6 h 56 minAudiobook4 minSummaryRead it, hear it, the 15-minute summary, and print and large print at costPaperback · 6 × 9 in · printing soonHardcover · 6 × 9 in · printing soonAbout this book
What happens when a young American reaches dangerous country before the army does?
In Ahead of the Army, William O. Stoddard puts a young American out in front of marching soldiers during the Mexican-American War. The road toward Mexico City holds secrets, espionage, and narrow escapes. Beyond the army’s reach, travel means danger, and the young traveler must face more responsibility than his age would usually bring.
This is military history seen from the ground, told through the movement and suspense of an old-fashioned adventure. Stoddard follows a young person growing up under pressure, with the war between the United States and Mexico as his setting. The appeal lies in the journey: dangerous places, uncertain encounters, and the strain of being ahead of the soldiers.
What you’ll discover
- Beyond the marching soldiers Follow a young traveler into places the army has not yet reached.
- Secrets on the road Espionage and narrow escapes give the journey its sense of danger and suspense.
- History close to the ground See a military campaign through a young American’s passage across dangerous country.
- Responsibility comes early Explore what growing up means when war asks more of a young person.
- Adventure plainly told Enjoy Stoddard’s lively storytelling, where travel and danger carry lessons about responsibility.
Is it for you?
This book suits readers who enjoy old-fashioned adventure, military history told as fiction, and stories of young people in danger. If you want subtle modern psychology or a balanced modern view of the war, you may find it less suited.
What’s inside
The key ideas, in the 15-minute summary
- A war that shaped two nations
- A young hero goes ahead of the army
- Stoddard and the boys' adventure tradition
- What the book is really about
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- 15-minute summary
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- Large print hardcover
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Por delante del ejército
by William O. Stoddard· 1903
A young American travels ahead of soldiers during wartime.
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Language: Español
From the 15-minute summary · Key idea 1 of 4
A war that shaped two nations
The Mexican-American War lasted from 1846 to 1848. It grew out of a dispute over borders, especially after Texas joined the United States. American armies advanced on several fronts, and the conflict ended with Mexico giving up large lands in the West.
A story set in this war has a wide stage. There are long marches, hot and rough country, small towns, mountain roads and one great goal, the capital, Mexico City. Readers of Stoddard's day knew the war as recent history, and his book draws on that shared memory.
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The author
William O. Stoddard
1835–1925 · American novelist
William Osborn Stoddard (1835–1925) was an American writer and government official. He was born in Homer, New York, and died in Madison, New Jersey. He served as a secretary to President Abraham Lincoln from 1861 to 1864. He wrote biographies and novels for young readers, including Ahead of the Army.
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Who was William O. Stoddard?
He was an American journalist, inventor and author who died in 1925. He is known for serving as a secretary to Abraham Lincoln and for writing many adventure novels for young readers.
What is Ahead of the Army about?
It is an adventure novel set during the Mexican-American War. It follows a young American who ventures ahead of the advancing soldiers, with danger, scouting and the push toward Mexico City as its main themes.
Is Ahead of the Army a true story?
It is a work of fiction set against real history. The war and its campaign are real, while the personal adventure is written to entertain young readers of Stoddard's time.
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