By England's Aid; Or, the Freeing of the Netherlands, 1585-1604

By England's Aid; Or, the Freeing of the Netherlands, 1585-1604 is a historical fiction novel by G. A. Henty. Henty was an English novelist and war correspondent. Excerpt: "But the sights that the boys had been so longing to see had for the time lost their interest in their eyes. The idea that it was possible that Mr. Vere would take them with him to fight against the cruel oppressors of the Low Country was so absorbing that they could think of nothing else. Even the wonders of the Guildhall and St. Paul's received but scant attention, and the armourers' shops, in which they had a new and lively interest, alone sufficed to detain them. Even the gibes of the apprentices fell dead upon their ears. These varlets might laugh, but what would they say if they knew that they were going to fight the Spaniards? The thought so altered them that they felt almost a feeling of pity for these lads, condemned to stay at home and mind their masters' shops."

George Alfred Henty, often recognized by his initials, G. A. Henty, was a prolific English novelist and a special correspondent who lived from 1832 to 1902. He is celebrated for his historical adventure stories that entertained and educated an entire generation of young readers. Henty's works ingrained in them a sense of moral courage and stalwart character during the height of the British Empire. One of his notable works, 'By England's Aid; Or, the Freeing of the Netherlands, 1585-1604' takes its readers on an adventure through the tumultuous period of the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule, embodying Henty's propensity for framing historical events within personal and adventurous narratives. His literary style often involved a young protagonist achieving heroic deeds, which appealed particularly to the young boys of his day, reinforcing Victorian ideals of the time.

Henty's catalog of over 70 books has left a mark on the historical fiction genre, with his influence extending well beyond his lifetime. Despite modern criticism for certain dated perspectives, his work remains a reference for the portrayal of British imperialism and Victorian society in literature. Henty's technique of blending history with exciting storytelling ensures his continued relevance and readership in education and entertainment.