H. Rider Haggard, página 5 de 14

(Note: These three are our first eBooks in Flemish/Dutch:)

On his twenty-fifth birthday, Leo Vincey opens the silver casket that his father has left to him. It contains a letter recounting the legend of a white sorceress who rules an African tribe and of his father's quest to find this remote race. To find out for himself if the story is true, Leo and his companions set sail for Zanzibar. There, he is brought face to face with Ayesha, She-who-must-be-obeyed: dictator, femme fatale, tyrant and beauty. She has been waiting for centuries for the true descendant of Kallikrates, her murdered lover, to arrive, and arrive he does - in an unexpected form. Blending breathtaking adventure with a brooding sense of mystery and menace, She is a story of romance, exploration discovery and heroism that has lost none of its power to enthrall.

"I believe it was the old Egyptians a very wise people, probably indeed much wiser than we know for in the leisure of their ample centuries they had time to think out things who declared that each individual personality is made up of six or seven different elements, although the Bible only allows us three, namely body soul and spirit..."Wanting to learn if he can communicate with deceased loved ones, adventurer and trader Allan Quatermain seeks a meeting with the feared Zulu witch-doctor Zikali. He tells Allan he must seek out a great white sorceress who rules a hidden kingdom far to the north, and he charges Allan to take a message to her. En route, Quatermain encounters emigrant Scotsmen, cannibals, witch doctors, the beautiful Inez, and of course the mysterious She, or Ayesha.Although third in order of publication, this book is first in the chronology of the adventures of She.

Out-of-print for many years, When the World Shook is a classic text which tells of the terror of a ghost town. The streets were empty, and so were the buildings, this city could not have been more de

Allan and the Ice-Gods is a fantasy adventure novel featuring Allan Quatermain, a professional big game hunter and occasional trader. The story details Quatermains past life regression to a Stone Age ancestor and the various adventures involved. Allan Quatermain, feeling awkward toward Lady Luna Ragnall after their recent taduki-induced vision, in which they were nearly married, refuses three invitations from Lady Ragnall to return for another vision and has vowed never to use the drug again. Lady Ragnall herself informs Allan that she has used the taduki once more and discovered that their ancient counterparts, Amada and Shabaka, were indeed married. Few weeks later Allan has a psychic experience and later learns that Lady Ragnall had died of heart failure in the Temple of Isis. Allan inherits her estate and distributes it to charities except for a box containing the taduki drug which Lady Ragnall had left him. Captain John Good shows up and persuades Allan to use the drug and the two enter into their vision.

The story follows the life of a young Englishman named Geoffrey Bingham, who travels to South Africa to make his fortune. While there, he falls in love with a beautiful young woman named Beatrice, who is the daughter of a wealthy diamond miner. However, Geoffreys romantic aspirations are complicated by a number of factors, including the fact that Beatrice is already engaged to another man, as well as the challenges posed by the harsh African landscape and the difficult social and political climate of the region. Throughout the novel, Geoffrey must navigate a complex web of relationships and challenges, including his own conflicted feelings for Beatrice, the machinations of rival diamond miners, and the tension between the British colonial authorities and the indigenous African population.

The novel tells the story of two brothers, Frank and Geoffrey Derwent, who are separated as children when their father dies and their mother remarries. Frank is sent to live with his wealthy uncle in England, while Geoffrey remains in South Africa with his mother and stepfather. Years later, Frank returns to South Africa and is reunited with Geoffrey, who has become a successful diamond prospector. Together, the brothers embark on a dangerous journey to find a legendary diamond known as the "Star of the South". Along the way, they must confront their own past and the betrayal that separated them as children. "The Brethren" is a thrilling and engaging novel that showcases Haggards storytelling prowess and his ability to weave together complex plots and memorable characters. It is a must-read for fans of adventure and historical fiction.

This sequel is based on Rider Haggards own experiences in Africa. During their search for a white race reputed to live near Mount Kenya, Allan Quatermain and his companions undergo a series of dangerous and thrilling adventures. The dramatic and often poetic story reveals Victorian preoccupations with evolution, race, sexuality, and the "New Woman.

"Long Odds" is a short story by H. Rider Haggard, first published in 1886. The story is set in South Africa and tells the tale of a young man named Frank Muller, who is on a quest to find diamonds in the vast wilderness. Frank is accompanied by his faithful companion, a Zulu named Jantje. As they travel deeper into the wilderness, they encounter a mysterious stranger named Silvestre, who joins them on their journey. Silvestre claims to be a Frenchman, but his real motives are unclear.

In "Nada the Lily," H. Rider Haggard crafts a captivating narrative set in the distant past of ancient South Africa, weaving a rich tapestry of adventure, love, and tribal conflict. Employing a lyrical prose style reminiscent of epic poetry, Haggards storytelling immerses the reader in the heroic exploits of its protagonist, Umslopogaas, and his formidable love for Nada. The novel not only explores the themes of honor, sacrifice, and the unyielding strength of love but also serves as a reflection of Victorian imperialist attitudes towards Africa, blending folklore with vivid depictions of African landscapes and cultures, thus marking an important contribution to the genre of adventure literature in the late 19th century. H. Rider Haggard, an influential figure in the field of adventure fiction, drew from his experiences in colonial Africa to inform his works. His fascination with the continents mysteries and cultures fueled his imagination and became a driving force behind his narratives. Notably, Haggard was among the first Western authors to depict African traditions and characters with depth, offering a lens through which readers at the time could perceive a world far removed from their own. "Nada the Lily" is a must-read for enthusiasts of historical fiction and adventure literature. Haggards unique blend of romance and action, alongside his vivid portrayal of African life, invites readers to engage with a narrative rich in emotional depth and cultural nuance. This timeless novel will resonate with those seeking both adventure and a deeper understanding of the complexities of human relationships.

Colonel Quaritch, V.C.: A Tale of Country Life is a compelling exploration of English rural society, deftly weaving elements of adventure and romance to portray a world on the brink of change. Haggard employs a rich narrative style, filled with vivid descriptions and historical detail, reflecting the societal transitions of the late Victorian era. The novel intricately balances themes of chivalry and modernization, showcasing the life of Colonel Quaritch, a decorated war hero returning to his idyllic English roots, where he confronts the challenges of a rapidly evolving landscape. H. Rider Haggard, renowned for his pioneering contributions to the adventure genre, drew inspiration from his experiences in colonial Africa and England, as well as his deep understanding of social dynamics. His personal encounters with honor, duty, and the complexities of rural life inform the character development and moral dilemmas faced by Quaritch, grounding the novel in a rich tapestry of personal and cultural history. Recommended for enthusiasts of Victorian literature and those intrigued by the interplay between tradition and progress, Colonel Quaritch, V.C. offers a profound narrative that resonates with contemporary readers. Its engaging plot and deeply relatable characters invite readers to reflect on the enduring values of heroism and community.

The Worlds Desire is a compelling anthology that brings forth the enchanting themes of love, adventure, and the timeless quest for meaning. With a blend of literary styles ranging from poetic lyricism to riveting prose, this collection offers a tapestry of narratives exploring human aspirations and desires. The anthologys strength lies in its diversity, juxtaposing epic adventures with introspective voyages, allowing readers to traverse worlds both real and fantastical. Within its pages lies a rich assortment of narratives that captivate and challenge the readers perceptions. Contributors like Andrew Lang and H. Rider Haggard, well-regarded figures in the late 19th-century literary scene, infuse this anthology with a depth of cultural and historical nuances. Their works resonate with the themes of exploration and rediscovery, common to the eras literary movements characterized by romantic idealism and colonial inquiries. This symbiosis of voices amplifies the collections relevance, providing a comprehensive understanding of how individual desires resonate with universal quests for meaning. The Worlds Desire not only entertains but also offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore a multiplicity of perspectives, inviting readers into a dynamic dialogue between narrative styles. Rich in educational value, it bridges various literary traditions, offering insights into the shared human experience. This anthology ultimately fosters a deeper engagement with the complexities and richness of human desire, urging readers to appreciate the broader cultural narratives within which these stories unfold.

In "The Song Celestial or Bhagavad-Gita," Edwin Arnold masterfully translates and adapts the ancient Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad-Gita, into a lyrical English poem. This work harmonizes spirituality and philosophy through Arnolds elegant and accessible verse, offering readers a profound exploration of duty (dharma), righteousness, and the interplay between the material and spiritual realms. Set against the backdrop of the epic Mahabharata, Arnold elucidates the timeless teachings of Krishna to Arjuna, presenting profound existential questions with clarity and depth, while maintaining the authentic essence of the original text. His literary style is both poetic and reverent, making complex ideas digestible for a Western audience, thus contextualizing Eastern philosophy within Victorian sensibilities. Edwin Arnold (1832-1904) was a British poet and novelist whose deep engagement with Eastern thought profoundly shaped his literary output. His travels in India and his fascination with its spiritual traditions inspired him to bring the wisdom of the East to Western audiences. Arnolds background as a scholar and his role as a journalist allowed him to blend descriptive narrative with philosophical insight, reflecting a life-long pursuit of understanding the universal truths found in diverse cultures. This remarkable translation is highly recommended for readers seeking a bridge between Eastern spirituality and Western thought. "The Song Celestial" not only serves as an introduction to the Bhagavad-Gita but also encourages a reflective engagement with its themes, making it an essential read for anyone interested in philosophy, spirituality, or literature.

To the learned man, ugly of form and face but sound at heart, Holly by name, a citizen of a northern land whom at times I think that once I knew as Noot the Holy, that philosopher who was my master in a past which seems far to him and is forgot, but to me is but as yesterday, to this Holly, I say, I, who on earth am named Ayesha, daughter of Yarab the Arab chief, but who have many other titles here and elsewhere, have told certain stories of my past days and the part I played in them.