Mayne Reid

Texas in the 19th century. The War with Mexico is still a recent memory, marauding Comanches are a daily threat for new settlers of the Lone Star State. Louise Poindexter, a beautiful newcomer, is courted by two men - the arrogant and vindictive Cassius Calhoun and the dashing but poor mustanger Maurice Gerald. Calhoun plots to eliminate his rival when tragedy strikes: Louise's brother, the young Henry Poindexter is murdered. All clues point to Maurice Gerald as the assassin. At the same time an eerie rider is spotted in the environs of the Poindexter plantation - a horseman without a head! Is it the ghost of Henry Poindexter crying out for revenge? Is it the Devil himself laying claim to the blood-tainted land? Many puzzling and frightful events will take place before the mystery of the Headless Horseman is solved and the murderer of Henry Poindexter is brought before Justice.

The Headless Horseman

This novel was originally published in 1859. Mayne Reid, a pre-eminent and popular writer, was primarily a novelist (1818-1883) who wrote adventure stories from just before the Civil War until his death in 1883. Reid's career included two periods in the U. S: 1840-49 and 1867-70. He had emigrated to the United States in his early twenties, reaching New Orleans in January, 1840, where he pursued a varied career as a shopkeeper, overseer of slaves, schoolmaster, and actor, with occasional forays into hunting and Indian warfare. Reid returned to England in 1849, and embarked upon a successful career as a writer of adventure novels and books for boys He was a close friend of Poe (though their writings were miles apart), played a gallant role in the Mexican War, worked as a journalist and wrote most of his first novel while in the United States. He was an influence on the young mind of Teddy Roosevelt, as Roosevelt reveals in his Autobiography; while Arthur Conan Doyle wrote in his 1890s essay "Juvenilia" that when young he always kept "Mr. Ballantyne or Captain Mayne Reid at my elbow"; Robert Louis Stevenson praised Reid in the Vailima Letters, and J. Frank Dobie has said he, "dared convey real information in his romances."

The Red Fawn of the Flower Land

Osceola the Seminole

"The Plant Hunters: Adventures Among the Himalaya Mountains" by Mayne Reid. Published by Good Press. Good Press publishes a wide range of titles that encompasses every genre. From well-known classics & literary fiction and non-fiction to forgotten−or yet undiscovered gems−of world literature, we issue the books that need to be read. Each Good Press edition has been meticulously edited and formatted to boost readability for all e-readers and devices. Our goal is to produce eBooks that are user-friendly and accessible to everyone in a high-quality digital format.

The Plant Hunters: Adventures Among the Himalaya Mountains

Thomas Mayne Reid (1818-1883), was an Irish- American novelist. "Captain" Reid wrote many adventure novels akin to those written by Frederick Marryat and Robert Louis Stevenson. These novels contain action that takes place primarily in untamed settings: the American West, Mexico, South Africa, the Himalayas, and Jamaica. Reid had his first poem published in Godey's Lady's Book under the pseudonym "A Poor Scholar." Books such as The Young Voyagers (1853) had great popularity, especially with boys. He was also very popular around the world; his tales of the American West captivated children everywhere, including Europe and Russia. Among his books, many of which were popular in translation in Poland and Russia, were The Rifle Rangers (1850), Scalp Hunters (1851), Boy Hunters (1853), War Trail (1851), Boy Tar (1859), and Headless Horseman (1865/6).

The White Chief

The Guerilla Chief and Other Tales

A Tale of the Flowery Land

The Half-blood

The Death-shot: a Tale Retold

A Strange Tale of Texas

Or, Adventures Among the Himalaya Mountains

The Plant Hunters

“A Plant-Hunter! what is that?“We have heard of fox-hunters, of deer-hunters, of bear and buffalo-hunters, of lion-hunters, and of 'boy-hunters;' of a plant-hunter never.“Stay! Truffles are plants. Dogs are used in finding them; and the collector of these is termed a truffle-hunter. Perhaps this is what the Captain means?”No, my boy reader. Something very different from that. My plant-hunter is no fungus-digger. His occupation is of a nobler kind than contributing merely to the capricious palate of the gourmand. To his labours the whole civilised world is indebted—yourself among the rest. Yes, you owe him gratitude for many a bright joy. For the varied sheen of your garden you are indebted to him. The gorgeous dahlia that nods over the flower-bed—the brilliant peony that sparkles on the parterre—the lovely camelia that greets you in the greenhouse,—the kalmias, the azaleas, the rhododendrons, the starry jessamines, the gerania, and a thousand other floral beauties, are, one and all of them, the gifts of the plant-hunter. By his agency England—cold cloudy England—has become a garden of flowers, more varied in species and brighter in bloom than those that blossomed in the famed valley of Cashmere. Many of the noble trees that lend grace to our English landscape,—most of the beautiful shrubs that adorn our villas, and gladden the prospect from our cottage-windows, are the produce of his industry. But for him, many fruits, and vegetables, and roots, and berries, that garnish your table at dinner and dessert, you might never have tasted. But for him these delicacies might never have reached your lips. A good word, then, for the plant-hunter!

The Plant Hunters, Or, Adventures Amoung the Himalaya Mountains

In "The Boy Slaves," Mayne Reid weaves a gripping narrative that delves into themes of adventure, survival, and the stark realities of human trafficking. Set against the backdrop of the American South, the novel unfolds the harrowing journey of young boys who find themselves ensnared in the brutal world of slavery. Reid's literary style combines vivid descriptions with fast-paced plotting, characteristic of the adventure fiction genre of the 19th century, while simultaneously addressing moral quandaries that resonate even today. The book serves as a crucial reflection on the social issues surrounding slavery, showcasing Reid's adeptness in highlighting the plight of the vulnerable through suspenseful storytelling and rich characterizations. Mayne Reid (1818-1883) was a prominent American author best known for his adventure novels, which often featured young protagonists facing perilous challenges. Reid's background as an Irishman who emigrated to America and his experiences in the military and as a journalist deeply influenced his perspective and writing style. His deep empathy for the underdog and acute awareness of societal injustices are evident in "The Boy Slaves," a work that emerged during a time of intense abolitionist discourse. This book is highly recommended for readers interested in historical fiction that does not shy away from uncomfortable truths about human nature and society. Reid'Äôs compelling narrative offers not only entertainment but also serves as a sobering reminder of the past, making it an essential read for those who wish to engage with literature that encourages reflection on moral and ethical issues.

A Riveting Tale of Survival and Resilience in the 19th Century American Frontier

The Boy Slaves

The Tiger-hunter

The Tiger-hunter; Or, A Hero in Spite of Himself

The Fatal Cord

Or the Hunt of the Wild Horse ; a Romance of the Prairie

The War-trail

The Young Voyageurs, Or The Boy Hunters in the North

In "The Quadroon: Adventures in the Far West," Mayne Reid weaves a compelling narrative set against the backdrop of the American frontier during the 19th century. The novel's literary style is characterized by vivid descriptions and fast-paced adventure, employing both romanticism and realism to explore themes of race, identity, and the extremes of human experience. Reid's attention to geographical detail and his authentic portrayal of Native American cultures serve to enhance the credibility of the tale, positioning it within the context of the western genre while also offering critique on societal norms of his time. Mayne Reid, a Scottish-American author born in 1818, was deeply influenced by his own adventurous experiences as a hunter and explorer in North America. His travels among various indigenous tribes and his engagement with the complexities of race relations during his era profoundly shaped his literary output. Reid's understanding of the cultural conflicts prevalent in the West lends a unique authenticity and depth to "The Quadroon," illuminating the nuanced interactions between characters of diverse backgrounds. For readers interested in historical adventure and social commentary, "The Quadroon" presents a rich tapestry of excitement and moral inquiry. Reid's narrative transcends mere entertainment; it invites readers to reflect on the racial dynamics and ethical dilemmas of frontier life, making it an essential read for anyone interested in the complexities of American history and literature.

Mayne Reid

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