Westward Ho! Or, The Voyages and Adventures of Sir Amyas Leigh, Knight, of Burrough, in the County of Devon, in the Reign of Her Most Glorious Majesty Queen Elizabeth

"Westward Ho!" by Charles Kingsley is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century that celebrates the spirit of adventure and exploration during the Age of Elizabeth. The narrative follows young Amyas Leigh, who hails from Devon and is inspired by the exploits of famous mariners like Sir Francis Drake. As Amyas dreams of sailing the seas and fighting the Spaniards, he encounters various characters, including the charismatic adventurer John Oxenham, setting the stage for his own voyages and adventures. The opening of "Westward Ho!" immerses readers in the picturesque seaside town of Bideford, where the protagonist, Amyas Leigh, is captivated by tales of sailors and treasure. A lively conversation among sailors in a tavern reveals a past adventure filled with riches and conflict, fired by Oxenham’s bold recounting. Through vivid descriptions of the scenery and the characters’ interactions, Kingsley establishes a vibrant sense of community and sets the tone for Amyas's budding aspirations. The beginning captures both the youthful ambition of Amyas and the historical context of maritime exploration, drawing readers into a world of adventure and national pride. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Charles Kingsley was a broad church priest of the Church of England, a university professor, social reformer, historian, novelist and poet. He is particularly associated with Christian socialism, the working men's college, and forming labour cooperatives, which failed, but encouraged later working reforms.