The Young Buglers: A Tale of the Peninsular War was published by Griffith and Farran in 1880, making it one of Henty’s earliest boys’ adventure novels. Tom and Peter Doyle, two young English brothers, follow the British Army to the Iberian Peninsula during the Napoleonic Wars, serving as buglers — the boys who relayed orders via bugle calls during battle. The narrative follows Wellington’s campaigns from the early engagements in Portugal through the major battles of the Peninsular War and culminates at Waterloo.
The Peninsular War (1807–1814) was one of Henty’s favorite settings — the combination of guerrilla warfare, set-piece battles, dramatic terrain, and the charismatic figure of Wellington provided ideal material for adventure fiction.
Collecting The Young Buglers
First edition (Griffith and Farran, London, 1880): Cloth binding. One of Henty’s earliest titles.
Market values:
- Fine condition: $400–$1,000
- Very good: $150–$400
- Good: $50–$150
Early Henty titles published by Griffith and Farran (before the long-running Blackie and Son contract) are scarcer and more valuable than the later Blackie editions.
Projected values (2026–2036): Strong appreciation. An early Henty title from the Griffith and Farran period.
Wellington’s Campaigns
The Young Buglers follows two English boys who run away from home to join Wellington’s army in the Peninsular War, serving as buglers and eventually earning their commissions through courage under fire. This is one of Henty’s earliest novels and establishes the template he would follow for 120+ subsequent books: a young protagonist, a major historical campaign, encounters with famous historical figures, and advancement through bravery and resourcefulness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Griffith and Farran editions special? Henty’s earliest novels were published by Griffith and Farran before he moved to Blackie and Son. These early editions had smaller print runs and are substantially rarer than the Blackie books. They are identified by the Griffith and Farran imprint and are among the most sought-after Henty collectibles.