One of the 28th

One of the 28th: A Tale of Waterloo

by GA Henty

I just finished reading this book by GA Hentry that I found in the "rare" section of a local used book store. I have previously explained why I enjoy reading stories by Henty.

This particular tale is of a young British lad that is captured by French privateers and carried off to the Indies, escapes and finds his way home, falls into a large inheritance, gets an army commission, and fights in the battle of Waterloo.

Not directly related to Socials 10 content, but is great context for the French/English relationship. It also gives background on the defeat of Napoleon (and the reason that Canada is British instead of French). Of course the language is outdated, and Henty does get a little lost in the minutiae of the battle in the last few chapters, but this was a very enjoyable read.

Here is the amazon link:

A Tale of Waterloo, One of the 28th

With Wolfe in Canada

With Wolfe in Canada by G.A. Henty

I enjoy reading historical fiction, and in particular books by GA Henty. They are written awhile ago so the language and opinions are outdated, but that just makes it more interesting. This story follows a young man from Europe to America in the war against France for Canada. He ends up playing a pivotal role in the Battle on the Plains of Abraham. This obviously takes place before 1815 (the starting point for Socials 10) but provides good context. 

Of particular interest in this story is the use of the word "Canadian". Written from a British perspective, "Canadian" refers to the French/Metis fur traders and their First Nations allies. It talks from a pejorative British perspective about how the "Canadians" have taken on First Nations customs, and for example do not always follow European rules of war. So how to respond in kind? Ask the Iroquios to do it... Interesting.

Here is the amazon link:

WITH WOLFE IN CANADA: The Winning of a Continent