Dear Friends:
The response to our Henty Historical Essay contest surpassed our expectations and
we were inundated with essays from Christian students. Of special interest was the
fact that numerous applicants testified to having read 25 or more
Henty novels. Most essays discussed Henty's advocacy of chivalry and virtue,
as well as the beauty and clarity of his writing style.
Although it was our original plan to select a single winner, the many outstanding
essays from children of such diverse ages and backgrounds necessitated a different
approach. After much consideration, we are pleased to announce the following winners.
Blessings,
Douglas W. Phillips, President
Congratulations to Our Essay Winners!
Winners of the 17-18 Category
Jennifer Schlaudt
FIRST PLACE WINNER
Prize: $250 Gift Certificate
I have gleaned a much more thorough understanding of historical events which have
been treated by Mr. Henty than I ever could have gained from a textbook account.
The portrayal of battles and events, voyages and intrigues in the vivid colors of
well-written historical novels inevitably embeds the otherwise burdensome details
in the mind of a reader. Read the Full Essay
Grant Hackney
SECOND PLACE WINNER
Prize: $100 Gift Certificate
For Stories that show the pinnacle of good character in young men, turn to the stories
of George Alfred Henty. G. A. Henty was nineteenth century novelist for young men
who wrote over 200 books, both long and short. His stories give back a forgotten
era of true manhood. The character traits in Henty's books are ones that we as young
Christian men greatly long for. Read the Full Essay
Kristin Caroline Balance
THIRD PLACE WINNER
Prize: $50 Gift Certificate
God has given me a vision, to be a woman of influence, and to raise my future sons
and daughters to be men and women of influence. So what does my vision have to do
with Mr. Henty? Henty's mixture of real life, action packed history with interesting,
imaginative fiction is very worthwhile and enjoyable.
Read the Full Essay
Winners of the 16 and Under Category
Jonathan Sater
FIRST PLACE WINNER
Prize: $250 Gift Certificate
It is rare indeed to find an author who can captivate a mind while learning what
some consider boring, and instruct his audience in the bygone virtues of yesteryear.
Such is the accomplishment of G.A. Henty, the "king of storytellers."
Read the Full Essay
Jennifer Straw
SECOND PLACE WINNER
Prize: $100 Gift Certificate
I really enjoy the way Mr. Henty explains historical settings, and have learned
so much about famous people, other lands, and other eras. The way the historical
people interact with the fictional characters makes each book come alive and makes
the fictional characters and events surrounding them seem very real.
Read the Full Essay
Molly Anderson
THIRD PLACE WINNER
Prize: $50 Gift Certificate
Exhilarating is the word I find best to describe Mr. Henty's writing style. His
adventure stories are at least, if not more, exciting than those of other writers.
He combines adventure wonderfully with history and constantly weaves a Christian
perspective throughout. Books written by Mr. Henty can be read and reread with relish
numerous times because of their depth of delight.
Read the Full Essay
<< Return to Essays