G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
With Frederick the Great: A Story of the Seven Years' War
"With Frederick the Great: A Story of the Seven Years' War" by G. A. Henty is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of the Seven Years' War, the story follows a young Scottish lad, Fergus Drummond, as he navigates the complexities of war and his own personal ambitions while serving under Frederick the Great, the King of Prussia. The narrative intertwines themes of bravery, loyalty, and the struggles of a smaller nation against powerful adversaries. The opening of the novel introduces Fergus Drummond, who, after a tumultuous childhood marked by the loss of his father at the Battle of Culloden, embarks on a journey to seek his fortune in the Prussian army. After receiving a letter from his cousin, Marshal James Keith, Fergus leaves Scotland for Berlin, where he quickly becomes acclimated to military life. The beginning details his background, his mother’s sacrifices, and his preparation for a life filled with adventure and service. He arrives in Berlin just as tensions are rising, with the threat of war looming, setting the stage for Fergus's development as a soldier in a desperate struggle for Prussian survival.