(Newswire.net — December 2, 2014) Thomson, Illinois — The best author you have never heard of also may be one of the best authors to teach your children history.
So says historian and children’s audio theater producer Bill Heid, whose newest blog tells why 19th-century British author G.A. Henty is gaining in popularity in the United States.
Heid’s newest audio movie, In Freedom’s Cause, is based on a Henty book by the same name.
Henty wrote historical adventure stories – based on real events – that appeal especially to children, although adults enjoy them, too.
“Henty shows us that there is a fun way to learn about history,” Heid wrote. “It is a great tragedy that many approaches to teaching history leave students bored and disinterested. There is a reason that history has gained the reputation for being dry as dust. But history can and should be one of the most fascinating studies of all.
“One great way to make it so is to learn history through the experience of biographies or narratives set in various historical contexts. Henty was a student of the history he wrote about, and as a war correspondent he even had first-hand experience in some of those particular settings. He was able to bring history to life.”
Heid’s blog, “What’s Fueling The New Popularity Of G. A. Henty In America?,” lists five reasons why Henty is more well-known now than he was just two decades ago. One reason Henty is popular, Heid said, is simply because people enjoy adventure.
“Who doesn’t enjoy a rousing tale of action, suspense and maybe even a narrow escape or two from danger?” Heid asked. “There is something to be said for a good, quiet life, but there is also, deep inside all of us, a part that clamors for involvement in something big and great. (Something outside!) This is G.A. Henty at his best … helping children see adventure as primarily based in courage. Henty also demonstrates that true adventure can also have a righteous cause.”
In Freedom’s Cause recounts the true story of 14th-century Scottish hero William Wallace (1270-1305), spotlighting his Christian faith in a way that modern-day renditions such as Braveheart do not. It was released by Heirloom Audio Productions.
It features Skandar Keynes (Edmund of The Chronicles of Narnia series), Joanne Froggatt (Anna Bates of Downton Abbey), Billy Boyd (Pippin of The Lord Of The Rings) and James Cosmo (Campbell, Father Christmas of Braveheart and The Chronicles of Narnia, respectively), as well as a score by composer John Campbell (Lamplighter Theatre, Focus on the Family Radio Theatre, Adventures in Odyssey).
Heid’s first project, Under Drake’s Flag, told the true story of English hero Sir Francis Drake (c. 1540-1596). It also is based on a Henty book.
They have received high marks from homeschooling expert and curriculum reviewer Cathy Duffy.
“While other publishers have created outstanding audio recordings, both abridged and unabridged, the new presentations from Heirloom Audio are really something special,” Duffy wrote. “The script writers, the sound engineer, the actors, the creator of the musical score, and others involved in making these productions have been involved in major, critically-acclaimed productions, and their expertise shows! These are really top-notch, audio theater experiences as well as an entertaining way to learn some history.”
They are recorded in the same genre as Adventures In Odyssey. Actress Chris Anthony – who hosted Adventures In Odyssey on radio – was impressed.
“I haven’t been this excited since the beginning of Adventures In Odyssey,” Anthony said.
Under Drake’s Flag was named Favorite Audio Drama of 2014 by SchoolhouseReviewCrew.com, a major homeschooling website comprised of 200 families who review products. For more information, visit UnderDrakesFlag.com.
For more information on In Freedom’s Cause, visit InFreedomsCause.com.