George Alfred Henty: The Story of An Active Life - Fenn, George Manville
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«George Alfred Henty: The Story of An Active Life» by George Manville Fenn is a definitive Victorian biography of one of Britain's most prolific boys' adventure writers, published shortly after Henty's death in 1907. This intimate portrait traces Henty's extraordinary journey from sickly Cambridge child to Crimean War volunteer, then to pioneering war correspondent covering nine conflicts across three continents, before becoming the era's dominant writer of historical fiction for young readers. Fenn structures this literary biography around Henty's dual careers, first documenting his…mehr

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Produktbeschreibung
«George Alfred Henty: The Story of An Active Life» by George Manville Fenn is a definitive Victorian biography of one of Britain's most prolific boys' adventure writers, published shortly after Henty's death in 1907. This intimate portrait traces Henty's extraordinary journey from sickly Cambridge child to Crimean War volunteer, then to pioneering war correspondent covering nine conflicts across three continents, before becoming the era's dominant writer of historical fiction for young readers. Fenn structures this literary biography around Henty's dual careers, first documenting his groundbreaking frontline journalism from witnessing Garibaldi's campaigns to reporting on the opening of the Suez Canal then analyzing how these experiences informed his 144 adventure novels. The biography reveals how Henty's military service shaped classics like Under Drake's Flag, with Fenn noting his unique ability to "make history live" through protagonists who embody Victorian ideals of courage and fair play. Particularly valuable are chapters detailing Henty's writing discipline (producing 2,000 words daily before breakfast) and his collaboration with illustrators like Gordon Browne. Fenn also addresses criticisms of Henty's imperialist themes, contextualizing them within late 19th century authors' worldview. The work includes rare personal insights, from Henty's grief after his wife's early death to his mentoring of younger writers like Rider Haggard. For scholars of British novelists, this remains the primary source on Henty's creative process, enriched by Fenn's own expertise as a contemporary children's author. The biography preserves crucial publishing history, including Henty's innovative contract with Blackie & Son that revolutionized royalties for juvenile literature.
Autorenporträt
George Manville Fenn (1831.1909), the biographer behind this pivotal Victorian biography, was himself a towering figure in 19th century authors' circles. A self-educated printer's son who rose to edit Cassell's Magazine, Fenn wrote over 170 books, specializing in boys' adventure writers traditions he shared with Henty. His diverse career spanning teaching, journalism, and pioneering science fiction (The Rosery Folk) gave him unique insight into Henty's creative world. Like his subject, Fenn mastered the art of blending factual precision with narrative drive, seen in his historical novels like Crown and Sceptre. The literary biography benefits from their personal friendship; Fenn draws on private correspondence to reveal Henty's work habits and debates with publishers. Fenn's final work before his 1909 death, this biography stands as both tribute and critical study by a peer who understood the challenges of satisfying both young readers and the British novelists' establishment. Modern scholars value it for preserving publishing practices and readership trends of the Edwardian era.