In my own family, we have discovered that G.A. Henty’s nineteenth century historical fiction has helped me to accomplish three important goals for my children: First, it has cultivated a passion for reading (my eldest currently devours one or two of these books every week). Second, Henty has motivated my children to love history and pursue with passion the study of the providence of God in the affairs of man (we regularly discuss the Henty histories at the dinner table). Third, the constant emphasis on boys as protectors of women and children has reinforced, for the Henty readers in my family, a love for God-ordained biblical distinctions between the sexes.
Two Boys, One Hundred and Fifteen Hentys
“I have read seventy-five Henty books. It’s been a lot of fun. I like it because it is both adventure and history. My goal is to read them all.... The heroes — they always put women and children first, and they are able to end most quarrels honorably.”
—Joshua Phillips, Thirteen-Year-Old Avid Henty Reader
“I have read forty of these titles, and they have become my favorite books. Henty wrote God-honoring books that teach me to be courageous and honoring and obedient to my parents.... I think all boys would benefit from reading Henty’s historical fiction.”
—Samuel Turley, Fifteen-Year-Old Henty Aficionado
Less than two years ago, I decided it was time for a little experiment. I gave my eldest son carte blanche (as part of his home education program) to read as many Henty books as he wanted for an indefinite period of time. Since that time, he has consumed sixty-eight volumes. But he is not alone. His friend Samuel Turley accomplished a similar goal over the last few years. In fact, I receive reports of similar stories from parents across America with sons and daughters for whom Henty was their springboard to develop in their children a passion for reading and history.
The Significance of Building a Henty Library
Leaders are readers. Our Founding Fathers knew this, which is why they took efforts to build great libraries for themselves and their posterity. In my view, this is one of the more important legacies a father can leave his children, which is why I am delighted to share this special library-building opportunity with the friends of Vision Forum.
When your child picks up a G.A. Henty historical novel, he will travel back in time to some of the greatest events in Western civilization. He will rejoice with an ancient barbarian who receives Christ, ride with Lee through the battlefields of Virginia, travel with the Conquistadors to distant lands, and watch the fall of the Temple of Jerusalem. Most importantly, he will see the world through the lens of biblical Christianity. In this world, he will learn that men are to live a life of duty and sacrifice, and that God requires even little boys to act with nobility.
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