Sadly, this was the last book Kingston wrote. He was diagnosed with a rapid fatal illness while he was writing it, and he used the opportunity of bidding his young readers farewell in the Preface. There is a lot of action in the book, from encounters with the Barbary Pirates in what is now called Morocco, to military goings-on in Somerset and Dorset, to trials by Jeffreys, the Chief Justice (or Injustice might be a better name). It's just a little bit confusing! An example of how confusing...

The basic story-line is that there is a fort in the Hudson Bay Territory that needs some stores and materials to be sent to it from another fort about 150 miles away. The journey could be done by canoe, but there are none available at this time. So a party of people are sent overland to fetch what is required. There are encounters with bears and other dangerous animals; there aretimes when they are very hungry and very tired. They encounter both friendly and unfriendly Indians. They borrow...

In "Won from the Waves," Kingston likely tells the story of characters who find themselves in perilous situations at sea, possibly due to shipwrecks or other maritime disasters. The title suggests that the characters may overcome these challenges and emerge victorious, perhaps by displaying courage, resourcefulness, and teamwork.As with many of Kingston's works, "Won from the Waves" likely combines elements of adventure, survival, and moral lessons. The novel may also offer readers insight...

In "Adventures in Africa," Kingston likely takes readers on a thrilling journey through the diverse landscapes and cultures of the African continent. The narrative may follow a group of characters, possibly including explorers, missionaries, or traders, as they encounter various challenges and adventures in their travels across Africa.As with many of Kingston's works, "Adventures in Africa" likely combines elements of adventure, exploration, and moral lessons. The novel may also offer read...

In "Taking Tales," Kingston likely presents a series of thrilling and adventurous stories that captivate the imagination of readers. The tales may involve various settings, such as the high seas, distant lands, or historical events, and feature courageous characters facing challenges, mysteries, and dangers.As with much of Kingston's work, "Taking Tales" likely combines elements of action, exploration, and moral lessons. The stories may also offer readers insights into different cultures, ...

This book is not a series of fictitious adventures of the great Captain Cook, the eighteenth century navigator and explorer, but a straightforward statement of his life and achievements. It is therefore more of a biography than an adventure book for boys. However, the man was so great that his biography can indeed be read as a well-written book of adventures.

This book is not a series of fictitious adventures of the great Captain Cook, the eighteenth century navigator and explorer, but a straightforward statement of his life and achievements. It is therefore more of a biography than an adventure book for boys. However, the man was so great that his biography can indeed be read as a well-written book of adventures. According to Wikipedia: "William Henry Giles Kingston (28 February 1814 - 5 August 1880), writer of tales for boys, was born in Lond...

Fred and his brother have an adult friend, Cousin Giles, who is a naval officer who had served under the boys' father, before injury had compelled his retirement. One day Cousin Giles asks the boys to come with him on a visit to Russia. This was 1856. The boys' mother is glad they are not going too far, such as to the Antipodes. The little party arrive in Russia after some problems with their sea voyage. They tour Saint Petersburg, and then travel a little wider. Meeting various people wit...

According to Wikipedia: "William Henry Giles Kingston (28 February 1814 - 5 August 1880), writer of tales for boys, was born in London, but spent much of his youth in Oporto, where his father was a merchant. His first book, The Circassian Chief, appeared in 1844. His first book for boys, Peter the Whaler, was published in 1851, and had such success that he retired from business and devoted himself entirely to the production of this kind of literature, in which his popularity was deservedly...

Another well-written yarn by Kingston, with a background of Indian territory in the Red River area of North America. Plenty of action, ambushes, shootings, fast rides on horseback, and other incidents apparently typical of the life of those days and in such a place. According to Wikipedia: "William Henry Giles Kingston (28 February 1814 - 5 August 1880), writer of tales for boys, was born in London, but spent much of his youth in Oporto, where his father was a merchant. His first book, The...

Bill's father is a wherry-man in Portsmouth Harbour, who one day has an accident and is killed. Bill's mother is a seller of apples. The whole family are a happy, good-humoured lot. Bill is befriended by a Captain Trevelyan, who offers him a boy seaman's place in his ship, the Lilly. So Bill goes off to sea, knowing that it would be perhaps four years or more before he would see his family again. His companions as boy seamen include Tommy Rebow, a somewhat weaker lad than Bill. The crew ar...

This is a most remarkable book, copiously illustrated with interesting engravings. A young boy and his brother are sent home early from their boarding-school, because of illness among the pupils. Their father is a retired captain in the Royal Navy, who has had a beautiful yacht built. He suggests that the family should spend this lengthened summer holiday sailing round England. This means sailing round the southern part of Scotland, passing through the Caledonian Canal. The boys were instr...