English Civil War Adventure for Young Readers
The Children of the New Forest presents Frederick Marryat's classic historical adventure set during England's Civil War, when Roundheads and Cavaliers fought for control of the nation. This Yesterday's Classics edition brings the story to contemporary readers while preserving the original narrative that has captivated audiences for generations.
The Story
The narrative centers on the four children of Colonel Beverley, a staunch Royalist killed in battle fighting for King Charles. When their ancestral home faces destruction, aged forester Jacob Armitage orchestrates their escape to his cottage in the New Forest. Assuming new identities as his "grandchildren," the Beverley children adapt to peasant life, learning essential survival skills and self-reliance.
The children's ingenuity shines through as they construct a pitfall to trap cattle—a plan that catches far more than anticipated and launches them into a series of unexpected adventures. Their resourcefulness and determination help them navigate the dangerous political landscape of 17th-century England as they work toward reclaiming their family estate.
Educational and Literary Value
This novel provides young readers with insight into English Civil War history while delivering an action-packed narrative. The story explores themes of adaptation, family loyalty, and perseverance during political upheaval. Readers gain understanding of the conflict between Royalists and Parliamentarians while following the children's transformation from privileged aristocrats to self-sufficient foresters.
About This Edition
Published by Yesterday's Classics, this paperback edition makes Frederick Marryat's classic literature accessible to contemporary young adult and juvenile readers. The book maintains the original storytelling while presenting it in a format suitable for modern audiences interested in historical fiction and British literature.
An engaging adventure story set in England during the time of the Civil War when King Charles was deposed and the Roundheads were vying with the Cavaliers. The central characters are the four children of staunch Royalist Colonel Beverley killed in battle while fighting for King Charles. Through the efforts of aged forester Jacob Armitage, the children escape the burning of their ancestral home and take up residence with him in his cottage in the New Forest. As his "grandchildren" they take eagerly to the peasant life and learn to provide for themselves by using their wits. The pitfall they build to trap cattle catches more than they bargain for, leading to one adventure after another. Against all odds they deftly maneuver through the treacherous landscape of the times, eventually recovering their family estate.
