The Cat Of Bubastes
By G A Henty
Preston Speed Publications
G A Henty has written a series of historical fiction books targeted primarily at boys. The story plot usually involves a boy at the age of approximately 12 years old who finds himself admid action set in some of the most pivotal points in history. The main character often is able to interact with some of the most famous characters out of history and is the middle of some of the most important action in the story. While the stories don't alway end well (because history has its share of tragedy) the main character always seems to come out OK in the end.
As with any historical fiction, there is a blend of historical facts and fiction woven together to create an engaging story. The Cat of Bubstes is a story really of Amuba (a young prince from the Rebu people of the land of Canaan) and Chebron (the son of the high priest of Egypt). Amuba, and his body guard are captured in a battle between the Rebu and the Egytians. Carried off to Egypt, with other captives, Amuba and his body guard are sold into slavery and are purchased by the high priest and come to live in his home. It is during this time that Chebron and Amuba (along with Chebron's sister) form a friendship.
Along the way they have adventures such as lion hunting and hippo hunting and they get exposed to the plotting of politics amongst the priest of Egypt. But the trouble really begins when the sacred cat representing one of Egypt's gods dies and a replacement is sought. Chebron's family has several cats, but one stands out more than any other, Faucis. Faucis has all the features required to become the next sacred cat, and is eventually chosen to be the next sacred cat. Everyone in the household is elated with the choice as it is a great honor. But when the boys are hunting birds with their bows and arrows they accidentally kill Faucis, a crime punishable by death. They quickly bury the cat and scramble for ideas as to how to handle this tragedy. They are short on time because there is a search on for the missing cat. It becomes apparent that they are in serious trouble and must flee for their lives.
In their flight, they run into a hebrew girl who is also a slave, take a trading ship up the nile to the furthest outreaches of the Egyptian empire, hide in the shop of a mummy maker and sleep in a cave full of mummies and even run into prince Moses. The story ends happily enough with Amuba and his faithful body guard returning to his people along with Chebron and his sister and the Israelite girl. Amuba is restored to his throne and provides for Chebron the remainder of their days.
Henty's books have long been valued for the detail associated with the historical facts included in the stories. Through these stories, readers can actually learn a great deal about life in the times that each story is set. Henty researched his books and worked to make the material historically accurate and then wove the stories around the factual information. This makes these books a fantastic read for those who want to be engaged by a story but want to know that the facts are accurate (such as how hippos are hunted, or the agricultural aspects of Egypt during this period). For any reader with adequate reading skills, these make excellent reading and you can be comfortable knowing that the stories have moral redeaming qualities as well.
About G. A. Henty
The Boy's Own Historian.
(Taken From Preston Speed Publication-They sell the an entire series of Henty Books beautifully bound: Visit their site at:http://www.prestonspeed.com)
G. A.Henty's life (1832-1902) was filled with exciting adventure. Completing Westminster School, he attended Cambridge University. Along with a rigorous course of study, Henty participated in boxing, wrestling, and rowing. The strenuous study and healthy, competitive participation in sports prepared Henty to be with the British army in Crimea, as a war correspondent witnessing Garbaldi fight in Italy, being present in Paris during the Franco-Prussian war, in Spain with the Carlists, at the opening of the Suez Canal, touring India with the Prince of Wales (later Edward VII) and a trip to the California gold fields. These are only a few of his exciting adventures.
G.A. Henty lived during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) and began his story telling career with his own children. After dinner, he would spend an hour or two in telling them a story that would continue the next day. Some stories took weeks! A friend was present one day and watched the spell-bound reaction of his children suggesting that he write down his stories so others could enjoy them. He did. Henty wrote approx. 144 books plus stories for magazines and was dubbed as "The Prince of Story-Tellers" and "The Boy's Own Historian." One of Mr. Henty's secretaries reported that he would quickly pace back and forth in his study dictating stories as fast as the secretary could record them.
Henty's stories revolve around a fictional boy hero during fascinating periods of history. His heroes are diligent, courageous, intelligent and dedicated to their country and cause in the face, at times, of great peril. His histories, particularly battle accounts, have been recognized by historian scholars for their accuracy. In fact, the only criticism Henty faced by the liberals of his day was that his heroes were "too Christian." There is nothing dry in Mr. Henty's stories and thus he removes the drudgery and laborious task often associated with the study of history.
Henty's heroes fight wars, sail the seas, discover land, conquer evil empires, prospect for gold, and a host of other exciting adventures. They meet famous personages like Josephus, Titus, Hannibal, Robert the Bruce, Sir William Wallace, Sir Francis Drake, Moses, Robert E. Lee, Frederick the Great, the Duke of Wellington, Huguenot leader Coligny, Cortez, King Alfred, and Napoleon just to mention a few. Henty's heroes live through tumultuous historic eras meeting the leaders of that time. Understanding the culture of the time period becomes second nature as well as comparing/contrasting the society of various European and pagan cultures.
Preston/Speed Publications is delighted to offer again the works of G. A. Henty. Action-packed exciting adventure awaits adults and a whole new generation.