I read a couple of Henty's adventures when I was in grade school. Veddy British Imperial, but so what? His books, like Kipling's and most others from pre-mid-20th C. should be read and enjoyed as products of the time, as HiLo says. Damn good yarns.

In another thread you asked what "multicultural competence" meant to mudcatters. The "term," whatever it means, should have no relevance to Henty and other 19th C. authors.

And yes, I have no hesitance about recommending Marryat's classic "The Dog Fiend," about a sad sack sailor aboard a ship with a sadistic Dutch captain and the dog Snarleyyow; many floggings and dog bites, but of course the English sailor endured all in comic, parodied fashion.

"Lead him forward" said Mr. Vanslyperken; follow me, marines;" and the whole party headed by the lieutenant, went before the mast.
"Strip him!" cried Mr. Vanslyperken.
"Strip me, with the snow flying like this! Aren't I cold enough already?"
"You'll be colder when you're under the bottom of the cutter," replied the master.
"O Lord, then it is keel-hauling a'ter all! ...."