Author
H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard
1856-1925
H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard (1856-1925) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by H. Rider (Henry Rider) Haggard
King Solomon's Mines
"King Solomon's Mines" by H. Rider Haggard is a novel published in 1885. It follows adventurer Allan Quatermain as he leads an expedition into unexplored Africa to find a missing aristocrat's brother and locate the legendary treasure of King Solomon. The journey takes them across deadly deserts and into a hidden kingdom ruled by a ruthless king. There, they become entangled in ancient prophecies, witch hunts, and a brewing rebellion. Considered the genesis of the lost world literary genre, it captivates with perilous adventure and mystery.
She
"She" by H. Rider Haggard is a Gothic novel published in 1887. The story follows Cambridge professor Horace Holly and his ward Leo Vincey on a perilous journey into the African interior, where they seek a lost kingdom. There they encounter the Amahagger people and their mysterious ruler—a powerful white sorceress named Ayesha, known as "She-who-must-be-obeyed." Possessing immortality and supernatural powers, Ayesha has waited over two thousand years for her lost lover's return. A groundbreaking work that established conventions of the lost world genre.
Allan and the Holy Flower
"Allan and the Holy Flower" by H. Rider Haggard is an adventure novel published in 1915. When Allan Quatermain brings an enormous rare orchid back from Africa, it sets off an extraordinary chain of events. A young Englishman loses his inheritance after accidentally paying a fortune for the flower at auction, then resolves to mount an expedition to find a living specimen in the African wilderness. The journey leads them through encounters with slave traders, warrior tribes, cannibals, and a giant gorilla.
Allan Quatermain
"Allan Quatermain" by H. Rider Haggard is a novel published in 1887. This sequel to "King Solomon's Mines" follows the legendary explorer as he ventures deep into uncharted African territory with his companions. Seeking escape after personal tragedy, Quatermain discovers the hidden kingdom of Zu-Vendis, ruled by two rival sisters. What begins as exploration transforms into deadly conflict when forbidden love and political intrigue ignite a devastating civil war in this lost civilization.
Child of Storm
"Child of Storm" by H. Rider Haggard is a novel written during the early 20th century, specifically in the context of the Zulu kingdom and its turbulent history. The narrative follows Allan Quatermain, an English hunter and explorer, as he recounts his experiences in the land of the Zulus, a setting rich with cultural tension and dramatic conflict. The story centers on the enchanting yet deadly Mameena, a woman whose beauty and ambition draw men to their doom, particularly that of the young warrior Saduko, alongside whom Quatermain navigates the complexities of Zulu politics and personal relationships. The opening of "Child of Storm" establishes both a personal and historical context, with Quatermain reflecting on the nature of humanity through his encounters with the Zulu people and their customs. He relates a fateful moment when he hears of Mameena for the first time, highlighting her character as a crafty and alluring figure amidst the backdrop of power struggles between Zulu princes. Quatermain's observations introduce readers to the main characters and foreshadow the unfolding drama rooted in love, betrayal, and the tumult of impending war, emphasizing the peril that lies ahead for those who become entangled in the web of Mameena's ambitions. Thus, the narrative is steeped in both adventure and the stark realities of a society on the brink of change.
She and Allan
"She and Allan" by H. Rider Haggard is a novel published in 1921. The story brings together two of Haggard's most famous characters: the immortal sorceress Ayesha and adventurer Allan Quatermain. Seeking to communicate with the dead, Quatermain journeys north to find a mysterious white queen who rules a hidden kingdom. Accompanied by the warrior Umslopogaas, he ventures into unknown territory where he encounters cannibals, ancient ruins, and the veiled Ayesha herself, whose supernatural powers may hold the answers he seeks.
When the World Shook Being an Account of the Great Adventure of Bastin, Bickley and Arbuthnot
"When the World Shook" by H. Rider Haggard is a novel published in 1919. Three adventurers—Arbuthnot, Bickley, and Bastin—are shipwrecked on a South Sea island where they discover two figures in crystal coffins who have been unconscious for 250,000 years. Upon awakening, the powerful Oro and his daughter Yva reveal their ancient civilization's secrets. As Oro observes the modern world and grows disgusted with humanity, he prepares to reshape civilization through catastrophic destruction.
Pearl-Maiden: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem
"Pearl-Maiden: A Tale of the Fall of Jerusalem" by H. Rider Haggard is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Jerusalem's tumultuous period under Roman rule, focusing on the harrowing experiences of its inhabitants as they grapple with oppression and the impending fall of their city. Central to the narrative are the characters Rachel, a noble Jewish woman, and Nehushta, her devoted slave and protector, as they face the brutal realities of persecution for their Christian faith. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Cæsarea, where King Agrippa celebrates a festival while dark fates loom for captured Christians in the nearby prison. The ominous atmosphere sets the stage for a day filled with grisly spectacles involving gladiatorial combats and cruel entertainments, culminating in plans to sacrifice innocent Christians to wild beasts. Rachel and Nehushta are among those condemned, navigating fear and determination as they share poignant conversations about faith, family, and the child Rachel bears. While darkness hovers, their strength and bond echo against the backdrop of despair, indicating both personal and spiritual resilience amidst catastrophic events.
Ayesha, the Return of She
"Ayesha, the Return of She" by H. Rider Haggard is a gothic-fantasy novel published in 1905 as a sequel to his 1887 novel "She". Nearly twenty years after their first African adventure, Horace Holly and Leo Vincey journey through Asia, convinced that the immortal Ayesha still lives. Their dreams lead them to Tibet, where they encounter rival queens, deadly hunts, and ancient sorcery. At a volcanic mountain temple, they finally discover whether Ayesha has truly returned—and what price immortality demands.
Cleopatra
"Cleopatra" by H. Rider Haggard is an adventure novel written in 1889. Set in ancient Egypt, it follows Harmachis, a priest and descendant of the pharaohs, who is charged by the Priesthood of Isis with a dangerous mission: overthrow Cleopatra, expel foreign rulers, and restore Egypt to its former glory. Using priestly magic and cunning, he attempts to undermine the queen's power. Told through ancient papyrus scrolls in biblical language, this historical fantasy blends supernatural elements with political intrigue.
Smith and the Pharaohs, and other Tales
"Smith and the Pharaohs, and other Tales" by H. Rider Haggard is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The first tale, "Smith and the Pharaohs," introduces the character James Ebenezer Smith, a shy and reserved young man who becomes captivated by ancient Egyptian artifacts and the mystery surrounding them, leading him on an adventure in pursuit of knowledge and perhaps love. The opening of the book provides a glimpse into Smith’s life, detailing his struggles and gradual success as a would-be Egyptologist. Following his attraction to a sculpted head of a long-deceased Egyptian queen, Smith's curiosity propels him into the British Museum, where he embarks on a journey to discover more about the enigmatic figure and her story. As the narrative unfolds, he pursues his passion for Egyptology, eventually finding himself excavating in Egypt, discovering a long-lost tomb, and encountering the supernatural elements of Egyptian mythology and history. Smith's tale intertwines themes of ambition, the past's allure, and the interplay between life and death.
The People of the Mist
"The People of the Mist" by H. Rider Haggard is a lost race fantasy novel first published in 1894. Leonard Outram, a penniless British adventurer, ventures into the African wilderness seeking fortune to restore his family's lost estates. Alongside his Zulu companion and a rescued Englishwoman, he searches for a legendary civilization rumored to possess vast jewels. What they discover is a hidden race locked in deadly conflict between its king and priests of a monstrous crocodile god.
Marie: An Episode in the Life of the Late Allan Quatermain
"Marie: An Episode in the Life of the Late Allan Quatermain" by H. Rider Haggard is a novel published in 1912. This adventure follows a young Allan Quatermain as he falls in love with Marie Marais, a Boer farm girl whose father opposes their romance due to his hatred of the English. Her villainous cousin also desires Marie for himself. Set against the backdrop of the Great Trek and real historical events, Quatermain must repeatedly rescue Marie from deadly dangers while fighting for their forbidden love.
Montezuma's Daughter
"Montezuma's Daughter" by H. Rider Haggard is a novel published in 1893. Englishman Thomas Wingfield embarks on a quest for vengeance after his mother's murder, leading him through the Spanish Inquisition, shipwreck, and slavery. Unwillingly joining a Spanish expedition to New Spain, he witnesses the brutal clash between European conquistadors and native civilizations. Amidst war and misunderstanding, Thomas marries Otomie, daughter of an Aztec emperor, finding love in a world torn apart by conquest and cultural collision.
Eric Brighteyes
"Eric Brighteyes" by H. Rider Haggard is a novel published in 1891. Set in 10th-century Iceland, it follows Eric Thorgrimursson as he battles to win the hand of Gudruda the Fair against her father's opposition. His quest becomes perilous when Gudruda's half-sister Swanhild, a sorceress who desires Eric for herself, unleashes deadly intrigues and treachery. Written as an early pastiche of saga literature, this epic Viking tale blends violent conflict with Norse mysticism in a doom-laden adventure.
Stella Fregelius: A Tale of Three Destinies
"Stella Fregelius: A Tale of Three Destinies" by H. Rider Haggard is a novel published in 1904. Morris Monk, a young inventor engaged to his cousin Mary, rescues a mysterious woman named Stella from a shipwreck. As he and Stella grow close while perfecting his revolutionary communication device, Morris finds himself torn between duty and desire. Their connection leads to a spiritual marriage and supernatural consequences that transcend earthly bonds.
Cetywayo and his White Neighbours Remarks on Recent Events in Zululand, Natal, and the Transvaal
"Cetywayo and his White Neighbours" by H. Rider Haggard is a non-fiction work published in 1882. Based on Haggard's six years working in South Africa, this book examines recent events in Zululand, Natal, and the Transvaal, centering on the Zulu king Cetshwayo kaMpande. Haggard's first full-length published work required extensive research through government Blue-books to ensure accuracy. Though praised by prominent figures, it initially sold poorly, moving only 154 copies by 1883.
Lysbeth, a Tale of the Dutch
"Lysbeth, a Tale of the Dutch" by H. Rider Haggard is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. Set in the tumultuous period of the 16th century during the reign of Emperor Charles V, the story revolves around the experiences of Lysbeth van Hout, an heiress in Leyden, as she navigates the dangers and intrigues of her time, marked by the oppression of the Spanish Inquisition and the struggles of her nation for freedom. As Lysbeth finds herself at the center of various emotional and political conflicts, themes of love, loyalty, and courage unfold through her character. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Lysbeth, a young woman skating in a winter carnival with a backdrop of vibrant festivities in Leyden. The narrative quickly intertwines her fate with that of Dirk van Goorl, her distant cousin and a budding partner, set against the backdrop of rising tensions in the Netherlands. As a chance encounter occurs with the troubled figure of Martha the Mare, who warns of the impending tyranny of the Spaniards, the plot escalates into a complex web involving Lysbeth's precarious situation, her interactions with other characters, including the charming but shrewd Captain Don Juan de Montalvo, and a growing undercurrent of rebellion. The opening lays a compelling foundation for a tale of love intertwined with the struggle against oppression, as Lysbeth’s decisions will undoubtedly lead her down unexpected paths.
The World's Desire
"The World's Desire" by H. Rider Haggard and Andrew Lang is a fantasy novel published in 1890. Odysseus returns to Ithaca after a second journey, only to find his home destroyed by plague and his wife Penelope dead. Guided by a vision of Helen of Troy, he embarks on a final quest to Egypt, where he encounters a treacherous queen, ancient prophecies, and dangerous magic. The novel weaves Greek mythology with the Biblical Exodus in an epic tale of love, loss, and destiny.
Beatrice
"Beatrice" by H. Rider Haggard is a novel written during the late 19th century. The book explores themes of love, loss, and identity through the life of Beatrice Granger, a complex and striking young woman, as she navigates her feelings of solitude and the impact of her past. The opening of the novel introduces Beatrice on her twenty-second birthday as she reflects on her life by the sea, recalling the death of her mother seven years prior. This moment of introspection is abruptly interrupted by her encounter with Geoffrey Bingham, a barrister who is engaged in a curlew shooting expedition nearby. Their initial meeting occurs amidst a rising mist, hinting at the uncertainties both face. The chapters unfold with Beatrice's poignant thoughts on loss, leading to a shared adventure between her and Geoffrey as they find themselves in perilous waters together, setting the stage for their intertwined fates. The narrative hints at deeper explorations of societal expectations, personal aspirations, and the risks of vulnerability in relationships.
Morning Star
"Morning Star" by H. Rider Haggard is a historical romance novel set in ancient Egypt, likely written during the late 19th century. The story revolves around the intrigues and power struggles among the royal family, particularly focusing on the character of Neter-Tua, a destined princess with a divine lineage. The narrative weaves themes of love, ambition, and the influence of the gods, as characters navigate the complex socio-political landscape of their time. The beginning of "Morning Star" introduces readers to a dramatic world through the eyes of Prince Abi, who harbors ambitions of usurping the throne of Pharaoh. His lineage brings inherent tension as he grapples with his mother’s Hyksos heritage, which stands in stark contrast to the ruling Egyptian bloodline. As tensions mount, the stage is set with prophecies and omens surrounding the birth of Neter-Tua. The novel explores the relationships and plotting amongst characters, including the loyal astrologer Kaku and Abi's fierce demeanor, foreshadowing the intertwining fates of the royal family. It presents a rich atmospheric backdrop of ancient Egypt, filled with magic, divine favor, and political scheming.
Finished
"Finished" by H. Rider Haggard is a historical novel set in the late 19th century, continuing the adventure of Allan Quatermain, a character previously introduced in Haggard's earlier works. The book serves as the third part of a trilogy that includes "Marie" and "Child of Storm." The narrative follows Quatermain as he navigates the political tensions of the Zulu War and grapples with themes of vengeance and destiny in his interactions with powerful figures like the wizard Zikali and King Cetewayo, along with modern characters like Maurice Anscombe. At the start of the narrative, the author introduces the historical backdrop of the events leading to the Zulu War, highlighting Quatermain's perspective on the annexation of the Transvaal. The opening chapters present a lively encounter between Quatermain and various characters, including Anscombe, who becomes his companion on a buffalo hunt. However, their adventure quickly spirals into danger as they face ambushes and conflicts with the Basutos, forcing them to seek refuge with Marnham, a man with a mysterious past. The tension between colonial forces and indigenous populations unfolds, foreshadowing the tribal complexities and personal struggles that will drive the plot forward.
Allan's Wife
"Allan's Wife" by H. Rider Haggard is a collection of Allan Quatermain stories first published in 1889. The title novella reveals Quatermain's early life and marriage to Stella, mother of his son Harry. Three companion tales follow the legendary hunter through dangerous African encounters: battling a vengeful buffalo, avenging a servant killed by lions, and surviving a brutal lion mauling. Together, these adventures chronicle the formative experiences that shaped one of literature's most celebrated adventurers.
The Ancient Allan
"The Ancient Allan" by H. Rider Haggard is a novel featuring the hunter Allan Quatermain. When Quatermain and Lady Ragnall inhale Taduki, a drug inducing visions of past lives, they experience ancient incarnations in Persian-ruled Egypt. Quatermain relives his existence as Egyptian aristocrat Shabaka during a revolt against Persian domination, while familiar characters reappear in different forms. This adventure blends historical romance with fantastical elements of reincarnation, telepathy, and Egyptian mysticism, suggesting the goddess Isis's curse follows characters through successive lifetimes.