In Greek Waters : A Story of The Grecian War of Independence THE people of the little fishing village of Seaport were agreed on one subject, however much they might differ on others, namely, that Mr. Beveridge was “a wonderful learned man.” In this respect they were proud of him: learned men came to visit him, and his name was widely known as the author of various treatises and books which were precious to deep scholars, and were held in high respect at the universities. Most of the villagers were, however, of opinion that it would have been better for Seaport had Mr. Beveridge been a trifle less learned and a good deal more practical. Naturally he would have been spoken of as the squire, for he was the owner of the whole parish, and his house was one of the finest in the county, which some of his ancestors had represented in parliament; but for all that it would have been ridiculous to call a man squire who had never been seen on horseback, and who, as was popularly believed, could not distinguish a field of potatoes from one of turnips. It was very seldom that Mr. Beveridge ventured outside the boundary-wall of his grounds, except, indeed, when he posted up to London to investigate some rare manuscript, or to pore over ancient books in the reading-room of the British Museum. He was never seen at the meetings of magistrates, or at social gatherings of any kind, and when his name was mentioned at these, many shrugged their shoulders and said what a pity it was that one of the finest properties in the county should be in the hands of a man who was, to say the least of it, a little cracked. Mr. Beveridge’s father, when on a tour in the East as a young man, had fallen in love with and, to the intense indignation of his family, married a Greek lady. Upon coming into possession of the property, two years later, John Beveridge settled down with his beautiful wife at the Hall, and lived in perfect happiness with her until her death. She had had but one child, a boy, the present owner of the Hall, who was twelve years old when she died. Happy as she was with her husband, Mrs. Beveridge had never ceased to regret the sunny skies of her native land. She seldom spoke of it to her husband, who hunted and shot, was a regular attendant at the board of magistrates, and attended personally to the management of his estate. He was a man of little sentiment, and had but a poor opinion of the Greeks in general. But to Herbert she often talked of the days of her childhood, and imbued him with her own passionate love of her native country. This led him at school to devote himself to the study of Greek with such energy and ardour that he came to be considered as a prodigy, and going up to Oxford he neglected all other branches of study, mixed but little with other undergraduates, made no friends, but lived the life of a recluse, and was rewarded by being the only first-class man of his year, the examiners declaring that no such papers had ever before been sent in. Unfortunately for Herbert his father died a few months before he took his degree. He had neither understood nor appreciated his son’s devotion to study, and when others congratulated him upon the reputation he was already gaining at the university, he used to shrug his shoulders and say, “What is the good of it? He has not got to work for his living. I would rather see him back a horse over a five-barred gate than write Greek like Homer.” He had frequently declared that directly Herbert took his degree he would go with him first for a few months up to London, and they would then travel together for a year or two so as to make him, as he said, a bit like other people. Left to his own devices at the death of his father Herbert Beveridge did not even go home after taking his degree, but, writing to the steward to shut up the house, started a week later for Greece, where he remained for three years, by the end of which time he was as perfectly acquainted with modern as with ancient Greek. Then he returned home, bringing with him two Greek attendants, turned the drawing-room into a library, and devoted himself to his favourite study. Three years later he married, or rather his aunt, Mrs. Fordyce, married him. That lady, who was the wife of a neighbouring squire, came over and, as she said, took him in hand.

F.S. Brereton's 'With the Dyaks of Borneo: A Tale of the Head Hunters' is a thrilling adventure novel that is set in the mysterious and dangerous jungles of Borneo. The book follows the story of a group of explorers who find themselves entangled with the indigenous Dyak people, known for their head hunting practices. Brereton's descriptive writing style brings the lush landscapes of Borneo to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the exotic setting of the story. The novel is filled with suspense, action, and cultural insights, making it a captivating read for those interested in adventure literature. Published in 1912, the book is a product of its time when colonialism and exploration were popular themes in literature. Brereton's firsthand knowledge of the region and its inhabitants adds depth and authenticity to the narrative, providing a glimpse into a world that was largely unknown to Western audiences. 'With the Dyaks of Borneo' is a must-read for fans of classic adventure fiction and those fascinated by the cultures of Southeast Asia.

In "Redskin and Cow-Boy: A Tale of the Western Plains" by G. A. Henty, readers are immersed in the wild and adventurous setting of the American frontier during the 19th century. Henty's vivid descriptions, attention to historical detail, and captivating storytelling transport readers to a time when life on the frontier was marked by danger, courage, and resilience. This classic novel reflects the author's meticulous research and his ability to weave a thrilling narrative that educates and entertains simultaneously. The action-packed plot follows the exciting exploits of the main characters as they navigate the challenges of the Western Plains, making this book a must-read for fans of historical adventure literature. G. A. Henty, a prolific writer known for his adventurous stories set in various historical periods, drew inspiration from his interest in history and passion for storytelling to create works that appeal to readers of all ages. His attention to detail and ability to bring history to life through his characters make him a respected figure in the world of historical fiction. Henty's dedication to research and commitment to providing accurate portrayals of historical events shine through in "Redskin and Cow-Boy," showcasing his talent and passion for storytelling. I highly recommend "Redskin and Cow-Boy: A Tale of the Western Plains" to readers who enjoy immersive historical adventures filled with excitement, danger, and courage. G. A. Henty's masterful storytelling and rich historical detail make this book a captivating read for anyone eager to explore the American frontier through the eyes of compelling characters.