Subject
Americans -- Africa -- Fiction Books
Best books
Edgar Rice Burroughs
The eternal savage
"The Eternal Savage" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a fantasy-adventure novel first published serially in 1914-1915. A cliff-dwelling warrior from 100,000 years ago is magically transported to the present, where he encounters Victoria Custer—the reincarnation of his lost love. Together, they are swept back to the Stone Age in an African setting that weaves together characters from Burroughs's other works, including Tarzan and the protagonist of "The Mad King."
Robert E. (Robert Ervin) Howard
The hyena
"The Hyena" by Robert E. Howard is a short story written during the early 20th century, specifically in the 1920s. This work vividly portrays the clash between colonial sensibilities and the mysterious elements of African culture, intertwined with themes of fear, power, and instinctual rivalry. The story navigates the protagonist's complex emotions and experiences as he encounters the enigmatic fetish-man Senecoza and contemplates the sinister legends surrounding him. The narrative follows Steve, a young man new to Africa, who finds himself drawn into a web of intrigue and danger surrounding Senecoza, a powerful figure among the natives. As Steve grapples with his feelings of jealousy, fear, and admiration for the fetish-man, he becomes increasingly aware of a lurking menace. His struggle intensifies when he meets Ellen, a woman whose presence fascinates him, but also incites the wrath of Senecoza. When Ellen is captured, Steve's desperation drives him to confront both the fetish-man and the primal forces symbolized by the hyenas that haunt the African landscape. The climax reveals a chilling connection between Senecoza, the mystical wildlife, and the savage realities of power and fear, culminating in a mysterious resolution that leaves an air of horror and ambiguity.
Lillian Frances Mentor
The Day of Resis
"The Day of Resis" by Lillian Frances Mentor is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story follows Enola Cameron, an adventurous young woman with a passionate interest in Africa and its mysteries, as she embarks on a perilous journey into the heart of the continent. Along with her guardian and friends, Enola pursues the truth behind a strange document revealing the existence of a hidden civilization, leading them on an exploration rife with danger and discovery. At the start of the narrative, readers are introduced to Enola through a letter detailing her commitment to find a mysterious place referenced in an ancient manuscript discovered by a hunting party in Africa. She enlists the help of her guardian, Mr. Graham, and his son, Harry, who are both intrigued by her ambition. They prepare for their expedition, setting their sights on Zanzibar as they gather supplies and hire local carriers for the journey ahead. As the caravan moves through diverse landscapes, they encounter various challenges, from fierce wildlife to treacherous terrain, foreshadowing their deeper plunge into an unknown and potentially dangerous land that promises both wonder and peril.
Cornelius Shea
In the Depths of the Dark Continent; or, The Vengeance of Van Vincent
"In the Depths of the Dark Continent; or, The Vengeance of Van Vincent" by Shea is an adventure novel likely written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Van Vincent, an orphaned youth, who embarks on a perilous journey to avenge the murder of his uncle and confronts various threats, including a mysterious antagonist named Doc Clancy. The tale unfolds primarily in the backdrop of Africa and explores themes of bravery, survival, and the quest for justice. At the start of the novel, Van Vincent is jolted awake by a storm only to hear a horrifying scream from his uncle's room. Rushing downstairs, Van discovers that his uncle has been fatally attacked and learns from the dying man that the assailant is a figure named Doc Clancy. After a brief chase thwarted by Clancy's escape, Van boldly vows to hunt down his uncle's murderer. In a twist of fate, Van finds himself on the trail of adventure across various landscapes, setting the stage for thrilling exploits as he delves deeper into the unknown dangers of the continent in search of vengeance and truth.
Edgar Rice Burroughs
Ikuinen rakastaja
"Ikuinen rakastaja" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a novel written in the early 20th century. It entwines prehistoric adventure with colonial‑era African romance as a Stone Age hunter and a modern woman become mysteriously linked across time. The story centers on the caveman Nu and the fearless Victoria Custer (with her brother Barney), alongside Lord and Lady Greystoke in the African frame. Expect swift hunts, peril, and a simmering cross‑time love thread. The opening of the story follows Nu, a prehistoric hunter who slays a sabertooth to win his beloved Nat‑ul, only to be trapped by a cataclysmic quake in the beast’s cave. The scene shifts to Africa, where Victoria Custer, visiting the Greystokes, reveals an intense fear of earthquakes and recurring dreams of a powerful, ancient lover; when William Curtiss proposes, a sudden tremor interrupts and she faints. After the quake, a sealed mountain cave bursts open and Nu awakens into a changed world, emerging with his spear and the trophy head, repairing his weapon, and killing a zebra. A hunting party (including Greystoke) finds the kill and deduces a human spearman at work, while Nu shadows them to the bungalow, fascinated by these strange people and drawn by an elusive, alluring scent.
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