Children's Heroes

CAPTAIN COOK MADE GREAT EFFORTS TO BE FRIENDLY WITH THE NATIVES

Edited by: John Lang
Publisher: E.C. & T.C. Jack, London
Dates: 1905–1910

Authors: E.F. Sellar, John Lang, Jeanie Lang, Andrew Lang, Vautier Golding, Gladys Imlach, J.H. Kelman, Elma K. Paget, Mary Hamiliton, H. E. Marshall, M. Duncan Kelly, Mrs. Elton

The Children's Heroes series was published in the early years of the twentieth century, and has many of the same positive attributes as E. C. and T. C. Jack's "Told to the Children" Series. Instead of focusing on literature however, it is a series of biographies, primarily about historical English men-of-action. Although there are a few heroes from the late middle ages, including Drake and Raleigh, most of the heroes were explorers, missionaries, or soldiers from the 18th and 19th centuries, during the height of the British Empire.

Several of the 'heroes' dealt with in this series were not unambiguously good men, but all lived important and action filled lives, that are of great interest to young people. As with most of the other series produced by E.C. Jack, the books are beautifully illustrated.

Story of Sir Francis Drake   by Mrs. O. Elton
Sir Francis Drake was one of the most colorful characters in Elizabethan England. He was a sworn enemy of the Spanish and spent many years plundering their ships and towns in the new world, both to enrich himself and to strike a blow at England's most threatening enemy. He was only the second European, after Magellan, to pass Cape Horn in South America and sail around the world, but it is his daring feats and audacious exploits against Spain for which he is best known.38 credits

Story of David Livingstone   by Vautier Golding
This biography of Livingstone is a concise and easily read story of the remarkable life of the great African missionary and explorer, David Livingstone. He was born into a humble family in Scotland, but at an early age decided to work as a missionary. He spent his entire life in central Africa serving the natives, working against slavery and demonstrating the best aspects of civilization. 32 credits

Story of H. M. Stanley   by Vautier Golding
H.M. Stanley was a journalist working as a foreign correspondent when he set off for the interior of Africa to find Livingstone. He then continued Livingstone's work of exploration, eventually leading the first European party to navigate the Congo River. Though Stanley admired Livingstone greatly, his temperament and purposes were entirely dissimilar to his patient and selfless predecessor. 32 credits

Story of Columbus   by G. M. Imlach
The Story of Columbus does not end when he discovered the American continents in 1492. In his lifetime he made four voyages to the New World and instead of enjoying honor and rewards, he suffered much due to jealous colleagues and scheming courtiers. The promise of gold brought out the worst in everyone, as this book, which retraces the years both before and after Columbus's great discovery, makes clear. The life of the great explorer provides a fascinating character study in a thoughtful manner appropriate for intermediate readers.35 credits

Story of Sir Walter Raleigh   by M. D. Kelly
Sir Walter Raleigh was one of the most famous courtiers of Queen Elizabeth. He is best known for his efforts to establish an English colonies in the New World, first in Newfoundland, then at Jamestown in Virginia. Raleigh was also a literary figure. He introduced Edmund Spenser (of Faerie Queen Fame), to Elizabeth's court, and wrote several books himself during his long imprisonment under King James I. 38 credits

Story of Joan of Arc   by Andrew Lang
Joan of Arc was a peasant girl with no political connections, and no knowledge of military affairs when she led the armies of France against the English at Orleans, and turned the tide of the 100 years war. The strange story of her rise from obscurity and eventual martyrdom would scarcely be believable if it had not been investigated and recorded in detail while she was still alive, by her mortal enemies, and others who hoped to discredit her. This book tells her story at just the right level of detail for older grammar and middle school students. 36 credits

Story of Robert Bruce   by Jeanie Lang
This story of Robert Bruce, hero of Scotland, is an action packed tale of one of the greatest patriotic heroes of Scotland. Deprived of his crown by Edward I. of England, who had completely subjugated Scotland by the time he came of age, he won back Scotland's independence against terrific odds. With lots of hand-to-hand combat, treachery, and larger-than-life action, the story of Robert the Bruce is one of the greatest adventure-dramas in English history. 47 credits

Story of General Gordon   by Jeanie Lang
General Charles Gordon was an extraordinarily principled officer during the height of the British Empire, who accepted several very challenging assignments, both in China, during the Tae-Ping Rebellion, and in Africa where he opposed the slavers, and tried to bring order and civilization to the Sudan. He was tragically killed during a siege of Khartoum, when the British forces failed to send a relief party to his aid.38 credits

Story of Lord Clive   by John Lang
Robert Clive was a controversial, but extremely effective soldier, who is credited with gaining India for the British Empire. Though he started his career as a mere clerk for the East India Company, he was thrust into a series of adventures during which he showed extraordinary daring, and military genius. He made a great name for himself, and through a series of astounding victories, secured a foothold in several of the most important provinces of India.32 credits

Story of Captain Cook   by John Lang
Captain James Cook is famous for his discoveries of New Zealand and Australia, but his contributions to British naval supremacy were many. He was the most outstanding captain of his age, and the care he took to keep his crews healthy eliminated the threat of scurvy, the great scourge of sailors. His meticulous charts, and attention to detail set a new standard in sea-faring and navigation. 34 credits

Story of Napoleon   by H. E. Marshall
This book tells the story of Napoleon, one of the most outstanding characters in European history, in a manner appropriate for grammar and middle school students. Napoleon was a young Corsican officer at the time of the French Revolution. He distinguished himself first in the French Revolutionary Wars (1792-1798) and by 1804 had established himself as the undisputed head of France and crowned himself emperor. During the following decade he brought all of Europe under his power before losing everything after his disastrous march on Russia. He remains one of the most controversial characters of history. 35 credits

Story of Nelson   by Edmund F. Sellar
Nelson was one of the most popular and romantic naval heroes of all history. He went to sea at an early age, but first made a name for himself at the Battle of St. Vincent, in 1797. From that time until his death at Trafalgar in 1805, he led the British navy in several daring and audacious sea-fights, including the Nile and Copenhagen. His victories gave Britain undisputed control of the seas at a time she was at great threat from an invasion by Napoleon.40 credits

Story of Lord Roberts   by Edmund F. Sellar
Lord Frederick Roberts was the most eminent commander of the British Army in the late 19th century. As a young officer he fought to put down the Indian Mutiny, and spent most of his long career in India. He was involved in campaigns in Burma, Afghanistan, and Abyssinia during the hey-day of Imperial Britain. He was finally called out of retirement to lead the British against the Boers in South Africa at the turn of the 20th century. 39 credits

Story of Abraham Lincoln   by M. A. Hamilton
This easy-to-read biography of Abraham Lincoln is perfect for grammar and middle school students. It is short but detailed enough to give inspiring insights into Lincoln's character so that his heroism during the terrible years of the Civil War can be fully appreciated. The book covers many important events from his childhood and recounts the long political career that eventually led to the White house. The final chapters deal with his leadership during America's greatest trial, and show how his firm conviction, honesty, and perseverance sustained him during our nation's critical hour. 39 credits

Story of Chalmers of New Guinea   by Janet Kelman
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Story of Cromwell   by H. E. Marshall
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Story of Bishop Patterson   by E. K. Paget
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