The Brave Boys of Derry is a true historical narrative of how courageous young apprentices helped save their besieged Protestant town of Londonderry in 1689.
Mr. W. Stanley Martin was a stationer and was partner in the City of London firm, Martin and Parnham. Boys of Derry, or No Surrender! was written around 1900, and according to Marion Hyde, Librarian of The Gospel Standard Baptist Library who have an undated original, was first published by Morgan Scott, London.
My Impressions:
Brave Boys of Derry or No Surrender! gives an historical account of the 1668 siege of Londonderry, Ireland during the struggle between James II and William III of England. Northern Ireland has long been a point of conflict especially between Roman Catholics and Protestants. Reading this story sheds a little light on the origins of the conflict as well as the hard feelings that run between the two groups. I believe the book was written to show the courage and commitment that the Protestant residents had in defending their town from invaders. And they certainly met the seemingly unsurmountable challenge with fortitude rarely seen today.
Written in the early 1900s, it does have some language that most would find offensive today. The use of the terms popery and romanish would not be used in today’s publications. But the depth of feeling the terms express does bring to light the centuries old fight in Northern Ireland. Originally written for middle school aged children, I would be hesitant to recommend this book without a few disclaimers. However, as an historical study of the conflicts that unfortunately emerge often in the name of Christianity, I think this book fits the bill.
(I received this book from Pump Up Your Book in return for an honest review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.)
Thanks for the nice review of Brave Boys of Derry. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for your wonderful review of this book. I am glad you enjoyed it.