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1King Solomon's Mines

By H. Rider Haggard

King Solomon’s Mines, first published in 1885, was a best-selling novel by the Victorian adventure writer H. Rider Haggard. It relates a journey into the heart of Africa by a group of adventurers led by Allan Quatermain in search of the legendary wealth said to be concealed in the mines of the novel’s title. It is significant as the first fictional adventure novel set in Africa, and is considered the genesis of the Lost World literary genre. - Haggard wrote over 50 books, among which were 14 novels starring Allan Quatermain. (Summary by Wikipedia/John Nicholson)

2Allan Quatermain

By H. Rider Haggard

Allan Quatermain was the quintessential Victorian English gentleman cum African big-game hunter. In this book, the second in the series, Quaterman and his two good friends from KSM have tired of their dull and unfulfilling lives in England, and decide to search for the truth of an old tale about the existence of an isolated white kingdom deep in darkest Africa. Their journey and subsequent adventures are sure to satisfy those who enjoy tales of dangerous quests and heroic just-in-time derring-do. <br /><br />Allan Quatermain appears in some 15 to 18 stories or books by H. Rider Haggard. (The number varies by source and apparently depends on how one chooses to count the shorter stories.) Haggard suggests that Quatermain was the author of the works, and he (Haggard) only edited and published them. The most famous Quatermain book is the first, King Solomon’s Mines (1885), and the sequel (1887) was Allan Quatermain - in which the main character, shall we say, departs for a better place! All the other Quatermain books – even those whose events occurred earlier in time – seem to have been written after these two main titles. <br /><br />The internal chronology of Quatermain’s life is a big mess, to be honest. As you study the research and learn of the numerous contradictions of timing of events in the books, you see that conjecture and invention are required to create any kind of internal chronology that makes sense. So my advice is to read (listen to) the books for enjoyment, don’t take notes!, and don’t worry about how one event simply can’t be possible on the apparent date because it conflicts wtih some other event in a different story! Hey! It’s fiction – anything goes! <p> (Summary by John Nicholson)

3Heart of the World

By H. Rider Haggard

H. Rider Haggard wrote <i>Heart of the World</i> in 1895 and it tells of the search for a secret and hidden Mayan civilization living in a long lost city filled with gold and jewels! It is also a love story of a couple willing to give up everything, and I mean EVERYthing, for true love. And it is a melodramatic adventure story of good against evil. I am not sure which side wins... however it is a wonderful read! (Description by Paul Hansen)

4She

By H. Rider Haggard

At 5 years old Leo Vincey is left in the care of a Cambridge professor by the name of Horace Holly. His father leaves him a strange casket which he is to open on his 25th Birthday. On opening the Casket Leo and Horace discover the strange history of Leo's ancestors. Leo and his adoptive father Horace must travel all the way to Africa in order to uncover the solve his family's strange history. - Written by Lizzie Driver

5Tale of Three Lions

By H. Rider Haggard

Taking place in the heart of Africa, “The Tale of Three Lions” is one more thrilling adventure from the eventful life of old hunter Quatermain, the famous hero of “King Solomons Mines”. This time, though there are no bloodthirsty people for the old hunter to deal with, the dangers are no less. He has to face the mighty and fierce King of Animals – the Lion. (Summary by Kristine Bekere)

6Ayesha, the Return of She

By H. Rider Haggard

Ayesha, the return of She, is set 16 years after the previous novel She. Horace Holly and Leo Vincey have spent the years travelling the world looking for Ayesha, along the way they experience many adventures, including avalanches, glaciers and even death-hounds before finally arriving in the court of Kaloon. At the court, they hear tell of a woman who Leo suspects to be Ayesha, however things are never simple and conflict soon follows them to Ayesha’s court. (Summarised from Wikipedia)

7Colonel Quaritch, V.C.: A Tale of Country Life

By H. Rider Haggard

This is not your typical H. Rider Haggard adventure book yet it is full of mystery and intrigue including a coerced marriage, bigotry, adultery, murder and a buried treasure! <BR><BR> This is the tale of an ancient family’s struggles to survive, one woman’s selflessness and another’s evil schemes; Two Gentlemen, two scoundrels and one very underestimated, loyal servant. <BR><BR> Listen as the tale unfolds and guess where the treasure is hidden that can save them all! Summary by Esther.

8She and Allan

By H. Rider Haggard

H Rider Haggard’s “She and Allan”, first published in 1921 is a gripping adventure about Allan Quatermain, who together with Hans, the Hottentot and, the Zulu-Chief Omslopogaas and at the bidding of the old Witch Doctor Zikali seeks out Ayesha, the daughter of Isis to find answers to their questions about life and death, and their many, sometimes strange, Adventures on their way. Written by Lars Rolander

9Allan's Wife

By H. Rider Haggard

The story of Allan Quatermain's wife and further adventures of Allan Quatermain. (Summary by Elaine Tweddle)

10Allan and the Holy Flower

By H. Rider Haggard

Further adventures of Allan Quatermain.<br /> This is one of the 14 books that H. Rider Haggard wrote - starting with "King Solomon's Mines" - depicting the adventures of Allan Quatermain, great English hunter in the wilds of mysterious Africa. (Summary by laineyben)

11Eric Brighteyes

By H. Rider Haggard

The Saga of Eric Brighteyes is the title of an epic viking novel by H. Rider Haggard, and concerns the adventures of its eponymous principal character in 10th century Iceland. Eric Thorgrimursson (nicknamed 'Brighteyes' for his most notable trait), strives to win the hand of his beloved, Gudruda the Fair. Her father Asmund, a priest of the old Norse gods, opposes the match, thinking Eric a man without prospects. But deadlier by far are the intrigues of Swanhild, Gudruda's half-sister and a sorceress who desires Eric for herself. She persuades the chieftain Ospakar Blacktooth to woo Gudrida, making the two men enemies. Battles, intrigues, and treachery follow. (Introduction by Wikipedia)

12Wizard

By H. Rider Haggard

Described by the author, best known for his King Solomon's Mines, as "a tale of victorious faith," this story begins on a Sunday afternoon in an English church. Most of the book, though, is set in Africa, and the adventure story is as engaging as any of Haggard's African tales. What makes this one different is the religious question: What has happened to miracles in the church? Is there any power left in Jesus' promise, "Whoso that believeth in me, the works that I do he shall do also, and whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do"?

13Ivory Child

By H. Rider Haggard

Allan Quatermain's first adventure with Lord Ragnall. (Introduction by laineyben)

14Black Heart and White Heart

By H. Rider Haggard

<i>Black Heart and White Heart</i>, is a story of the courtship, trials and final union of a pair of Zulu lovers in the time of King Cetywayo. (Introduction by H. Rider Haggard)

15Lysbeth, a Tale of the Dutch

By H. Rider Haggard

This is a great book if you're looking for an adventure filled novel. It takes place during the Spanish Inquisition and describes some of the horrors that happened giving you an idea of what it was really like to live during that time period. Follow Lysbeth, a young Hollander girl, as she struggles through life enduring times of hardship and peace, sorrow and happiness, war and love. (Introduction by Abigail Rasmussen)

16Beatrice

By H. Rider Haggard

Beatrice is a lonely twenty-two year old woman. After saving Geoffrey's life, they fall in love. However, Geoffrey is married. In addition, a local rich land owner wants to marry the beautiful Beatrice. This is a romance by the author of King Solomon's Mines, Allen Quatermain, and She." (Summary by Stav Nisser)

17Pearl Maiden

By H. Rider Haggard

This is the story of Miriam, an orphan Christian woman living in Rome in the first century. She falls in love with a Roman officer, but knows that her Jewish childhood playmate loves her too- and will do anything in order to get her love in return. (Summary by Stav Nisser)

18Brethren

By H. Rider Haggard

Set in the days of the Crusaders, this books tells of a young maiden named Rosamund, and her twin cousins. Godwin is the grey eyed thoughtful man, and Wulf is the blue eyed warrior. They are both knights of England and they are both in love with their fair cousin. But the riddle of the story is which does Rosamund love?<br><br>The adventure begins when Rosamund is taken from England and carried to the East. The plot thickens as the two young knights follow her in hopes of rescuing her from the Muslim leader, Saladin. As the Cross and the Crescent face each other at the Battle of Hattin, the story of Rosamund is unfolded and the riddle is solved.<br><br>With dangerous lions, a moon light duel on a bridge, and beautiful Arabian horses, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. (Summary by Abigail Rasmussen)

19People of the Mist

By H. Rider Haggard

Penniless Leonard Outram attempts to redress the undeserved loss of his family estates and fiancee by seeking his fortune in Africa. In the course of his adventures he and his Zulu companion Otter save a young Portuguese woman, Juanna Rodd, together with her nursemaid Soa, from slavery. Leonard and Juanna are plainly attracted to each other, but prone to bickering, and their romance is impeded by the watchful and jealous Soa. The protagonists seek the legendary People of the Mist, said to possess a fabulous hoard of jewels. Finding them, they immediately become embroiled in the turbulent political affairs of the lost race, which is riven by a power-struggle between the monarch and the priesthood of its giant crocodile god. The heroic Leonard can do little more than react to events. The action climaxes in a hair-raising escape by toboggan (it was a flat stone) down a steep glacier. (Summary by Wikipedia)

20Marie: An Episode in the Life of the Late Allan Quatermain

By H. Rider Haggard

This is a superb sweeping romantic adventure story of how Alan Quatermain, hero of fourteen of Rider H Haggard's books, met, fell in love with and married his first wife. It is related from the perspective of old age and is set against the time of the Great Trek in the 1830s. The villains of the piece are truly villainous, Dingaan a portly traitorous despotic Zulu chief, and a Portuguese killer who constantly plots to kill our hero and steal his wife.<br /><br />This book is written with histrionic flair typical of the Victorian era, gripping battles combined with scenes of fervent emotion. Bigotry and hatred filter through the story, having (as they do even now) a terrible effect on all the characters who harboured such prejudices. (Summary by Peter Keeble)

21Fair Margaret

By H. Rider Haggard

This story is set during the reign of King Henry VII. Peter Brome is a poor man and without a father, and is in love with Margaret the dark-eyed daughter of John Castell, the kindly and wealthy merchant who has taken care of him and raised him. Through a series of unfortunate events Peter has just killed a soldier, through self defense it is true, however, the blood of the Spanish ambassador's men demands to be repaid. Now another man pursues fair Margaret the all powerful Marquis d'Aguilar of Spain, who is traveling in England upon a secret mission for the Inquisition. Much more than love hangs in the balance. (Summary by fiddlesticks)

22Queen Sheba's Ring

By H. Rider Haggard

A famed archeologist, an aging doctor, and a young army engineer set out across the African desert on a great adventure. Professor Higgs is in search of new archeological discoveries, Dr. Adams seeks to rescue his kidnapped son, and Captain Orme wants to forget an unhappy love affair. Maqueda, Daughter of Kings, ruler of the Abati, enlists their aid to destroy the sacred idol of a neighboring tribe with promises to help the doctor rescue his son. However, the idol is a second great sphinx, carved out of a mountain. In their quest they can expect little help from the weak and cowardly Abati. The road is fraught with danger, wild beasts, valiant enemies, and traitorous allies, but their greatest danger is a beautiful woman whom it is death to love. - Summary by Anfinwen

23World's Desire

By H. Rider Haggard and Andrew Lang

H. Rider Haggard (author of King Solomon's Mines the Allan Quatermain Series, and many more) and Andrew Lang (author of, among others, the rainbow coloured fairytale books) collaborate to lend their talent to one of the most fascinating and well known stories of all times. Odysseus returns home from the war, but does not find the peace and quiet which he craves. His home is ravaged, and his wife Penelope is dead. He comunicates with an old flame, the beautiful Helen of Troy, who sends him to his ultimate and defining last journey. Read about his adventures, and what might have been, in this beautiful novel by two of Britian's best Vctorian novelists. - Summary by Stav Nisser and Wikipedia.

24Montezuma's Daughter

By H. Rider Haggard

A moving adventure story narrated by Thomas Wingfield, an Englishman, for Queen Elizabeth 1 of England about the murder of his mother, his trail of vengeance against the murderer which leads him to the Spanish Inquisition, slavery, romance and living under Montezuma in his kingdom which is now called Mexico. Summary by Patrick79

25Stella Fregelius

By H. Rider Haggard

Following a shipwreck Stella is preparing to die but is unexpectedly rescued. A love triangle of an unusual sort develops where an inventor of the mobile phone, back in 1900, who is engaged, becomes involved with a woman who has a passionate mystical influence on him. The story explores the nature of death and how we should look forward to it as being a great step to a greater world. (Patrick79 )

26Wanderer's Necklace

By H. Rider Haggard

The Wanderer’s Necklace is classic Haggard, filled with adventure, intrigue, and steadfastness in the face of overwhelming obstacles. “The Editor" recalls his past life as Olaf, an 8th century Norseman. Olaf opens the ancient tomb of the Wanderer and discovers a sword and half a necklace on the warrior’s crumbling skeleton. Olaf must find the other half of the necklace, and the woman who wears it. Love, betrayal, a clash with Norse god Odin, and the attentions of toxic Byzantine Empress Irene test Olaf to his limits (Tom Penn)

27Child of Storm

By H. Rider Haggard

Child of Storm is a 1913 novel by H. Rider Haggard featuring Allan Quatermain. The plot is set in 1854-56 and concerns Quatermain hunting in Zululand and getting involved with Mameema, a beautiful African girl who causes great turmoil in the Zulu kingdom. The novel is the second in a trilogy by Haggard involving the collapse of the Zulu kingdom and featuring the dwarf Zikali. The first book is Marie, and the third, Finished. The story takes place against the real life struggle between Cetshwayo and Umbelazi, the two sons of the Zulu king Mpande (called "Panda" in the novel). The events culminate in the Battle of Ndondakusuka (here called the "Battle of the Tugela") in 1856. Real life people such as Panda, Cetshwayo, and John Robert Dunn appear as characters. - Summary by wikipedia

A classic tale of love and revenge set in the Zulu Kingdom of present-day KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. A work of fiction loosely woven around actual historical events, Nada the Lily is unusual in the literature of the British empire for its cast of entirely black African characters. Narrated by Mopo, witch-doctor to the legendary Zulu king, Chaka, and featuring a spectral wolf pack and a cave that becomes a tomb, the novel continues in the spirit of the Alan Quatermain novels that made H. Rider Haggard the best-selling author of the nineteenth century. Nada the Lily was republished in the 1970s as the twentieth volume in the celebrated Newcastle Forgotten Fantasy Library, which included nine of Haggard's works. - Summary by Phil Benson

A romance, a shipwreck and a hunt for buried Portuguese treasure in the Transvaal. All the ingredients of an imperial adventure that made Haggard one of the best-selling authors of the early years of the twentieth century. Also published as Benita: An African Romance, The Spirit of Bambatse has been reprinted several times, notably as the 22nd volume of the celebrated Newcastle Forgotten Fantasy series in 1979. - Summary by Phil Benson

30Love Eternal

By H. Rider Haggard

This follows the story of Godfrey and Isobel and their relationship as they grow up. - Summary by Michele Eaton

31Ancient Allan

By H. Rider Haggard

This is the thrilling tale as told by Allan Quatermain of events in his life, or should we say his lives? By the use of a mystical herb, he is transported to a time when he was an Egyptian hunter and warrior fighting to free Egypt from the bonds of the Easterns and to win the heart of the lovely Amada. We learn with him the importance of honor and truthfulness in all our dealings. We also see the necessity of bravery in dealing with enemy forces as well as our love interests. - Summary by Keith Salis

32Wisdom's Daughter

By H. Rider Haggard

A strange manuscript in an unknown language is found among the effects of the late Professor Horace Holly. Its translator discovers that while in Central Asia, Holly convinced the immortal Ayesha, also known as She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed, to write her story - and this is the book they have found. Ayesha, born the daughter of a sheikh in the 4th century BCE, has no interest in the arranged marriage expected of her. She wants power and position of her own. Led by a vision to believe she is the daughter of Isis, she studies esoteric wisdom under the tutelage of the mystic Noot, but her beauty and intelligence make her a constant target in a world where women are still considered little better than possessions. To survive, she must rely on her wits (and perhaps a little divine intervention) in a series of daring escapes and desperate schemes, finding allies where she can. But as she climbs higher in the service of her goddess, a fateful meeting with the warrior-turned-priest Kallikrates leads her down a road even she would never have imagined. The fourth and final book in the She series. - Summary by Jennie Hughes

33Ghost Kings

By H. Rider Haggard

Rachel Dove is a British missionary's daughter in the wilds of Africa. Her life is turned around when fellow teenager Richard Darrien rescues her from a flash flood; their common initials alone may clue the reader in that these two are another pair of Haggard's predestined lovers. Some years later, after not having seen Richard in the meantime, Rachel runs afoul of one of the author's patented lustful villains, Ishmael, a renegade Englishman who plots with the Zulu king to have Rachel for his own. The rest of the story you'll have to listen to discover. (Summary modified from Wikipedia)

34When the World Shook

By H. Rider Haggard

A fictional memoir of Humphrey Arbuthnot of Devonshire, we are taken on a voyage to the island of Orofena, in the South Seas, together with Bickley, the servant Bastin and the spaniel Tommy. It is a land of adventure and danger, the result of which eventually leads to the author's death. - Summary by Lynne Thompson

35Jess

By H. Rider Haggard

The setting for this novel is the Boer War in South Africa in 1880. This novel is interesting and exciting on several levels: there are complicated love entanglements, evil Machiavellian treachery, political reflection having to do with the ethics of the colonialism of the day, for one subject for thought, and war in all its lurid and shocking and murderous detail.

A tale of love, romance and chivalry set amongst the backdrop of the climactic months before the opening of the Kings' Crusade. Two English knights are in love with the same maiden. Their devotion and bravery is tested when their beloved is kidnapped against her will and taken to Palestine and eventually to the court of the famous Muslim leader, Saladin. - Summary by Elroi Shelley

37Joan Haste

By H. Rider Haggard

A romantic melodrama and one of H. Rider Haggard's most poignant love stories. Joan Haste, a beautiful but illegitimate woman whose mother died when she was a few years old (and her father is unknown) is raised by her terrible, self-serving aunt and uncle. Joan meets navy Captain Henry Graves in the ruins of a crumbling church after Joan has spotted a jackdaw nest up on the wall of a falling-down bell tower and is unable to reach it. Henry, who is passing by and is immediately taken in by Joan, gallantly offers to climb up and get the baby birds, but ends up falling and breaking his leg. Joan is injured when she bravely tries to catch him to keep him from falling to his death on some iron spikes. They fall in love and here starts this haunting story. (Summary by Elroi Shelley)

38Elissa

By H. Rider Haggard

Anthropologists have studied the ruins of a great city and temple in Zimbabwe, and it has left them in wonder. The construction and markings are Phoenician, but how was it developed so far South of the Fertile Crescent? Who built it and why? How was it destroyed?<br><br> H Rider Haggard has elaborated on this in the novel, Elissa. It is the story of the love of Prince Aziel, an Israelite grandson of both Solomon the Wise and a daughter of Pharaoh, and Elissa of Zimboe, a priestess of Baal. They are faced with impossible relationship choices on which depend the lives of thousands, and even their own immortal souls. (Summary by Keith Salis)

39Maiwa's Revenge; Or, The War of the Little Hand

By H. Rider Haggard

While hunting elephants in the country of Wambe, big game Hunter Allan Quartermain gets word that an old friend, John Every, is a captive of Wambe. Quartermain plans an attack by another tribe on Wambe's village to rescue Every. Summary by Derek Trial.

At the instigation of the witch doctor Zikal, hunter Allan Quartermain and his faithful servant Hans journey to the remote civilization of the Walloo in an attempt to save it’s princess from becoming a sacrifice to the monstrous god Heu-Heu.

41Mahatma and the Hare: A Dream Story

By H. Rider Haggard

Haggard's interest in spiritualism and reincarnation underlie this tale of life, death, and "working out [one's] destiny." - Summary by John R Moore

In 1885, H. Rider Haggard introduced Allan Quatermain, elephant hunter extraordinaire, in his best-selling African adventure novel 'King Solomon's Mines'. Haggard went on to publish twelve Quatermain novels and several novellas and short stories, including the four in this collection. 'Allan's Wife' explains how Quatermain became a hunter early in life and recounts the tragedy of his brief marriage to Stella, his childhood sweetheart. The three shorter tales are hunting yarns narrated by Quatermain as an old man. In 'Hunter Quatermain', Allan is faced with a raging wounded buffalo and in 'A Tale of Three Lions' and 'Long Odds', he takes on no less than seven lions. First published in 1889, this collection was re-published as the twenty-fourth volume of the celebrated Newcastle Forgotten Fantasy Library series in 1980. - Summary by Phil Benson

43Virgin of the Sun

By H. Rider Haggard

A great adventure following the exploits of a hero who's blood runs red, and Viking in nature. A mysterious chest with faded parchments provides the script of this tale when discovered in an old collector's attic. What can be gleaned from these texts, once transcribed, forms the history of Hubert of Hastings. The town, from which he takes his name, is invaded and razed by the invading French, but Hubert escapes after giving battle to London, here he inherits his Uncle's antique and usury business and becomes embroiled with one of Richard II's courtiers and the beauteous Blanche. Hubert befriends a mysterious native of Peru, Kari, who has been 'marooned' on the wharves of the Thames; they become great friends and work together. The courtly affairs lead to a tragedy and he and Kari are compelled to undertake a great sea voyage to distant lands. Thus begin yet even greater exploits of 'Derring do' and romance in an exotic new world. - Summary by Andy Sames

44Lady of Blossholme

By H. Rider Haggard

The Lady of Blossholme is an exciting tale, set in 16th Century England, and featuring such historical figures as Cromwell and King Henry VIII. Cicely Foterell lives a quiet life alone with her father, but the times are changing, and the Spanish Abbot Maldon sees his chance to obtain her family's lands. Attempts to outwit his plotting seem to fail, and soon Cecily's only option is to marry at once. But the Abbot may not be above murder, for he is now driven by the rumor of the legendary Carfax Jewels. Only Cecily's faith keeps her going as she seems to lose everything bit by bit, until the secret of the jewels is all that is left to her. But are they worth her life? Condemned as a witch to be burned unless she reveals her secret, Cicely wavers. Will her strong will conquer? Or has her faith been crushed by all her suffering? A compelling story of one woman's quiet determination when life itself seems against her. (Summary by LuellaMargaret )