I have a large collection of Blackie and other books from the same era, which includes Henty, Ballantyne etc. I read than as a boy but can't say I read many these days. Howevere, I'm currently reading John Buchan's Blanket of the Dark as it weas recommended as an exxcellent accoutn of the events of The Pilgrimage of Grace and, I have to say, I'm surprised at not only how well-written it is but what a balanced and liberal view of the period he portrays. It reminds me of why I found Prester John such a favourite as a lad.