Beatrice Home This history of India begins well before era of British colonization, during the age of the invasion of Alexander the Great, which was the west's first contact with the east. For much of the next millennium various Moslem lords ruled parts of northern India. Finally, in the eighteenth century, France and Britain contested for control of the Asian trade centered in India, and for the following two centuries, India was Britain's most important colony. [45 sheets]
	Tales from Irish History   by Alice Birkhead This book features true tales from Irish history from the era of St. Patrick to the Fenian brotherhood. It features both legendary tales from the Celtic kings, and historical characters from Boru to O'Connell. Other famous Irish tales include stories of the Kildares and O'Neils, the invasion of Cromwell, the battle of the Boyne, and the stories of Dean Swift and Daniel O'Connell. The stories end in 1886 when the first bill for Irish Home rule was submitted to the British parliament. [66 sheets]
	The Story of Japan   by Robert Van Bergen This book gives an exceptionally good history of Japan from its legendary beginnings as the Kingdom of the Sun-Goddess to its fantastic transition from a feudal society to a modern technological one near the end of the nineteenth century. The author provides many stories which illustrate the unique culture of Japan and its dedication to the Samurai virtues of courage, loyalty, honor and duty. [112 sheets]
	A Boy of Old Japan   by Robert Van Bergen This book is a true history of the Japanese Genro, or "Statesmen of Revolutionary Times," written by an American who lived and work with the characters involved. The heroes include several clan leaders who put aside their own rivalries to overthrow the Tokugawa government, restore the emperors, and expel the hated foreigners. They succeeded in overthrowing the Shogunate, but soon realized that they could not beat the western powers, and instead committed to modernizing Japan. [69 sheets]
	The Story of China   by Robert Van Bergen This book gives an excellent short history of China from the beginning of its civilization to the fall of the Manchu Monarchy in the early 20th century. In addition to historical development, there are many chapters devoted to Chinese customs and culture, including their system of government, language, schools, home life, and traditions. [95 sheets]
	Oom Paul's People   by Howard C. Hillegas This book gives an excellent introduction to the situation in South Africa, immediately preceding the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902. The Boers were a small community of Dutch farmers that had lived in South Africa for over 200 years. In the early 19th century they migrated to a barren region known as the Transvaal in order to escape British control. But when an enormous reserve of gold was found on their land, conflicts with Britain again arose. [86 sheets]
	Stories of the Gorilla Country   by Paul du Chaillu This is the first of a series of children’s books by an early explorer of equatorial Africa. The author set off alone as a young man to explore the interior of Africa, hunt big game, and investigate some of the stories he had heard about the natives. This account of his travel is packed with hair-raising adventures and exciting stories about encounters with African wildlife and native villagers. [120 sheets]
	South Africa   by Ian D. Colvin This book is a comprehensive history of South Africa from the first exploration of Africa by the Portuguese to the Boer Wars. Twentieth century history not included, but the long struggle between Dutch and English settlers is covered in depth. As part of the Romance of Empire series, the book is helpful in understanding the pro-imperial point of view and the complexities of colonization. [147 sheets]
	India   by Victor Surridge This book is part of the Romance of Empire series, written at the height of the British empire. It recounts many of the most exciting events in the history of India, from around the time Britain first established a trading post on the continent, in the 1600's, until the decades following the Indian Mutiny, in 1857. The treatment of Britain's involvement is in India is somewhat sympathetic, although many of the greatest blunders and questionable policies of the British Raj are owned up to squarely. [120 sheets]
	Land of the Golden Trade   by John Lang This book covers the exploration of Africa from the earliest voyages of the ancient Phoenicians to about 1900. It's primary focus is the Ivory coast, and many of the stories are about the explorers, plunders, traders, slavers, and pirates who frequented Western Africa. There were few permanent European settlements in the area because of the difficult climate, so the historical stories are episodic rather than comprehensive. The history of the slave trade is of particular interest. [122 sheets]

	Thrilling Deeds of British Airmen   by Eric Wood This book, written while the Great War was still in progress highlights some of the glorious achievements of early British aviators. In only two years time the airplane went from being a mere oddity to a crucial weapon, and the feats of many of the world's first flying aces are here recorded for posterity. [86 sheets]
	Heroes of the Great War   by G. A. Leask This book tells the stories of several dozen men who won the Victoria Cross in the early years of the Great War. It was written while the war was still raging, and is very patriotic in tone, but the stories of the extreme acts of heroism done by these men are both harrowing and deeply moving. [82 sheets]
	Heroic Deeds of the Great War   by Donald A. Mackenzie This book does not provide an overview of the Great War, but instead focuses on individual heroes and heroic events that occurred during the war. It provide brief bios of only a few military leaders, including Kitchener, Joffre, and Jellico, but for the most part, tells soldiers' stories, and anecdotes of personal interest. It was published in the year that the Great War came to a close so it tells the stories of the war with an immediate, rather than a reflective passion. [67 sheets]
	The Boy's Book of Battles   by Eric Wood This book focuses on the military exploits of dozens of the most important battles in world history. Although a brief overview of the political issues involved is usually given, the main focus is on the daring deeds, strategies, and exploits of the battles themselves. Many critical battles from British history are given, including Trafalgar, Waterloo, Balaclava, Delhi, Isandhlwana and Omdurman. [151 sheets]
	Boys' Book of Battles   by Chelsea Fraser Eleven of the most important battles in American and British History are brought to life in this volume, which spends enough time giving interesting background information to give each battle vital and lively interest. Particularly moving are three eye-witness accounts of the horrors of the Great War at Verdun, Ypres, and Argonne. [140 sheets]
	War Inventions and How they Were Invented   by Charles Gibson The author of this book is a talented science writer for children who is able to explain important scientific phenomena in easy to understand language. In this book he explains the evolution of guns, and explosives; the technology associated with battle ships, submarines, torpedoes and mines; various surveying instruments, and finally fighter aircraft. Although students of all ages are spellbound by these fascinating technical histories, the book is a favorite of middle school age boys in particular. [62 sheets]
	Gallipoli   by John Masefield This classic homage to the heroes of Gallipoli, written by one of Britain's most eminent poets, tells the story of one of the worst military disasters in Britain's history. It is written from a sympathetic point of view by a man who had given up a secure University position to help with the war efforts on the Western Front. The author had first hand knowledge of the campaign and was essentially present as a war reporter. It was written only a year after the disastrous battle, while Britain was still embroiled the Great War and the wounds were still fresh. [65 sheets]
	The Story of the Great War   by Usher This book is written for the general reader and gives a very complete overview of the Great War. It briefly explains the causes and sentiments of the war, along with a comprehensive overview of the battle strategies. The author notes that the vast scale of the war and the fact that simultaneous battles occurred on various fronts, make a full comprehension of the war difficult. Even so, he provides an engaging, but thorough review. [144 sheets]
	With the Boer Forces   by Howard C. Hillegas Written by an American Journalist who accompanied the Boer army on several of its campaigns during the Anglo-Boer war, this book gives and excellent first person account of the actual operations and incidents of the war. It focuses entirely on the military operations involved, but gives a close up and personal account of the lives of the soldiers and leaders of the Boer rebellion against the imperial ambitions of Britain. [93 sheets]
	Heroes of the Indian Mutiny   by Edward Gilliat This book is not a comprehensive history of the Indian Mutiny, but rather, the life stories of many of the British heroes who were involved in the struggle. It is therefore best appreciated by someone already familiar with the course of events who is interested in learning more details of the battles and the background of the British presence in India prior to the mutiny. [174 sheets]
	The Story of the Guides   by Younghusband The Guides were a British regiment formed mostly of native soldiers who patrolled the highlands of Northwest India and Afghanistan during the late 19th century. They were renowned for their skill as horsemen, fighters, and explorers. This book tells the story of the formation of the Guides and recounts several of their most famous battles.

Biography

	The Story of Nelson   by Edmund F. Sellar Nelson was one of the most popular and romantic naval heroes of all history. He went to sea at an early age, but first made a name for himself at the Battle of St. Vincent, in 1797. From that time until his death at Trafalgar in 1805, he led the British navy in several daring and audacious sea-fights, including the Nile and Copenhagen. His victories gave Britain undisputed control of the seas at a time she was at great threat from an invasion by Napoleon. [40 sheets]
	The Story of H. M. Stanley   by Vautier Golding H. M. Stanley was a journalist working as a foreign correspondent when he set off for the interior of Africa to find Livingstone. He then continued Livingstone's work of exploration, eventually leading the first European party to navigate the Congo River. Though Stanley admired Livingstone greatly, his temperament and purposes were entirely dissimilar to his patient and selfless predecessor. [32 sheets]
	The Story of Livingstone   by Vautier Golding This biography of Livingstone is a concise and easily read story of the remarkable life of the great African missionary and explorer, David Livingstone. He was born into a humble family in Scotland, but at an early age decided to work as a missionary. He spent his entire life in central Africa serving the natives, working against slavery and demonstrating the best aspects of civilization. [32 sheets]
	The Story of Captain Cook   by John Lang Captain James Cook is famous for his discoveries of New Zealand and Australia, but his contributions to British naval supremacy were many. He was the most outstanding captain of his age, and the care he took to keep his crews healthy eliminated the threat of scurvy, the great scourge of sailors. His meticulous charts, and attention to detail set a new standard in sea-faring and navigation. [34 sheets]
	The Story of Lord Clive   by John Lang Robert Clive was a controversial, but extremely effective soldier, who is credited with gaining India for the British Empire. Though he started his career as a mere clerk for the East India Company, he was thrust into a series of adventures during which he showed extraordinary daring, and military genius. He made a great name for himself, and through a series of astounding victories, secured a foothold in several of the most important provinces of India. [32 sheets]
	The Story of General Gordon   by Jeanie Lang General Charles Gordon was an extraordinarily principled officer during the height of the British Empire, who accepted several very challenging assignments, both in China, during the Tae-Ping Rebellion, and in Africa where he opposed the slavers, and tried to bring order and civilization to the Sudan. He was tragically killed during a siege of Khartoum, when the British forces failed to send a relief party to his aid. [38 sheets]
	The Story of Lord Roberts   by Edmund F. Sellar Lord Frederick Roberts was the most eminent commander of the British Army in the late 19th century. As a young officer he fought to put down the Indian Mutiny, and spent most of his long career in India. He was involved in campaigns in Burma, Afghanistan, and Abyssinia during the hey-day of Imperial Britain. He was finally called out of retirement to lead the British against the Boers in South Africa at the turn of the 20th century. [39 sheets]
	Great Englishmen   by M. B. Synge Sixteen short biographies of eminent Englishmen are given. Although there are many important men of action portrayed in this volume, including Nelson, Alfred the Great, Clive, and the Black Prince, many men whose accomplishments were in the realm of culture are given also. Some of these include the Venerable Bede, Milton, Isaac Newton, William Caxton, George Stephenson, and others. [63 sheets]
	Great Englishwomen   by M. B. Synge Sixteen short biographies of eminent, but not overly famous Englishwomen are given. Included are several queens, but also a variety of women accomplished in cultural or professional fields, including Angelica Kaufman (an artist), Mary Somerville (a scientist), and Elizabeth Fry (a prison reformer), and many others. [52 sheets]
	Great Inventors and Their Inventions   by Frank Bachman Twelve stories of great inventions, grouped under inventions of steam and electric power, inventions of manufacture and production, and inventions of printing and communication. The final chapter introduces the famous inventors of the early twentieth century. The story of each invention is interwoven with the life of its inventor. Through these stories the reader learns how great things are brought about and how perseverence and hard work make for success. [117 sheets]
	In the Days of Queen Victoria   by Eva March Tappan This book tells the story of the life of Queen Victoria, a well-beloved woman who became queen at eighteen and for nearly 64 years wore the crown of Great Britain. In order to appeal to youngsters, the book focuses largely on the childhood of the princess. It relates her training for the monarchy and the exemplary way she executed her duties, while managing a household of nine children. The focus of this book stays on Victoria herself rather than on the politics of the Victorian age. [101 sheets]
	The Life of Gladstone   by M. B. Synge William Gladstone was one of the most important politicians during the 19th century. His political career spanned over six decades and corresponded very closely to the reign of Queen Victoria. Although he started his career as a Tory, he eventually became a leader of the Liberal Party and was responsible for such reforms as the reduction in tariffs (free trade), the establishment of public education, and the extension of the voting franchise to all working men. Throughout his career he promoted the idea of political autonomy of Ireland, and stuck to his principles in spite of great setbacks. [66 sheets]
	Florence Nightingale   by Laura E. Richards This book tells the inspiring story of Florence Nightingale from her earliest days as privileged daughter of an English squire to her role as Angel of the Crimea. Even as a young girl her nursing talents were evident as she doctored her dolls and ministered to sickly animals. With the training she received at hospitals on the Continent, she was ready when the call to the Crimea came. Facing unspeakable filth and disorganization, she and her staff of nurses cared for thousands of sick and wounded soldiers, earning their undying gratitude. [51 sheets]
	Stories of the Great Scientists   by Charles Gibson This book provides a thoughtful account of the lives of more than a dozen of the most important scientists of the ancient world, and the modern era, up to the end of the 19th century. The author has 'taken all possible care to state only facts that are reliable, and, whenever possible, to dispel popular errors that have arisen' in the retelling of the lives of these scientists who include Roger Bacon, Galileo, Newton, Priestly, Dalton, Herschel, Faraday, and many others. Since Great Britain played a major role in the scientific revolution of the 19th century, a very high percentage of modern-era scientists were British. [135 sheets]
	Cecil Rhodes   by Ian D. Colvin Cecil Rhodes was called the Colossus of South Africa. He made enormous sums of money on South Africa's natural resources of diamonds and gold, but his real love was politics and he worked ceaselessly toward his vision of a Unified South Africa. Though always a controversial figure, he dedicated his entire life and fortune towards promoting what he considered the best aspects of British culture. [57 sheets]

Legends

	Celtic Tales   by Louey Chisholm Three traditional Celtic fairy tales beautifully retold. One story is about four children who are turned into swans by their evil stepmother. The other two are stories of ill-fated lovers. [38 sheets]
	King of Ireland's Son   by Padraic Colum Book of legends involving the adventurous son of the King of Ireland. Set in a mystical Celtic island in pre-Roman times, the prince gets involved with an enchanter's daughter, the king of cats, and many other interesting characters. [105 sheets]
	The Boys' Cuchulain   by Eleanor Hull The legend of Cuchulain, the greatest of the Celtic warriors it still a favorite in all of Ireland. Also known as the "Hound of Ulster", Cuchulain defended Ulster from Queen Maeve when only a boy. He is sent by jealous neighbors to Scotland to train as a warrior but after adventures there, returns to claim his bride Emer. After many more adventures in Ireland he is tricked by his nemesis Queen Maeve, and perishes in battle. The story of Cuchulain is heroic, non-stop action and a delight for readers of all ages. [118 sheets]

Literature

	Stories from Gulliver's Travels   by John Lang This accessible and humorous retelling of Swift's classic Gulliver's Travels recounts the story of two of Gulliver's most famous voyages. In Lilliput, Gulliver is captured by midgets but he eventually wins their trust by helping them fight their enemies from the Island Blefuscu. He then travels to Brobdingnag, the land of the giants where he is kept as a pet by the king. Most of the political allusions from the original are above the heads of young students, but the story itself is highly entertaining. [36 sheets]
	Ten Boys from Dickens   by K. D. Sweetser These stories, adapted for middle school age children, are taken from ten of Dickens most famous books. Each provides a character sketch of a well-known young character, and is intended to interest young people in further enjoyment of Dickens. Some of Dickens boy heroes include Tiny Tim, Oliver Twist, Tommy Traddles, David Copperfield, Paul Dombey, and Pip. [102 sheets]
	Boys and Girls from Thackeray   by K. D. Sweetser Thackeray was one of the greatest novelists of Victorian era, and this book introduces eight of his most famous childhood characters by way of short anecdotes taken from his novels. Some of the famous childhood characters introduces in this collection include Henry Esmond, Becky Sharp, George Osborne, and Ethel Newcombe. [154 sheets]
	English Literature for Boys and Girls   by H. E. Marshall A terrific and accessible introduction to English literature by one of Britain's greatest authors of Juvenile History. All of the major authors and literature of England are covered, from the Celtic ballads to the nineteenth century greats such as Dickens and Thackeray. Short examples of most of the literature is included, also with fascinating biographies. [329 sheets]

Historical Fiction

Our Little Celtic Cousin of Long Ago   by Evaleen Stein The story of Ferdiad, a boy of Ireland, is set in the time of High King Brian Boru, when the Danes were pillaging the Irish countryside. The tale recounts how Ferdiad's foster-father Angus becomes poet to the High King and how Ferdiad himself recovers a lost treasure. The book provides a glimpse into the customs and social life of the Celts, with special emphasis on their artistic achievements, including the Book of Kells and the stories of Cuchulain. [37 sheets]

The Adventures of Akbar   by Flora Annie Steel Akbar the Great, who lived about the same time as Queen Elizabeth I. of England, was one of the most renowned emperors of the Mughal empire in India. This story follows some of his adventures as a small boy, when under the protection of servants loyal to his parents, he had to flee across the mountains to escape from his family's enemies. [81 sheets]

Copyright © Heritage History 2012
All rights reserved