Author: G. A. Henty

Publisher:

Published: 2020-01-11

Total Pages: 267

ISBN-13: 9781658911504

In the Reign of Terror is one of over one hundred historical fiction novels written by G.A. Henty, who is considered to be "the most popular nineteenth-century English writer of historical fiction for boys."[1] These novels combine the popular adventure fiction genre with historical settings and events, writing from the prospective of a protagonist living through a specific historical period. Typically historical fiction operates on an artistic license that permits some deviation from the details of a historical setting, providing that events and historical figures not be too dramatically altered. Harry's life and experiences in France are set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. The narrative depicts important events and figures of the Revolution, including the September Massacres, the Drownings at Nantes, and Robespierre.he novel is part of the large and popular subgenre of 19th-century boy's adventure fiction. G.A. Henty was among the first writers to popularise the genre for children. Like much of the work of this genre, In the Reign of Terror is a novel directed at young boys and written from the perspective of a young boy. Adventure fiction of this period and style often emphasises British imperialism and nationalism, and serves as a manual of British morals and cultural values. Harry, as a protagonist, is "frank and pragmatic" and "embodies liberal virtues of individual courage and accomplishment."[1] He is positioned as an idealised image of British boyhood: noble, virtuous, intelligent, and self-sufficient. Conventions of the genre present in the novel include the boyhood adventures Harry embarks upon while living at the St. Caux chateau, Harry's brave and quick-witted rescues of the St. Caux daughters as he helps them flee to England, and the commentary on British and French class structures and the superiority of British masculinity and strength.