Henty Essay Contest Winners
FIRST PLACE WINNER — 16 and UNDER CATEGORY
Jonathan Sater
VIRTUES from YESTERYEAR
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.”
Demonstrating his thorough understanding of the history behind each book Mr. Henty
is able to capture the spirit of each era, place, and culture about which he writes.
But he does not stop there. Every hero in each book demonstrates traits and qualities
that would be a credit to any young man’s or woman’s character. And with
a steady decline of these attributes in our culture today, what a refreshing change
to hear the call to Godly, virtuous, and patriotic living which was so prevalent
in yesteryear.
One of several reasons why I believe Mr. Henty’s books are superb is because
he incorporates the many thrilling experiences and perils he has undergone into
his books, therefore, enabling him to communicate adventure in a special way. Encouraging
the reader through his exciting stories, Henty exhorts us not to settle for the
easiest way in life, but to pursue the path that few others will take because of
the opposition and obstacles encountered. He has taught me not to give up in the
midst of impossibilities but to persevere and think creatively to overcome the difficulties
in my life.
Secondly, his previous experience in journalism not only enhanced his writing skills,
but gave him a wealth of information for some of the stories he later wrote. I also
appreciate the fact that he wrote his books not only in his own era, but wrote stories
in many of the different periods of time, giving his readers a thorough understanding
of world history that one cannot always get in these books. My own understanding
of history has been broadened considerable and my writing skills have improved as
well after reading just twenty five of his books.
Finally, the heroes of each story are young men of character, devoted to their country,
defenders of liberty, protectors of religious freedom and their families, and ready
to make any sacrifice necessary for the cause in which they believe. These are the
stories which children and young people need to hear and be taught as opposed to
the self-centered, humanistic philosophies bombarding our country today. These are
the traits which made our country great. And these are the values which we need
to restore morality and justice to our nation. Because of their overtly Christian
morals, Henty’s books are a wonderful tool to help meet that objective. Reinforcing
Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches,”
the heroes in his books teach us that true manhood and success is a result of one’s
integrity and character and not pleasure or materialism.
Reading his books is time well spend in exciting, captivating, historical fiction.
The lessons that can be learned from these books are well worth the investment made.
For those who helped obtain our collection I am very grateful. I thank God for Mr.
Henty and his wonderful, priceless, educating books that inspire us to demonstrate
the virtues of yesteryear.
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