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A Review of G. A. Henty Short Story Collection Vol. 1

This audio CD contains two of Henty's short stories. Each centers on the results of sacrifice.

  • Byron Snapp
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This audio CD contains two of Henty's short stories. Each centers on the results of sacrifice. The stories are read by Jim Weiss, whose smooth voice quickly engages the listener's ear.

“Frontier Girl” is set on the American frontier in the late 1700s. Young Mary Mitford is alone in her family's cabin. She is busy with her chores and expecting her parents' soon return from the nearby town. Her serenity is suddenly destroyed when she realizes Indians are close at hand and intent on an attack. Her wit and ingenuity must be present and her timing precise if she is to elude the Indians and warn her returning parents. She realizes she must put her life on the line if her parents are to be spared. Henty weaves a fast-paced story that teaches the listener the dangers of frontier life and the bravery that those inhabitants needed to face foes encountered in the outlying portions of young America.

In “Surly Joe” the writer takes us to the English coast in the late 19th century. There we meet Surly Joe a bold, but bitter, aged sea captain. He reminisces about his sacrifice of his two sons years ago in order to save the life of a young girl for whom he was responsible on that perilous day. His loss in the midst of his heroism has made him so surly that now his character is openly marked by his crustiness and grief. Surprisingly, his heart begins to melt by his acquaintance with two small children who begin to play on the shore near him. His willingness to befriend them and give them his time in his latter years leads to a turn of events that surprises Surly Joe.

Readers of Henty books will find his short stories to be enjoyable and educational. In these two stories we are reminded that a heroic response in the midst of danger can lead to personal loss that may have long-term results. These stories provide much discussion material regarding choices and dangers that are a regular part of living in a fallen world. By using a hero and heroine of such different ages, the listener can realize the necessity of conscientious character to be possessed by the young and old.

This CD can be enjoyed on family trips or by individuals and/or families at home. The CD's playing time is one hour and twenty minutes.


  • Byron Snapp

Byron Snapp is a graduate of King College (B.A.) and Reformed Theological Seminary (M.Div.). He was Associate Pastor at Calvary Reformed Presbyterian Church, Hampton, Virginia, from 1994 until his retirement in December 2014. He is a native of Marion, Virginia.  He has had pastorates in Leakesville, Mississippi, and Gaffney, South Carolina.  He served as Assistant Pastor in Cedar Bluff, Virginia prior to his ministry at Calvary Reformed. He has served as editor of the Presbyterian Witness and was a contributor to A Comprehensive Faith and Election Day Sermons. He is currently a member of Westminster Presbytery in the PCA. He and his wife Janey have 3 children and several grandchildren. 

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