G. A. Henty’s By Sheer Pluck: A Tale of the Ashanti War is a classic Victorian-era adventure novel that follows the journey of Frank Hargate, a compassionate and resourceful English boy. Living in a quiet English village, Frank feels out of place due his love of natural history and his friendship with the local doctor, who nurtures his intellect. When his family falls on hard times after his father's death, Frank seizes an opportunity to travel to West Africa as an assistant to a naturalist. His life in England has prepared him well, as his keen powers of observation and deep knowledge of the natural world prove invaluable. However, his true mettle is tested when he is captured by the fierce Ashanti people. Frank’s survival hinges not on brute force, but on his unwavering courage, quick wit, and the respect he earns through his conduct. His escape and subsequent involvement with the British military campaign during the historical Ashanti War of 1873 form the core of this thrilling narrative. Henty uses Frank’s adventures to explore themes of imperialism, cultural encounter, and the Victorian ideals of perseverance and duty. The novel serves as a detailed, if dated, account of a significant colonial conflict, portraying the Ashanti kingdom as a formidable adversary. True to Henty's style, it is an educational adventure that aims to instill values of pluck, integrity, and resilience in the face of adversity, all while providing a window into the geography and politics of 19th-century West Africa.

Table of Contents:

• By Sheer Pluck. Part 1

• By Sheer Pluck. Part 2

• By Sheer Pluck. Part 3

• By Sheer Pluck. Part 4

• By Sheer Pluck. Part 5