Subject
Prehistoric peoples -- Fiction Books
Best books
Arthur Conan Doyle
The Lost World
"The Lost World" by Arthur Conan Doyle is an adventure and science fiction novel published in 1912. When journalist Edward Malone seeks a dangerous assignment to prove himself, he joins the formidable Professor Challenger on an expedition to a remote South American plateau. There, the team encounters living dinosaurs, prehistoric creatures, and hostile ape-men in a hidden world lost to time. Stranded by treachery and facing unknown dangers, the explorers must survive in this extraordinary land where ancient life still thrives.
Edgar Rice Burroughs
The Land That Time Forgot
"The Land That Time Forgot" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a fantasy novel first published in 1918. When a German U-boat and its captors are sabotaged off course during World War I, they discover Caspak, a mysterious island where prehistoric creatures still roam and evolution unfolds in strange ways. Stranded with dwindling supplies, the crew must navigate not only dinosaurs and primitive humans but also their own conflicts as they struggle to survive in this lost world.
Jack London
Before Adam
"Before Adam" by Jack London is a fictional novel written in the early 20th century. The book explores themes of evolution and ancestral memory through the lens of a unique narrator who experiences vivid dreams of a prehistoric existence. The protagonist, referred to as Big-Tooth, recounts his childhood among primitive ancestors, facing fears and adventures that take place in the wild during the Mid-Pleistocene epoch. The opening of the novel introduces us to Big-Tooth, a child who grapples with nightmarish dreams filled with a profound sense of terror and longing for connection. He is different from his peers, as his dreams are populated by beings from a distant past, and he feels a strong disassociation between his waking life and his dream world. Through his memories, we meet other characters, such as his friend Lop-Ear and the ominous figure Red-Eye, whose violent presence contrasts with the camaraderie of the horde. Big-Tooth's narrative delves into his experiences of fear, discovery of nature, and the instinctual behaviors that define his existence, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the primitive struggles of humanity.
Stanley Waterloo
The Story of Ab: A Tale of the Time of the Cave Man
"The Story of Ab: A Tale of the Time of the Cave Man" by Stanley Waterloo is a novel written in 1897. It follows Ab, a Stone Age boy, as he navigates the perils of prehistoric life—from hunting mammoths and capturing rhinoceroses to competing for the affection of Lightfoot, a young woman whose hand he wins through brutal conflict. As Ab matures, he faces sabre-tooth tigers, tribal warfare, and the weight of past violence, while pioneering innovations that will shape human civilization.
J.-H. Rosny
Les Xipéhuz
"Les Xipéhuz" by aîné J.-H. Rosny and jeune J.-H. Rosny is a science fiction novel likely written in the late 19th century. The book explores the challenges faced by the nomadic tribe of Pjehou as they encounter mysterious and deadly entities known as the Xipéhuz. The narrative revolves around the tribe's responses to these attackers and features a central figure named Bakhoûn, who seeks to understand and combat these enigmatic beings." The opening of "Les Xipéhuz" introduces readers to the tribe of Pjehou as they traverse the forest of Kzour at dusk, exhausted and searching for a place to rest. Their peaceful journey is suddenly disrupted by the appearance of the Xipéhuz, strange forms with ominous properties that instill dread and chaos among the tribespeople. As the tribe suffers a devastating attack, the story sets the stage for a collective response to their plight, leading to discussions among the leaders and priests about the nature of these entities and the need for offerings and explorations into understanding them. The segment culminates in a blend of awe and terror as the tribe copes with the inexplicable phenomena, marking the beginning of what promises to be a gripping exploration of survival and resistance against a formidable and mysterious enemy.
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."
Howard Browne
The Return of Tharn
"The Return of Tharn" by Howard Browne is a novel likely written in the mid-20th century. The narrative follows Tharn, a formidable Cro-Magnon warrior, on a quest to rescue his beloved Dylara, who has been abducted by an enemy tribe. The story unfolds in a prehistoric world filled with danger and adventure, and introduces us to characters like Trakor, a young and inexperienced hunter whose misguided pride propels him into peril. The opening of the book presents a vivid and gripping scene as Trakor embarks on a solo hunting expedition in the treacherous jungle, only to find himself face-to-face with Sadu, a fearsome lion. Just as Trakor resigns himself to his fate, Tharn, who has been tracking Dylara's captors, heroically intervenes, showcasing his extraordinary strength and agility. This encounter sets the stage for Tharn's greater mission while also establishing a bond between Tharn and Trakor, who is left in awe of Tharn's prowess and courage. As the two navigate through the perils of the jungle and the complexities of their respective quests, the story hints at themes of bravery, friendship, and the struggle against overwhelming odds.
Ashton Hilliers
The Master-Girl
"The Master-Girl" by Ashton Hilliers is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Dêh-Yān, a young woman of the Little Moons tribe, who is strong, capable, and often burdened by the expectations of her gender in a primitive society. As she navigates the challenges of life, she finds herself drawn to a wounded enemy, Pŭl-Yūn, leading to a series of transformative events that challenge the conventions of her world. The opening of the book introduces us to the characters Dêh-Yān and Pŭl-Yūn against the backdrop of their harsh, prehistoric environment. Dêh-Yān is initially in a position of authority over the younger girls in her tribe, revealing her competence in survival skills such as hunting and gathering. When she encounters Pŭl-Yūn, who is stranded and injured, she faces a choice between her tribal customs and her instincts. The narrative establishes a tense yet adventurous dynamic between the two characters, setting the stage for themes of gender roles, survival, and the confrontation of societal norms as their relationship develops amid the primal threat of the elements and predators.
J.-H. Rosny
La Guerre du Feu: Roman des âges farouches
"La Guerre du Feu: Roman des âges farouches" by J.-H. Rosny aîné is a novel published in 1909. Set one hundred thousand years in the past, it follows the Oulhamr tribe after they lose their precious fire in battle. Unable to create fire themselves, they face extinction. Three warriors embark on a perilous quest to reclaim it, confronting mammoths, giant lions, hostile tribes, and rival claimants. Their survival depends on courage, cunning, and endurance in a savage prehistoric world.
Gouverneur Morris
The Pagan's Progress
"The Pagan's Progress" by Gouverneur Morris is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book appears to explore themes of humanity's primal instincts and evolution, set against a backdrop that emphasizes the stark realities of survival and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative centers around the characters One Eye, a father struggling with the decisions regarding his daughter Maku, and No Man, an unusual member of the tribe who does not conform to the traditional roles expected of him. At the start of this work, the reader is introduced to One Eye, who sits pensively at the mouth of his cave, contemplating his daughter's future amidst competing suitors. His reflections lead to a comic yet poignant negotiation between the tribal men vying for Maku's hand—highlighting their raw instincts and desires. This depiction swiftly transitions into a more serious tone when No Man, an outcast preoccupied with his art of etching, enters the scene, prompting a series of confrontations and dramatic events. The opening sets the stage for explorations of power dynamics, societal expectations, and the personal ambitions of these early human characters as they navigate their world.
Stanley Waterloo
A Son of the Ages: The Reincarnations and Adventures of Scar, the Link A Story of Man From the Beginning
"A Son of the Ages: The Reincarnations and Adventures of Scar, the Link" by Stanley Waterloo is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story explores the fundamental evolution of humanity through the experiences of its protagonist, Scar, who finds himself reincarnated in various forms, beginning as a primitive ape-like creature navigating survival challenges. Themes of love, competition, and the growth of intelligence are likely to play significant roles throughout the narrative. The opening of the book introduces readers to a primordial world filled with battling creatures, where Scar, initially in his ape form, grapples with survival instincts while competing for companionship and dominance against the "Brown One." This narrative unfolds a blend of action and introspection, presenting Scar's struggles, his injuries from fights, and his development as he clambers through the treetops in search of his mate. As the story progresses, it presents a rich tapestry of the evolution of early humans and their primal lives characterized by natural instincts, rivalry, and the budding hints of language, creating an engaging foundation for what is to follow.
Howard Browne
Warrior of the Dawn
"Warrior of the Dawn" by Howard Browne is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. Set in a prehistoric world filled with Cro-Magnon hunters and their struggles against both nature and rival tribes, the story follows the young protagonist Tharn as he embarks on a quest for vengeance after witnessing the brutal attack on his tribe. The narrative unfolds in a time characterized by the dawn of human civilization and the clash between primitive life and emerging societal structures. At the start of the tale, the scene is introduced with Neela, a nervous zebra, and three Cro-Magnon hunters stalking their prey, highlighting the tension inherent in the hunt. This is quickly shifted by Tharn's fierce reaction to the injury of a fellow tribesman, Dartoog, showcasing Tharn’s personality and foreshadowing the central conflict of the story, which revolves around vengeance against the strange warriors who threaten his people. As the tale progresses, Tharn’s journey unfolds in both physical excursions into enemy territory and emotional growth as he grapples with the weight of leadership and responsibility to protect his tribe. This opening sets up a gripping story of survival, resilience, and the complexities of duty and love.
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