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King Solomon's Mines
King Solomon's Mines
Improbable and fable-like, the story tells of English adventurers who travel to the interior of a remote African country, a vanished empire with legends of lost treasure.
Book Excerpt
novel. I suppose they--the flights and flourishes--are desirable, and I regret not being able to supply them; but at the same time I cannot help thinking that simple things are always the most impressive, and that books are easier to understand when they are written in plain language, though perhaps I have no right to set up an opinion on such a matter. "A sharp spear," runs the Kukuana saying, "needs no polish"; and on the same principle I venture to hope that a true story, however strange it may be, does not require to be decked out in fine words.
Allan Quatermain.
CHAPTER I
I MEET SIR HENRY CURTIS
It is a curious thing that at my age--fifty-five last birthday--I should find myself taking up a pen to try to write a history. I wonder what sort of a history it will be when I have finished it, if ever I come to the end of the trip! I have done a good many things in my life, which seems a long
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I was surprised how many differences are between this book and films.
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Written more than a hundred years ago, King Solomon´s mines has not lost its popularity. The story begins when Allan Quatermani is hired by an English Gentleman, Sir Henry Curtis, to follow the trail of his brother, of whom nothing has been known since he departed in search of the legendary mines. Although the enterprise shows itself a very dangerous one, hunter Quatermain accepts the challenge because of the money involved, which he needs to assist his son. With an old map and a few clues, the main characters begin a voyage that will take them, trough deserts and mountains, to the untamed regions of Africa. As the plot advances, the characters find a lost tribe that receives them as gods because of thir white skins and fire arms, unknown to them. Soon a war is unleashed, and only his cunning and marksmanship will keep Allan Quatermain alive.
07/09/2013
Rattling good read. Excellent.
08/12/2012
Haggard is to adventure what Doyle is to mystery-crime novels. Clearly intended for those in their teens or twenties it is none the less a great adventure book and has obviously withstood the test of time. I recommend it to all who like fast paced adventure. There is a somewhat obvious racial disdain for native peoples however it is more or less in accordance with general beliefs and values of the era.
A legend of immense wealth and a forgotten civilization draws British explorers to the heart of darkest Africa. From the first chapter to the last it is the paradigm of a page turner. Haggard wrote dozens of books many of which dealt with Africa however this is the best known for very good reasons.
Let Alan Quartermaine guide you through the jungle to the lost empire and it's jewels and gold. In the end you will agree the book is the real treasure.
A legend of immense wealth and a forgotten civilization draws British explorers to the heart of darkest Africa. From the first chapter to the last it is the paradigm of a page turner. Haggard wrote dozens of books many of which dealt with Africa however this is the best known for very good reasons.
Let Alan Quartermaine guide you through the jungle to the lost empire and it's jewels and gold. In the end you will agree the book is the real treasure.
03/10/2012
Book 1 in the Alan Quartermaine adventure series.
Although these are intended for the British juvenile male audience, it is an entertaining read, and gives a person some insight into the British culture, especially in regards to their attitude about African colonization.
It is a wonderful adventure story, and adults as well as young adults will find this a page-turner. It was hard to put down at night!
Although these are intended for the British juvenile male audience, it is an entertaining read, and gives a person some insight into the British culture, especially in regards to their attitude about African colonization.
It is a wonderful adventure story, and adults as well as young adults will find this a page-turner. It was hard to put down at night!
05/20/2009
More action and adventure than you can chuck a spear at! This is a great read full of scenes you'll probably never forget. I can see how this might not be to everyone's taste but it's a lot of fun and has a fantastic setting.
05/08/2008
Although the racism of the time is hard to stomach, Haggard's work is one of the best adventure stories I've ever read. It's like Indiana Jones meets Conan the Barbarian. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys the adventures of Robert Louis Stevenson, or for anyone who likes stories set in colonial Africa.
A lot of fun -- a great read -- some truly memorable moments.
A lot of fun -- a great read -- some truly memorable moments.
01/10/2007