The Dragon and the Raven; Or, The Days of King Alfred

The Dragon and the Raven by G.A. Henty is about the tale of Edmund and King Alfred who must go to war against invaders to save the future of England. Excerpt: "Living in the present days of peace and tranquillity it is difficult to picture the life of our ancestors in the days of King Alfred, when the whole country was for years overrun by hordes of pagan barbarians, who slaughtered, plundered, and destroyed at will. You may gain, perhaps, a fair conception of the state of things if you imagine that at the time of the great mutiny the English population of India approached that of the natives and that the mutiny was everywhere triumphant."

George Alfred Henty, known throughout Victorian literary circles as G. A. Henty, was an eminent English writer, best known for his historical adventure novels that inspired a generation of young readers in the late 19th century. Born on December 8, 1832, in Trumpington, near Cambridge, Henty's storied career began after his education at Westminster School and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. A man of myriad experiences, he worked as a special correspondent for The Standard newspaper, which took him to various theatres of war, including the Crimean War and the Italian War of Independence. These experiences deeply influenced his writing, which is characterized by vivid historical detail and an emphasis on duty, bravery, and British imperialism. Henty's work often features young male protagonists who face hardships and adventures in historical contexts. His novel 'The Dragon and the Raven; Or, The Days of King Alfred' stands as a testament to his storytelling prowess, offering readers a dramatic and engaging account of the Viking invasions of England and King Alfred's resolute defense of his kingdom. Henty authored over 80 books, with this particular work underscoring his adeptness at intertwining historical fact with fiction, thus providing an educational and entertaining experience for his audience. He passed away on November 16, 1902, leaving behind a legacy that has endured through the years, shaping the historical understanding and imagination of countless readers.