In 'Hair-Breadth Escapes: The Adventures of Three Boys in South Africa' by H. C. Adams, readers are taken on a thrilling journey through the heart of South Africa. The book, written in a vivid and descriptive style, captures the essence of the African landscape and wildlife, as three young boys navigate through dangerous encounters and narrow escapes. Adams' detailed descriptions immerse readers in the literary context of 19th-century adventure novels, combining elements of coming-of-age stories with the excitement of exploration in a distant land. The fast-paced narrative keeps readers on the edge of their seats as the boys face countless challenges and overcome tremendous odds. H. C. Adams, known for his passion for travel and exploration, draws from his own experiences in South Africa to craft a story that is both entertaining and educational. His deep understanding of the African wilderness shines through in the rich tapestry of sights and sounds he weaves into the narrative, making 'Hair-Breadth Escapes' a compelling and authentic read. I highly recommend 'Hair-Breadth Escapes: The Adventures of Three Boys in South Africa' to readers who enjoy adventure stories set in exotic locations, as well as those interested in the historical and cultural aspects of South Africa. Adams' immersive storytelling and captivating characters make this book a must-read for fans of classic adventure literature.

I PRESUME it is right that prefaces should be written, though it is hard to say why, as they are very seldom read. Their chance of being perused is still more diminished when they are written in connection with any stirring narrative which is sure to interest the mind and touch the heart. Just in proportion to the interest of the book itself, is the preface liable to be overlooked. Such an appendage to a volume like this, therefore, is indeed a superfluity; for who would care to postpone the melancholy excitement of listening to this piercing cry from the land of the slave, for the sake of a tantalising, and, possibly, irrelevant introduction? The only object to be served by these preliminary lines, will be to use them as a means of making the author of this thrilling narrative better known personally to his readers this side the ocean. For, though the book itself is professedly an autobiography, there are some few circumstances which a man cannot relate so easily of himself as a friend can relate for him. Of Mr. Troy's mental qualities, and his graphic powers, I need say nothing, as both speak out in the narrative he has written. But of his sterling attributes of heart, those only who know him intimately can form a true idea. A real man and a finished gentleman, the author of this little book stands forth as another living contradiction of the doctrine which disparages the African as gifted with inferior intellect and possessed of baser feelings than the European; and he shows that colour is no barrier to the attainment of high culture and scholarship, and no hindrance to the possession of a delicately attuned emotion. If I were to say more, I might be betrayed into the exaggerations, which the partiality of a strong admirer and an attached friend can hardly suppress, and I must, therefore, leave Mr. Troy's book to speak for him as well as for itself. It needs but a small spark to kindle the magazine of British indignation against the American slave system, and many such sparks will be found in this book. We are told that some men have hearts of stone--there is hope of fire being struck even from them when the iron of the captive's fetters rings against them. But it is not merely the passing sigh of a regretful sympathy that this little volume seeks to evoke. It would fain give to that sigh an articulate sound, and direct it in earnest prayer before the throne of Him "who hath made of one blood all nations of men to inhabit the earth"--on behalf of the slave.

A collection of the author's favorite twenty adventure stories from the last eleven years