Historic Boys: Their Endeavours, Their Achievements, and Their Times

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

27157

Title

Historic Boys: Their Endeavours, Their Achievements, and Their Times

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This Victorian-era historical biography chronicles the lives of twelve remarkable young men from diverse epochs and cultures, from Roman emperors to Irish chieftains. Blending Stoic philosophy with adventurous storytelling, the book celebrates boyhood virtues like courage, self-reliance, and loyalty. Ideal for young readers seeking inspiring tales of historic figures who shaped the world before reaching adulthood.

Summary up to 500 words

Elbridge S. Brooks presents 'Historic Boys: Their Endeavours, Their Achievements, and Their Times,' a collection of twelve biographical sketches celebrating young men who achieved greatness before reaching adulthood. The volume opens with Marcus of Rome, a sixteen-year-old Stoic appointed prefect of the city. Despite his youth, Marcus navigates complex political intrigue and philosophical rigor, embodying the Stoic ideal of remaining unmoved by passion. The narrative then shifts to Brian of Munster, an Irish chieftain who leads a rebellion against Danish invaders, eventually rising to become the High King of Ireland. Next is Olaf of Norway, a thirteen-year-old Viking who commands a fleet to avenge his father's death, only to face a strategic trap set by the Swedish king. The book continues with William of Normandy, destined to conquer England; Baldwin of Jerusalem, a crusader hero; Frederick of Hohenstaufen, a young emperor; Harry of Monmouth, a general; Giovanni of Florence, a cardinal; Ixtlil' of Tezcuco, a cacique; Louis of Bourbon, a king; Charles of Sweden, a conqueror; and Van Rensselaer, a patroon. Each story emphasizes that manliness and self-reliance are timeless traits. Brooks revises previously published stories from St. Nicholas magazine and adds new ones, ensuring historical accuracy while maintaining an engaging tone for children and adults alike. The work serves as a legacy of noble lives, encouraging readers to be stout-hearted and strong-souled. Brooks argues that the boy of the nineteenth century differs in no way from his predecessors of earlier centuries, as the capacity to bravely front danger, difficulty, or death for principle remains the chief groundwork of character. Through these stirring tales of old, the book bids modern readers to be stout-hearted in the face of danger and strong-souled in spite of temptation, preserving the shining record of glorious deeds and loyal lives.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Biography
• Juvenile literature