Introduction

“Don’t you see that we are buried alive?” When Allan Quatermain is approached by Sir Henry Curtis and his friend Captain Good to search for Sir Henry's missing brother, deep in the African interior, he agrees to lead their expedition. Quatermain has a map to the fabled King Solomon's Mines, whose treasure the missing man sought to attain.

Their journey takes them to Kukuanaland, where they find a warrior tribe in thrall to King Twala. Soon the white men are embroiled in a desperate tribal battle, and Quatermain's expedition can only reach its goal with the aid of Gagool, the ancient “mother” no one trusts.

Publication and Impact

Haggard’s exciting adventure story captivated readers when it was first published in 1885. It helped inaugurate a wave of “lost world” romances inspired by the exploits of British explorers in colonial Africa.

About the Edition

This new edition looks at Haggard’s own African experiences and unlikely literary success, and his ambivalent attitude to the native tribes and the ravages of the British Empire.

The Series

For over 100 years Oxford World’s Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford’s commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.