Blackie & Son's Books for Young People, Catalogue - 1886

Part 1

Chapter 13,909 wordsPublic domain

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"It is due to Messrs. Blackie to say that no firm of publishers turns out this class of literature with more finish. We refer not only to the novel tinting of the illustrations and the richness of the covers, but more particularly to the solidity of the binding, a matter of great importance in boys' books."--_The Academy._

BLACKIE & SON'S

BOOKS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.

_The New Season's Books._

BY G. A. HENTY. THE LION OF THE NORTH: A TALE OF GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS AND THE WARS OF RELIGION. THROUGH THE FRAY: A STORY OF THE LUDDITE RIOTS. FOR NAME AND FAME: OR, THROUGH AFGHAN PASSES. THE DRAGON AND THE RAVEN: OR, THE DAYS OF KING ALFRED.

BY G. MANVILLE FENN. BROWNSMITH'S BOY. PATIENCE WINS: OR, WAR IN THE WORKS.

A NEW EDITION OF GULLIVER'S TRAVELS WITH 100 ILLUSTRATIONS BY GORDON BROWNE.

BY PROFESSOR A. J. CHURCH. TWO THOUSAND YEARS AGO: OR, THE ADVENTURES OF A ROMAN BOY.

BY HARRY COLLINGWOOD. THE CONGO ROVERS: A TALE OF THE SLAVE SQUADRON.

BY HENRY FRITH. THE SEARCH FOR THE TALISMAN: A STORY OF LABRADOR.

BY MRS. R. H. READ. SILVER MILL: A TALE OF THE DON VALLEY.

BY EMMA LESLIE. GYTHA'S MESSAGE: A TALE OF SAXON ENGLAND.

BY MISS M. A. PAULL. MY MISTRESS THE QUEEN.

BY MRS. AUSTIN. MARIE'S HOME: OR, A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST.

BY J. C. HUTCHESON. THE PENANG PIRATE AND THE LOST PINNACE.

BY THOMAS ARCHER. LITTLE TOTTIE, AND TWO OTHER STORIES.

FAMOUS DISCOVERIES BY SEA AND LAND.

STIRRING EVENTS IN HISTORY.

New Eighteenpenny Books.

A TERRIBLE COWARD. By G. MANVILLE FENN.

YARNS ON THE BEACH. By G. A. HENTY.

THE PEDLAR AND HIS DOG. By MARY C. ROWSELL.

TOM FINCH'S MONKEY, and other Yarns. By J. C. HUTCHESON.

MISS GRANTLEY'S GIRLS, and the Stories She Told Them. By THOMAS ARCHER.

Also, New Books in the Shilling, Sixpenny, and Fourpenny Series

By JULIA GODDARD, ANNIE S. SWAN, DARLEY DALE, GREGSON GOW, EMMA LESLIE, and other favourite Authors.

BY PROFESSOR CHURCH.

TWO THOUSAND YEARS AGO:

Or, The Adventures of a Roman Boy. By Professor A. J. CHURCH, Author of "Stories from the Classics." With 12 full-page Illustrations by ADRIEN MARIE, in black and tint. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

Prof. Church has in this story sought to revivify that most interesting period, the last days of the Roman Republic. Scarcely recovered from the effects of her long struggle for supremacy in Italy, and from the evils of the terrible strife of the nobles against the people, Rome was engaged in suppressing the revolt of Spartacus and the slaves and the insurrection of Sertorius, while at the same time she was waging war with Mithradates, king of Pontus. Meanwhile the pirates held almost undisputed possession of the Mediterranean Sea, till Pompey eventually put them down in B.C. 67. The hero of the story, Lucius Marius, is a young Roman who, through the influence of Cicero, obtains an official appointment in Sicily. He has a very chequered career, being now a captive in the hands of Spartacus, again an officer on board a vessel detailed for the suppression of the pirates, and anon a captive once more, on a pirate ship. He escapes to Tarsus, gets a position under Deiotarus, tetrarch of Galatia, is taken prisoner in the war with Mithradates, and detained by the latter in Pontus for a number of years. There is thus plenty of scope for the narration of stirring adventure and exciting episode.

While boys will follow with the deepest interest the career of Lucius, they will gain a clear insight into the history and life of the ancient Roman world.

THE UNIVERSE:

OR THE INFINITELY GREAT AND THE INFINITELY LITTLE. A Sketch of Contrasts in Creation, and Marvels revealed and explained by Natural Science. By F. A. POUCHET, M.D. Illustrated by 273 Engravings on wood. 8th Edition, medium 8vo, cloth elegant, gilt edges, 7_s._ 6_d._; morocco antique, 16_s._

"We can honestly commend this work, which is admirably, as it is copiously illustrated."--_Times._

"As interesting as the most exciting romance, and a great deal more likely to be remembered to good purpose."--_Standard._

"Scarcely any book in French or in English is so likely to stimulate in the young an interest in the physical phenomena."--_Fortnightly Review._

CHEEP AND CHATTER:

Or, LESSONS FROM FIELD AND TREE. By ALICE BANKS. With 54 Character Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. Small 4to, cloth, handsome design on cover, 3_s._ 6_d._; gilt edges, 4_s._

About a dozen highly dramatic sketches or little stories, the actors in which are birds, beasts, and insects. They are instructive, suited to the capacities of young people, and very amusing. The character drawings, with which the book is profusely illustrated, are delightfully funny.

"The real charm of the volume lies in the illustrations. Every one is a success. With birds and mice and insects the artist is equally at home; but his birds above all are inimitable."--_Academy._

"This is a very pleasing book for the young. The morals of the stories are very sound, and by no means obtrusive."--_Daily News._

BY G. A. HENTY.

"Surely Mr. Henty should understand boys' tastes better than any man living."--_The Times._

THE LION OF THE NORTH:

A Tale of Gustavus Adolphus and the Wars of Religion. By G. A. HENTY. With 12 full-page Illustrations by JOHN SCHOeNBERG, in black and tint. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6s.

In this story Mr. Henty gives the history of the first part of the Thirty Years' War, a struggle unprecedented in length, in the fury with which it was carried on, and in the terrible destruction and ruin which it caused. The issue had its importance, which has extended to the present day, as it established religious freedom in Germany. The army of the chivalrous King of Sweden, the prop and maintenance of the Protestant cause, was largely composed of Scotchmen, and among these was the hero of the story. In such a time of war and turmoil there was an opportunity for unlimited adventure. But the chief interest of the tale turns on the great struggle between Gustavus and his chief opponents Wallenstein, Tilly, and Pappenheim. The story terminates shortly after the murder of Wallenstein.

WITH CLIVE IN INDIA:

Or the Beginnings of an Empire. By G. A. HENTY, author of "Facing Death," "Under Drake's Flag," "By Sheer Pluck," &c. With 12 full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s_.

The period between the landing of Clive as a young writer in India and the close of his career was critical and eventful in the extreme. At its commencement the English were traders existing on sufferance of the native princes. At its close they were masters of Bengal and of the greater part of Southern India. The author has given a full and accurate account of the historical events of that stirring time, and battles and sieges follow each other in rapid succession, while he combines with his narrative a tale of daring and adventure which gives a lifelike interest to the volume.

"In this book Mr. Henty has contrived to exceed himself in stirring adventures and thrilling situations, while the realities are preserved. The pictures are by Mr. Gordon Browne, who may be congratulated on their success in adding to the interest of the book."--_Saturday Review._

"Among writers of stories of adventure for boys Mr. Henty stands in the very first rank, and Mr. Gordon Browne occupies a similar place with his pencil.... Those who know something about India will be the most ready to thank Mr. Henty for giving them this instructive volume to place in the hands of their children."--_Academy._

"He has taken a period of Indian History of the most vital importance, and he has shown by what means the work was accomplished. He has embroidered on the historical facts a story which of itself is deeply interesting. Young people assuredly will be delighted with the volume as a whole."--_Scotsman._

BY G. A. HENTY.

"Mr. Henty as a boy's story-teller stands in the very foremost rank."--_Glasgow Herald._

THROUGH THE FRAY:

A Story of the Luddite Riots. By G. A. HENTY. With 12 full-page Illustrations by H. M. PAGET, in blank and tint. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s_.

The author in this story has followed the lines which he worked out so successfully in "_Facing Death_." As in that story he shows that there are victories to be won in peaceful fields, and that steadfastness and tenacity are virtues which tell in the long run. The story is laid in Yorkshire at the commencement of the present century, when the high price of food caused by the war and the introduction of machinery drove the working-classes to desperation and caused them to band themselves in that wide-spread organization known as the Luddite Society. There is an abundance of adventure in the tale, but its chief interest lies in the character of the hero, and the manner in which by a combination of circumstances he is put on trial for his life, but at last comes victorious "through the fray."

TRUE TO THE OLD FLAG:

A Tale of the American War of Independence. By G. A. HENTY. With 12 full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE in black and tint. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

Owing to the unsuccessful termination of the war between Great Britain and her American colonies, the subject is one which English writers have for the most part avoided. In the present volume the author has gone to the accounts of English officers who took part in the conflict, and lads will find that in no war in which British soldiers have been engaged did they behave with greater courage and good conduct. The historical portion of the book being accompanied with numerous thrilling adventures with the redskins on the shores of Lake Huron, a story of exciting interest is interwoven with the general narrative and carried through the book.

"Mr. Henty undoubtedly possesses the secret of writing eminently successful historical tales: and those older than the lads whom the author addresses in his preface, may read with pleasure a story which combines with the personal adventures of the youthful hero, an accurate and interesting account of the American War of Independence."--_Academy._

"Mr. G. A. Henty's extensive personal experience of adventures and moving incidents by flood and field, combined with a gift of picturesque narrative, make his books always welcome visitors in the home circle."--_Daily News._

"Very superior in every way. The book is almost unique in its class in having illustrative maps."--_Saturday Review._

BY G. A. HENTY.

"Mr. Henty's books never fail to interest boy readers."--_Academy._

IN FREEDOM'S CAUSE:

A Story of Wallace and Bruce. By G. A. HENTY. With 12 full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE in black and tint. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

In this story the author relates the stirring tale of the Scottish War of Independence and of the exploits of Wallace and Bruce. The extraordinary valour and personal prowess of these historical characters rival the deeds of the mythical heroes of chivalry Roland and Arthur, and indeed at one time Wallace was ranked with these legendary personages. The researches of modern historians have shown, however, that he was a living, breathing man--and a valiant champion. The hero of the tale fought under both Wallace and Bruce, and while the strictest historical accuracy has been maintained with respect to public events, the work is full of "hairbreadth 'scapes" and wild adventure.

"Mr. Henty has broken new ground as an historical novelist. His tale of the days of Wallace and Bruce is full of stirring action, and will commend itself to boys."--_Athenaeum._

"It is written in the author's best style. Full of the wildest and most remarkable achievements, it is a tale of great interest, which a boy, once he has begun it, will not willingly put on one side."--_The Schoolmaster._

"Scarcely anywhere have we seen in prose a more lucid and spirit-stirring description of Bannockburn than the one with which the author fittingly closes his volume."--_Dumfries Standard._

UNDER DRAKE'S FLAG.

A Tale of the Spanish Main. By G. A. HENTY. Illustrated by 12 full-page Pictures by GORDON BROWNE in black and tint. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

A story of the days when England and Spain struggled for the supremacy of the sea, and England carried off the palm. The heroes sail as lads with Drake in the expedition in which the Pacific Ocean was first seen by an Englishman from a tree-top on the Isthmus of Panama, and in his great voyage of circumnavigation. The historical portion of the story is absolutely to be relied upon, but this, although very useful to lads, will perhaps be less attractive than the great variety of exciting adventure through which the young adventurers pass in the course of their voyages.

"A stirring book of Drake's time, and just such a book as the youth of this maritime country are likely to prize highly."--_Daily Telegraph._

"Ned in the coils of the boa-constrictor is a wonderful picture. A boy must be hard to please if he wishes for anything more exciting."--_Pall Mall Gazette._

"It is well illustrated, and is a real good story really well told."--_Punch._

"A book of adventure, where the hero meets with experience enough one would think to turn his hair gray."--_Harper's Monthly Magazine._

BY G. A. HENTY.

"Among writers of stories of adventure for boys Mr. Henty stands in the very first rank."--_Academy._

FOR NAME AND FAME:

Or, Through Afghan Passes. By G. A. HENTY. With 8 full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE, in black and tint. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 5_s._

At a moment when Afghanistan is again the centre of interest, this story of the last war in that country is especially appropriate. The hero is apprenticed to a Yarmouth smacksman whose boat is run down in the North Sea by a ship bound for the East. After being wrecked and going through many stirring adventures among the Malays, he finds his way to Calcutta, and enlists there in a regiment on the point of going north to join the army forming at the mouths of the Afghan passes. He accompanies the force under General Roberts to the Peiwar Kotal, is wounded, taken prisoner and carried to Cabul, he is present at the massacre of the mission, and at the subsequent fights round Cabul. He is then transferred to Candahar, and takes part in the battle of Maiwand, and the final defeat of the army of Ayoub Khan.

THE DRAGON AND THE RAVEN:

Or, The Days of King Alfred. By G. A. HENTY. With 8 full-page Illustrations by C. J. STANILAND, R.I., in black and tint. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 5_s._

In this story the author gives an account of the desperate struggle between Saxon and Dane for supremacy in England, and presents a vivid picture of the misery and ruin to which the country was reduced by the ravages of the sea-wolves. The historical incidents of the struggle, as related by contemporary writers, are faithfully adhered to. The hero of the story, a young Saxon thane, takes part in all the battles fought by King Alfred, and the incidents in his career are unusually varied and exciting. He is driven from his home, takes to the sea and resists the Danes in their own element, and being pursued by them up the Seine, is present at the long and desperate siege of Paris.

YARNS ON THE BEACH.

By G. A. HENTY. With 2 full-page Illustrations. Crown 8vo, cloth extra, 1_s._ 6_d._

These "yarns" of manly prowess and bold adventure are attractive because of their liveliness, and the change from one tale of adventure to another provides something to suit different moods or varying tastes. It is a capital book for a young reader, or a reader who retains a youthful fancy and a fresh appreciation, and seeks diversion from study or work.

BY G. A. HENTY.

"Mr. Henty is one of the best of story-tellers for young people."--_Spectator._

ST. GEORGE FOR ENGLAND:

A Tale of Cressy and Poitiers. By G. A. HENTY. With 8 full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE in black and tint. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 5_s._

No portion of English history is more crowded with great events than that of the reign of Edward III. Cressy and Poitiers laid France prostrate at the feet of England; the Spanish fleet was dispersed and destroyed. Europe was ravaged by the dreadful plague known as the Black Death, and France was the scene of the terrible peasant rising called the Jacquerie. All these stirring events are treated by the author in _St. George for England._ The hero of the story, although of good family, begins life as a London apprentice, but after countless adventures and perils, becomes by valour and good conduct the squire, and at last the trusted friend of the Black Prince.

"Mr. Henty, as a boy's story teller stands in the very foremost rank. With plenty of scope to work upon he has done his work well, producing a strong story at once instructive and entertaining."-- _Glasgow Herald._

"A story of very great interest for boys. In his own forcible style the author has endeavoured to show that determination and enthusiasm can accomplish marvellous results; that courage is generally accompanied by magnanimity and gentleness, and that if not in itself the highest of virtues, it is the parent of nearly all the others, since but few of them can be practised without it."--_Pall Mall Gazette._

"Mr. Henty has developed for himself a type of historical novel for boys which bids fair to supplement, on their behalf, the historical labours of Sir Walter Scott in the land of fiction."--_Standard._

BY SHEER PLUCK:

A Tale of the Ashanti War. By G. A. HENTY. With 8 full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE in black and tint. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 5_s._

The Ashanti Campaign seems but an event of yesterday, but it happened when the generation now rising up were too young to have made themselves acquainted with its incidents. The author has woven, in a tale of thrilling interest, all the details of the campaign, of which he was himself a witness. His hero, after many exciting adventures in the interior, finds himself at Coomassie just before the outbreak of the war, is detained a prisoner by the king, is sent down with the army which invaded the British Protectorate, escapes, and accompanies the English expedition on their march to Coomassie.

"Mr. Henty keeps up his reputation as a writer of boys' stories. 'By Sheer Pluck' will be eagerly read."--_Athenaeum._

"No one could have done the work better than he has done it. The lad must be very difficult to satisfy who is not satisfied with this."--_Scotsman._

"The book is one which will not only sustain, but add to Mr. Henty's reputation. The illustrations are particularly good."--_Standard._

"Written with a simple directness, force, and purity of style worthy of Defoe. Morally, the book is everything that could be desired, setting before the boys a bright and bracing ideal of the English gentleman."--_Christian Leader._

BY G. A. HENTY.

"The brightest of all the living writers whose office it is to enchant the boys."--_Christian Leader._

FACING DEATH:

Or the Hero of the Vaughan Pit. A Tale of the Coal Mines. By G. A. HENTY. With 8 full-page Illustrations by GORDON BROWNE in black and tint. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 5_s._

"Facing Death" is a story with a purpose. It is intended to show that a lad who makes up his mind firmly and resolutely that he will rise in life, and who is prepared to face toil and ridicule and hardship to carry out his determination, is sure to succeed. The hero of the story, though only a colliery lad, is a character that boys will delight in. He is a typical British boy, dogged, earnest, generous, and though "shamefaced" to a degree, is ready to face death in the discharge of duty. His is a character for imitation by boys in every station.

"The tale is well written and well illustrated, and there is much reality in the characters."--_Athenaeum._

"If any father, godfather, clergyman, or schoolmaster is on the look-out for a good book to give as a present to a boy who is worth his salt, this is the book we would recommend."--_Standard._

BY GEORGE MANVILLE FENN.

NAT THE NATURALIST:

Or a Boy's Adventures in the Eastern Seas. By G. MANVILLE FENN, author of "The Golden Magnet," "In the King's Name," &c. Illustrated by 8 full-page Pictures by GORDON BROWNE in black and tint. Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, 5_s._

This is a pleasant story of a lad who, though he is brought up in a strictly quiet fashion by an aunt, has a great desire to go abroad to seek specimens in natural history, and has that desire gratified by an uncle who comes home from distant lands, whence he brings a beautiful collection. The boy Nat and his uncle Dick go on a voyage to the remoter islands of the Eastern seas, and their adventures there are told in a truthful and vastly interesting fashion, which will at once attract and maintain the earnest attention of young readers. The descriptions of Mr. Ebony, their black comrade, and of the scenes of savage life, are full of genuine humour.

"Mr. Fenn has hit upon a capital idea. This is among the best of the boys' books of the season."--_The Times._

"We can conceive of no more attractive present for a young naturalist."--_Land and Water._

"This sort of book encourages independence of character, develops resource, and teaches a boy to keep his eyes open."--_Saturday Review._

"The late Lord Palmerston used to say that one use of war was to teach geography: such books as this teach it in a more harmless and cheaper way."--_Athenaeum._

"One of the best issues, if not absolutely the best, of Defoe's work which has ever appeared."--_The Standard._

THE LIFE AND SURPRISING ADVENTURES OF ROBINSON CRUSOE.

BY DANIEL DEFOE.

Beautifully Printed, and Illustrated by above 100 Pictures Designed by Gordon Browne.

Crown 8vo, cloth elegant, olivine edges, 6_s._

There have been countless editions of "Robinson Crusoe," and they have mostly been imperfect, inasmuch as they have been so largely altered from the original text that the language in many instances has not been that of Defoe but of his revisers. The present volume has been carefully printed from the original edition, and all obsolete or little known terms and obscure phrases are explained in brief foot-notes. The "Editing" is not a corruption or pretended improvement of Defoe's great work.

"The best edition I have come across for years. If you know a boy who has not a 'Robinson Crusoe,' just glance at any one of the hundred illustrations in this edition and you will go no further afield in search of a present for that fortunate youth."--_Truth._

"Of the many editions of Defoe's immortal story that have passed through our hands in recent years, we are inclined to rank this the most desirable as a present for a good boy. Gordon Browne's illustrations satisfy the high expectation we had formed from his work of last year."--_The Academy._

"One may be pardoned for growing enthusiastic over the ideal edition which Messrs. Blackie have published this season. Well printed, handsomely bound, and beautifully illustrated, the volume may well become the standard edition of Defoe's evergreen work."--_Edinburgh Courant._