From the Pen of R.M. Ballantyne

On the Preeminence of Jesus Christ in Boys’ Literature

“...in all my writings I have always tried — how far successfully I know not — to advance the cause of Truth and Right and to induce my readers to put their trust in the love of God our Saviour, for this life as well as the life to come.” —R.M. Ballantyne, from Personal Reminiscences in Book-Making

On the Detestable Slave Trade

“In writing this book, my aim has been to give a true picture in outline of the Slave-Trade as it exists at the present time on the east coast of Africa. In order to do this, I have selected from the most trust-worthy sources what I believe to be the most telling points of ‘the trade,’ and have woven these together into a tale, the warp of which is composed of thick cords of fact; the woof of slight lines of fiction, just sufficient to hold the fabric together. Exaggeration has been easily avoided, because—as Dr. Livingstone says in regard to the slave-trade — ‘exaggeration is impossible.’ I began my tale in the hope that I might produce something to interest the young (perchance, also, the old) in a most momentous case—the total abolition of the African slave-trade. I close it with the prayer that God may make it a tooth in the file which shall eventually cut the chain of slavery, and set the black man free.” —R. M. Ballantyne

On the Importance That Boys Take Manly Risks

“Boys [should be] inured from childhood to trifling risks and slight dangers of every possible description, such as tumbling into ponds and off of trees, etc., in order to strengthen their nervous system... They ought to practice leaping off heights into deep water. They ought never to hesitate to cross a stream over a narrow unsafe plank for fear of a ducking. They ought never to decline to climb up a tree, to pull fruit merely because there is a possibility of their falling off and breaking their necks. I firmly believe that boys were intended to encounter all kinds of risks, in order to prepare them to meet and grapple with risks and dangers incident to man’s career with cool, cautious self-possession...” —R. M. Ballantyne

Of Melancholy Boys Who Should Not Read Ballantyne

“If there is any boy or man who loves to be melancholy and morose, and who cannot enter into the regions of fun, let me seriously advise him to shut my book and put it away. It was not meant for him.” —R.M. Ballantyne, from the preface to The Coral Islands

What Others Say About R.M. Ballantyne

Ballantyne and the Rich Scottish Legacy of Unbridled Courage

“R.M. Ballantyne was born into Edinburgh’s great 19th century publishing elite. His family firm published both Walter Scott and Thomas Chalmers. No wonder he knew how to spin a classic yarn! His prodigious output of nearly a hundred adventure stories was the natural fruit of the rich Scottish legacy of unbridled courage, undaunted chivalry, literary excellence, Christian virtue, and global vision. I am so grateful that Vision Forum has once again made these rip-roaring tales available. May they inspire the next generation to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with the Lord.” —Dr. George Grant

Ballantyne Helps Boys to Think Like Men

“In today’s world, when a boy turns thirteen, his life may change, but probably not for the better. He becomes a “teenager”; entering into the most selfish and indulgent period of his life. He has no new duties or obligations, no one considers him to be a man, nor has any higher expectations for him. But it was not always that way. There was a time when at the age of thirteen, a young fellow was acting and thinking like a man. He was doing manly things, being courageous and brave, and he put off the childish things of his previous years. But in order for today’s young men to do this, they need an example set before them, an illustration of what manhood is. This is why I love Ballantyne’s books, the main characters of his books always display impeccable manners, and demonstrate a high degree of courage; a very good and biblical model for the boys of this generation. His characters always exhibit a lot of character growth, and the historical representation is always accurate. Ballantyne’s works should be read by all young men who are in the need of surrounding themselves with good, biblical role models.” —Noah J. Botkin, Age 13

He Was the Hero of a Generation of Boys

“The immense popularity of the scores of books he had written for the young men of his day had created a legend regarding their author that made them eager to subscribe to what they hoped would be a lasting monument to perpetuate his name. Led by the boys of Harrow School, a movement started almost immediately when the news of his death reached England. They voted to raise a fund to erect a marble edifice so that later generations would remember the name of the man who had brought them so many hours of excitement and pleasure. Within a few months, over six hundred Pounds ($1,440) had been collected in schools throughout the country, mostly in hard won pennies and sixpence from the pockets of teenage boys. Such a spontaneous gesture by the impecunious schoolboys of Victoria’s Britain is without precedent and nothing of similar nature has ever occurred from that day onwards.” —Eric Quayle, Author