In 'One of the 28th: A Tale of Waterloo' by G. A. Henty, readers are taken on a thrilling journey back to the historical context of the Battle of Waterloo. Henty's vivid and detailed descriptions of the battle scenes bring to life the brutality and chaos of war, offering a unique insight into the experiences of soldiers during this pivotal moment in European history. The author's fast-paced narrative style keeps readers on the edge of their seats, while also shedding light on the values of duty, honor, and sacrifice that are central to the military ethos of the time. Henty's portrayal of the camaraderie among soldiers adds depth and poignancy to the story, making it a compelling read for history buffs and adventure lovers alike. G. A. Henty, a prolific writer of historical fiction, drew on his own experiences as a war correspondent to create this gripping account of the Battle of Waterloo. His meticulous research and attention to detail lend authenticity to the novel, making it a valuable resource for those interested in military history. I highly recommend 'One of the 28th: A Tale of Waterloo' to readers who enjoy action-packed historical fiction that is both entertaining and educational.

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.

THE invasion of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies by Garibaldi with a force of but a thousand irregular troops is one of the most romantic episodes ever recorded in military history. In many respects it rivals the conquest of Mexico by Cortez. The latter won, not by the greater bravery of his troops, but by their immense superiority in weapons and defensive armour. Upon the contrary, Garibaldi’s force were ill-armed and practically without artillery, and were opposed by an army of a hundred and twenty thousand men carrying the best weapons of the time, and possessing numerous and powerful artillery. In both cases the invaders were supported by a portion of the population who had been reduced to a state of servitude, and who joined them against their oppressors. There is another point of resemblance between these remarkable expeditions, inasmuch as the leaders of both were treated with the grossest ingratitude by the monarchs for whom they had gained such large acquisitions of territory. For the leading incidents in the campaign I have relied chiefly upon Garibaldi’s Autobiography and the personal narrative of the campaign by Captain Forbes, R.N. ON April 29th, 1849, two men were seated in a room whose open windows commanded a view down the Tiber. A sound of confused uproar rose from the city. “I am afraid, Leonard,” the elder of the two men said, “that the crisis is at hand. The news that the French are landing to-day at Civita Vecchia is ominous indeed. It is true that Oudïnot has sent a message saying that the flag he has hoisted is that of peace and order. The people will not believe that he comes as an enemy; but, for my part, I have no doubt of it.” “Nor have I,” the other replied. “It was bad enough that we had Austria against us, Sardinia powerless, and all the princelings of Italy hostile; but that France, having proclaimed herself a republic, should now interfere to crush us and to put the Pope back upon his throne is nothing short of monstrous. I feared that it would be so, but Mazzini had so much faith in his influence with members of the French Assembly that he has buoyed up the hopes of the populace, and even now the people generally believe that the French come as friends.” “It is doubtless the influence of their new president, Napoleon, that has turned the scale against us,” the other said gloomily. “I do not suppose that he cares about the Pope one way or the other, but it is his interest to pose as his champion. By so doing he will gain the good opinion of Austria, of Naples, and the ducal rulers of the Italian states. Even Prussia, protestant as she is, would view with satisfaction the suppression of a rising like ours, for her throne well-nigh tottered in last year’s explosion. Russia, too, which perhaps more than any other power has reason to fear a popular rising, would feel grateful to Napoleon for undertaking to crush free thought in Rome. It is evident that the French President’s move is a politic one. Do you think that we shall fight, Leonard?” “I fancy so. I have no belief in Mazzini’s courage, president though he may be. Garibaldi is the popular hero, and I know him well enough to be sure that if he has but a handful of men to back him he will fight till the end. We had the odds as heavily against us when we were comrades-in-arms at Rio, with but the Susie and a merchantman with three or four guns against the whole Brazilian navy, or when, with the Italian volunteers, two hundred strong, we several times withstood the assault of five times our number. You will see we shall fight; but there can be no question what the end must be. We may repulse Oudïnot’s attack; but France could send any amount of reinforcements to him, while we have no friends to go to. It is well that your wife, Muriel, and the boy were sent off a month since to Leghorn, where, if we escape from what must happen here, we can join them and take ship for England.”