Through the Fray

The Henty Historical Novel Collection

By: George Alfred Henty

Narrated by: Jim Hodges

Bring history back to life through this historically accurate and edifying program read by Jim Hodges.

The story is laid in Yorkshire in 1812, when the introduction of machinery and high price of food induced by the Napoleonic Wars, drove the working classes to desperation, and caused them to band themselves in that widespread organization known as the Luddite Society. There is an abundance of adventure in the tale, but its chief interest lies in the character of the hero, and the manner in which he is put on trial for his life, but at last comes victorious “through the fray.”

The Henty Historical Novel Collection, written by George Henty in the 1800s, covers many time periods in history throughout the world. In this collection, you will learn history, geography, and vocabulary while also discovering hero characters for your children to emulate. Study guides to enrich your learning experience are available at jimhodgesaudiobooks.com.

Public Domain (P)2015 Jim Hodges Productions

Ned Sankey and the Luddites

This story takes place against the backdrop of civil unrest against mechanization of the textile industry in English (1811-1817).

The Luddites were a secret oath-bound group of textile workers, a radical faction which destroyed textile machinery. They protested against manufacturers who used automated machines, fearing that their craft and income would be lost, as machines replaced their role in the industry.

The main character Ned Sankey is given a character flaw in the form of a violent temper which is sorely tested when he stands accused of his step-father's murder. He is aquitted at trial, but must live under a shadow, until his name is cleared by a Luddite leader'd death-bed confession.

The other characters are also more developed than in some of Henty's stories, but the happy ending is typically stereotypical.