Discover a new way to read classics with Quick Read.
This Quick Read edition includes both the full text and a summary for each chapter.
- Reading time of the complete text: about 11 hours
- Reading time of the summarized text: 24 minutes

"The Children of the New Forest" is a children's novel set during the English Civil War and the Commonwealth. It follows the four Beverley children who become orphans and seek refuge in the New Forest. The story depicts their survival and adaptation under the guidance of Jacob Armitage, a local verderer. The novel emphasizes themes of chivalry, bravery, and the maturing of the characters, particularly Edward Beverley. It also reflects the author's conservative political views, favoring the Royalist cause while sympathetically portraying a Roundhead character. The book was one of the first historical novels for young readers and has endured as a classic. It was adapted into comics and television series by the BBC, with the 1998 adaptation deviating significantly from the original plot. The story's message of reconciliation in 17th-century England reflects the political chaos of the 1840s when it was written. The novel is celebrated for its portrayal of the English Civil War and its enduring impact on young audiences.