"Mass' George: A Boy's Adventures in the Old Savannah" by George Manville Fenn is a captivating historical fiction set in the Southern United States during the Civil War era. The novel follows the adventures of Mass' George, a young boy navigating the complexities of plantation life in the Old Savannah. As Mass' George comes of age, he embarks on a journey filled with adventure and discovery amidst the backdrop of Southern charm and African American culture. Through his eyes, readers witness the rich tapestry of life in the antebellum South, from the sprawling plantations to the bustling streets of Savannah. Fenn masterfully portrays the bonds of friendship that transcend societal boundaries, as Mass' George forms unlikely alliances with people from all walks of life. Yet, looming over their idyllic world is the harsh reality of slavery, casting a shadow over their innocence. Against the backdrop of the Civil War, Mass' George's story unfolds with a blend of excitement and poignancy, capturing the essence of a bygone era. Through his experiences, readers gain insight into the complexities of race, class, and identity, making "Mass' George" a timeless tale of adventure, friendship, and the enduring spirit of childhood innocence.
George Manville Fenn was a very productive author of novels, a writer, an editor, and an educator from England. He was born on January 3, 1831, in Pimlico, London. He mostly learned on his own; he taught himself Italian, French, and German. During the years 1851–1854, he went to Battersea Training College for Teachers and then became the head of a state school in Alford, Lincolnshire. In the early 1850s, Fenn started to write short stories and pieces for newspapers and magazines. The Old Forest Ranger, his first book, came out in 1856. Afterward, he wrote more than 100 books, many of them for teenagers and young adults. He was one of the most famous writers of his time, and his books were well-liked and read by many people. He also worked as a reporter and writer for Fenn. Among the newspapers and magazines, he worked for was The Boy's Own Paper, which he ran from 1866 to 1874. He worked hard to make children's books better and was a strong supporter of education and reading. The Englishman Fenn passed away on August 26, 1909, in Isleworth.
