Westward Ho! (novel)

Westward Ho! is a historical novel written by Charles Kingsley, published in 1855. The full title is Westward Ho! or, The Voyages and Adventures of Sir Amyas Leigh, in the Reign of Her Most Glorious Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

The novel is a patriotic and romantic tale set during the Elizabethan era, focusing on the adventures of Amyas Leigh, a young Devonshire man, as he sails to the New World to battle the Spanish and seek fortune and glory. The narrative follows Leigh's sea voyages, battles against the Spanish Armada, encounters with indigenous populations in the Americas, and his eventual quest for revenge against a Spanish captain, Don Guzman, who is responsible for the death of his brother.

Westward Ho! is known for its vivid descriptions of the English countryside, the high seas, and the exotic landscapes of the Americas. It reflects the prevalent Victorian attitudes toward colonialism, nationalism, and religious conflict. The novel is highly romanticized and presents a somewhat biased view of the historical events it portrays.

The book's success led to the naming of the town of Westward Ho! in Devon, England, which was founded as a result of the novel's popularity and the desire to attract tourism. The exclamation "Westward Ho!" itself became a popular rallying cry and expression of enthusiasm for exploration and adventure. Despite its historical inaccuracies and biases, the novel remains a significant work of Victorian literature, offering insight into the cultural and social values of the time.