Through Veld and Forest: An African Story by Harry Collingwood explores themes of adventure, survival, and personal growth in the face of adversity. Central to the narrative is the struggle between civilization and the untamed wilderness, as the protagonist, Edward Laurence, ventures into the African veld to seek justice and restore his family's fortunes. The novel also delves into themes of loss and resilience, as Edward grapples with the brutal death of his parents and the kidnapping of a friend, Nell. His journey is driven by duty, moral resolve, and the desire to protect those he cares about.
Additionally, the story touches on themes of courage and the pursuit of justice, as Edward faces dangers in both the physical landscape and in his internal battles with fear and doubt. The novel reflects the complexities of human nature, highlighting the contrast between the harsh realities of frontier life and the inner strength needed to overcome them. Themes of loyalty, honor, and the quest for redemption run throughout the narrative, set against the backdrop of a violent yet majestic African landscape.
Harry Collingwood was the pseudonym of William Joseph Cosens Lancaster (23 May 1843 - 10 June 1922), a British civil engineer and novelist who wrote over 40 boys' adventure tales, the majority of which were set on the sea. Collingwood was the eldest son of master mariner Captain William Lancaster (1813 - (1861 - 1871)) and Anne, née Cosens. According to his birth certificate, he was born on May 23, 1843 at 9:30 a.m. at Concord Place in Weymouth, Dorset. Collingwood was the first of the couple's three children. He was eight years old when his sister Ada Louise was born, and twelve when his sister Sarah Anne (1 June 1853 - 27 December 1941) was born. Both ladies were listed as draper helpers on the 1871 census. Collingwood's father had died by that time, and his mother lived with her daughters until her death. Ada never married and lived with her sister after leaving her family home. Sarah Anne married Mathew Smellie in St Michaels, Toxteth, Liverpool, Lancashire, on June 30, 1880. Harold Ernest Smellie, born on April 11, 1881, died on April 30, 1961. Harold, Collingwood's nephew, registered his death in 1922.
