Henty

While Kupelian downplays the words as being spoken by a "fictional character" (and Farber completely misrepresents the level of offensiveness), they appear to be representative of the late 19th century imperialist and racist attitudes in Henty's books.

Terry Krepel: The Question To Ask About Art Robinson's Love of Racist Novels Terry Krepel 2010

While Kupelian downplays the words as being spoken by a "fictional character" (and Farber completely misrepresents the level of offensiveness), they appear to be representative of the late 19th century imperialist and racist attitudes in Henty's books.

Terry Krepel: The Question To Ask About Art Robinson's Love of Racist Novels Terry Krepel 2010

A PBS bio of Henty states that his books "are notable for their hearty imperialism, undisguised racism, and jingoistic patriotism," indicating that they they went out of print for a reason: such attitudes fell out of fashion decades ago.

Terry Krepel: The Question To Ask About Art Robinson's Love of Racist Novels Terry Krepel 2010

One part of "The Robinson Curriculum" is a recommendation that students read as many as possible of the 99 short, classic historical novels for children penned by celebrated British author G.A. Henty (kind of like the "Hardy Boys" books).

Terry Krepel: The Question To Ask About Art Robinson's Love of Racist Novels Terry Krepel 2010

Robinson himself, meanwhile, is on record praising Henty's works: G.A. Henty wrote at a time when the teaching of a deep Christian faith, high moral character, sound ethical principles, a strong work ethic, simple personal humility, and self-confidence based on real accomplishments were considered essential to the education of each young person.

Terry Krepel: The Question To Ask About Art Robinson's Love of Racist Novels Terry Krepel 2010

What guidance is given to homeschooling instructors in addressing the offending passage in "By Sheer Pluck" and other similar offending passages that presumably exist in other Henty books?

Terry Krepel: The Question To Ask About Art Robinson's Love of Racist Novels Terry Krepel 2010

As a result, early in the novel Henty establishes in the minds of his readers where he believes the natives of West Africa stand in the biological evolutionary chain.

Terry Krepel: The Question To Ask About Art Robinson's Love of Racist Novels Terry Krepel 2010

One part of "The Robinson Curriculum" is a recommendation that students read as many as possible of the 99 short, classic historical novels for children penned by celebrated British author G.A. Henty (kind of like the "Hardy Boys" books).

Terry Krepel: The Question To Ask About Art Robinson's Love of Racist Novels Terry Krepel 2010

Obviously, Henty did not become a racist on his own.

Terry Krepel: The Question To Ask About Art Robinson's Love of Racist Novels Terry Krepel 2010

What guidance is given to homeschooling instructors in addressing the offending passage in "By Sheer Pluck" and other similar offending passages that presumably exist in other Henty books?

Terry Krepel: The Question To Ask About Art Robinson's Love of Racist Novels Terry Krepel 2010