Westward Ho! is an 1855 British historical novel by Charles Kingsley, set in the Elizabethan era and written in a mock Elizabethan tone. It follows the adventures of Amyas Leigh, who sets sail with Francis Drake and other privateers to the Caribbean, where they battle with the Spanish. Originally targeted at adults, Westward Ho! was deemed suitable for children due to its mixture of patriotism, sentiment and romance, and became a firm favourite of children's literature during the 19th century. In the 21st century it has become less popular because of its anti-Catholicism and its racist attitudes towards indigenous peoples.
Shown here is the frontispiece to the 1899 Frederick Warne & Co edition of the novel.
See the coverIllustration: Walter Sydney Stacey; restoration: Adam Cuerden
This image was chosen at random from a selection of 2. ()