Tom Brown's Schooldays: Thomas Hughes

Tom Brown grows up in the Vale of the White Horse, wandering freely on his pony. But when an epidemic ravages his school, he is sent to Rugby, where he encounters the bullying Flashman, despite the protection of the older 'Scud' East.  As Tom grows, he is given the duty to care for and protect the frail, sensitive, academically brilliant young George. Tom is energetic, stubborn, kind-hearted and athletic, rather than intellectual. He follows his feelings and the unwritten rules of the boys on his road to maturity and becoming a young gentleman.