The Cornet Of Horse

""The Cornet of Horse: A Tale of Marlborough's Wars"" is a historical fiction novel written by George Alfred Henty and published in 1881. The story is set during the early 18th century and follows the adventures of a young Englishman named Cyril Shenstone, who joins the army as a cornet of horse (a junior cavalry officer) and participates in the War of the Spanish Succession, led by the famous English general, John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough.As a cornet, Cyril is assigned to the regiment of Colonel John North, a stern but fair commander who takes a liking to the young man's courage and determination. Cyril quickly proves himself as a skilled horseman and a brave soldier, earning the respect of his fellow officers and men. He participates in several battles and sieges, including the capture of the French fortress of Lille and the Battle of Malplaquet, where he is wounded and taken prisoner by the enemy.During his captivity, Cyril meets and befriends a French nobleman, the Marquis de Recambours, who teaches him the language and customs of his country. Cyril also falls in love with the marquis's daughter, Isobel, but their relationship is complicated by the war and their different loyalties. When Cyril is finally released from captivity, he returns to England and faces new challenges and adventures, including a duel, a sea voyage, and a secret mission to France.Throughout the novel, Henty provides a vivid and detailed portrayal of the military and social life of the early 18th century, including the tactics, weapons, uniforms, and manners of the soldiers and civilians. He also presents a balanced and nuanced view of the war, showing the bravery and skill of both the English and French troops, as well as the political and personal motives behind the conflict. ""The Cornet of Horse"" is a thrilling and informative novel that combines history, adventure, and romance in a compelling narrative.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.