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The dwarf saluted and went. "Ah!" he said to himself as he waddled down the hill where he hoped to find game, "ah! you do not fear men dead or living--overmuch; yet, Otter, it is true that you are better here in the sun, though the sun is hot, than yonder in the cave. Say, Otter, why does Baas Tom look so awful now that he is dead--he who was so gentle while yet he lived? Cheat did not look awful, only uglier. But then you killed Cheat, and the Heavens killed Baas Tom and set their own seal upon him. And what will Baas Leonard do now that his brother is dead and the Basutos have run away? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

"A tip-top yarn"
- - That was C. S. Lewis's verdict.

Having read about twenty of Haggard's novels, I thought this one was unusual in having a bickering couple for the love interest, fairly frequent references to Leonard or Juanna being annoyed, etc.The happy ending is rather muted.Also, while Leonard is basically in the usual Haggard mold of physically strong hero, for quite a lot of the book he is passive, reacting to events.A third difference is that the book is almost free of the spiritualistic musings that one finds in many of Haggard's books.There's virtually no supernatural element here, too.

In the second half, things maybe drag just a leetle, but I have to say that Haggard pays us off well with that amazingly cinematic climax!

Ballantine reprinted a few Haggard novels in the Seventies (two in its Adult Fantasy series -- this one and The World's Desire, which I don't remember very well); it is much better than When the World Shook, which has pages of talk -- which was obviously much easier to write than the narration and description that are lavishly deployed here.

STILL ANOTHER WONDERFUL PAGE-TURNER FROM H. RIDER HAGGARD
Sir Henry Rider Haggard, the so-called "Father of the Lost Race Novel," didn't write such stories featuring only Allan Quatermain and Ayesha, She Who Must Be Obeyed. For example, his 17th novel, "The People of the Mist" (1894), is a smashing, wonderfully exciting, stand-alone lost-race tale featuring all-new characters. But the first third of the novel is hardly a lost-race story at all, but rather one of hard-bitten African adventure. In it, we meet Leonard Outram, a penniless British adventurer who is seeking wealth in the wilds of the "Dark Continent" after losing his family lands and estates (through no fault of his own, it should be added). He becomes involved in the rescue of a young Portuguese woman from the largest slaving camp in Africa, and this thrilling and quite suspenseful section of the book offers more entertainment value than most entire novels. But it is only after Leonard and Otter (his four-foot-tall Zulu sidekick) rescue Juanna Rodd that the book really takes off, and the hunt for the People of the Mist, and their legendary jewel horde, begins. Once the lost race has been discovered, Leonard & Co. become embroiled in a plot involving the impersonation of gods and priest vs. king politics, and Haggard throws in some violent sacrifices, a giant crocodile god, a "toboggan" escape along a precipitous glacier, some romances and a good deal of humor (thanks to that wonderful Otter character) to keep the reader consistently amused. The theology of this lost race is nicely detailed and, as is fortunately common in a Haggard tale, the author offers many commentaries on the side regarding his philosophies of life. For those readers who have enjoyed other tales by Sir Henry (I've read 30 or so at this point; the man CAN prove addictive!), "The People of the Mist" will resonate all over the place, bringing to mind both earlier and later Haggard works. For example, the character of Soa (Juanna's insanely jealous nursemaid) is similar to Hendrika the Baboon Woman in "Allan's Wife" (1889). Otter himself is a precursor of Quatermain's Hottentot sidekick Hans, especially when he attempts to fight the giant crocodile god, much as Hans would later fight the monstrous snake god in "The Ivory Child" (1916). (These giant animal gods, it should be noted, are likely inspirations for all those similar monstrosities in the tales of Robert E. Howard, just as Hendrika was a likely inspiration for Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan.) But there is no way in the world that a reader--even one familiar with the author--will guess how things turn out for our intrepid explorers, in this continuously engrossing tale. That said, it should be noted that Haggard is guilty of a few slips in the course of the book. A huge gem of the crocodile god is carved from a sapphire; several hundred pages later, it has become a ruby. The motto of Leonard's family is said to be "For Heart, Home and Honour"; later on, that motto is said to be "For Home, Honour and Heart." But these are minor matters that only the sharpest-eyed readers will notice (my personal curse, I suppose). The overwhelming majority of readers, I feel, will be so busy being thrilled and entertained that they will never notice these little goofs. The bottom line is that "The People of the Mist" is still another wonderful page-turner from H. Rider Haggard. Now, when is some respectful filmmaker going to spend $200 million to bring THIS ONE to the big screen?

An absolute MUST READ
A beautiful masterpiece, truly Haggard at his best. It depicts an English youth, who lost his fortune and his fiancee's hand. Swearing with his brother to win back their home, he ends up in Africa, trying to make a fortune. It is only afterwards that he rescues a maid from a slave-dealer (for payment, of course!) falls in love with her, and ends up in a place no one has ever heard of. Narrow escape, love, intrigue, and more make this book great! It's worth every penny!

Best of Haggard
Although not of the Allan Quartermain storyline, which has some great novels, and not one of Haggard's more famous novels, I view "People of the Mist" as the best novel that Haggard ever wrote.I have read it several times and it is still fresh and exciting.

Sweeps you away to strange lands, and rivets you there!
This is an incredible adventure, complete with terror, tears and laughs! After a brief introduction into the scenario, the pace and mystery picks-up to a 'can't-put-it-down' pace! After lending my tattered copy to someoneyears ago, forgetting who, and searching for a copy ever since, I'veFINALLY FOUND IT!!! Thanks,AMAZON!!!!!!!! ... Read more

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This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.Download Description
When Eve Clattering-known as Red Eve because she always dresses in red--is betrothed to Sir Edmund Acour, Count of Noyon, it goes against her will and her every instinct. Rumors of Sir Edmund's treachery have reached her ears, and she suspects he may be planning to seize the throne of England.Hugh de Cressi, Eve's true love, must rise above his station, help save the king . . . and win Red Eve for his own! ... Read more

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This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.Download Description
Look here, Mr. Quatermain, you were always a bit of a sportsman, and I'll make you an offer. If I kill more birds than you do to-day, you shall promise to hold your tongue about my affairs in South Africa; and if you kill more than I do, you shall still hold your tongue, but I will pay you that £250 and interest for six years. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A RIPPING GOOD YARN!
This is another of the 14 Allan Quatermain tales from the pen of that great adventure fantasist, H. Rider Haggard. This novel is a direct continuation of "Allan and the Holy Flower," and it does help to have read the previous book. Also referenced are other Quatermain novels such as "Marie," "Child of Storm" and"Allan's Wife," and while a knowledge of these earlier books will make for a richer experience, "Ivory Child" can certainly be read on its own. In this one, Quatermain goes on a quest to find his buddy's kidnapped wife (in that respect, it is similar to "Holy Flower"), but also gets involved in a lost tribe's civil war. Thrown into the mix are a gigantic and evil elephant god, a monster snake guardian (the possible inspiration for all those snake gods in Robert E. Howard's Conan tales), several great battle scenes, psychic visions, drug use, a hailstorm, Egyptology, a shooting competition, a sandstorm, etc. Haggard throws quite a bit into this one to ensure a good time. And for fans of Hans, Quatermain's heroic and amusing Hottentot sidekick, this one provides quite a little tearjerker ending. It's all wonderfully pulpy and quite amusing; a ripping good yarn, as they used to say. So seek this one out on Amazon it'll reward your efforts! ... Read more

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This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.Download Description
Now he appeared to be much disturbed, and said finally that they would bring him into trouble with the Marquis of Morella--how or why, he would not explain, though Peter guessed that it might be lest the marquis should learn from them that this priest, his chaplain, had been plundering the ship which he thought sunk, and possessing himself of his jewels. At length, seeing that the man meant mischief and would stop them in some fashion if they delayed, they bade him farewell hastily, and, pushing past him, mounted the mules that stood outside and rode away with their guide. ... Read more

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A DIFFERENT TYPE OF HAGGARD NOVEL
"Beatrice" was first published in 1890, and was H. Rider Haggard's 10th novel, out of 58 titles. Unlike so many of his other books, "Beatrice" is one that features almost no action scenes whatsoever; no lost races, no adventure, no battles, no supernatural elements. What it IS, is a beautifully written romance novel; indeed, is is one of Haggard's most emotional works. It tells the story of the ill-fated love affair between Beatrice Granger, an unmarried Welsh school teacher, and Geoffrey Bingham, an unhappily married barrister who lives in London. This all starts after Beatrice saves Geoffrey's life in a canoeing accident during a tremendous storm (in the book's only true action set piece), and the two become interested in one another. Trouble awaits, in the form of Bingham's wife Honoria (who's only interested in money and social climbing), Owen Davies (one of the richest men in Wales, who is morbidly obsessed with marrying Beatrice), and Elizabeth (Beatrice's older sister, who will do just about anything to marry Davies herself). So where in other books we might encounter a three-way love triangle, here we have what might be called a love...pentagon?
I said before that this book contains no supernatural elements, but this is not quite true. Beatrice and Geoffrey do seem to have some kind of psychic link with one another, so that at times they can sense each other's thoughts and feelings, even when separated. Haggard's recurring theme of eternal love--of a love that survives beyond the grave--is very much in evidence in "Beatrice." This is a theme that was given play in his very first novel, "Dawn"; was much stressed in the four "She" novels; and appears in so many of his other works. Another theme that "Beatrice" seems to stress is the undesirability of the Victorian marriage state. Apparently, back in the late 19th century, divorce was seen to be a scandalous option, even for the most unhappily married couples. Haggard here shows us one such couple, and the problems that arise when this unfortunate union continues. Strangely, the author seems to have no sympathy for the problems that afflict Beatrice and Geoffrey as their romance continues. He even says so, in so many words. One must read between the lines to realize that Haggard does indeed feel for these poor unfortunates.
Of all the Haggard novels that I have read (two dozen or so), this one seemed to me the most dated. It is hard to believe that so much scandal could attach to a couple because of a love affair. But hold on a moment! Didn't our 42nd president get himself into major "mishegas" as a result of his dalliance with an unmarried woman? Indeed, wouldn't a single school teacher in a small town TODAY find herself embarrassed if her affair with a married man of prominence were to come to light? Perhaps things haven't changed so much after all! (Although it is doubtful that a scandalized woman of today would go to the extremes that Beatrice goes to to put matters right!)
"Beatrice," then, is NOT a novel for those looking for an action and adventure spectacle. But for those wishing a deliciously written novel with characters you can really care for, this might be just the ticket. At one point in this tale, Geoffrey thinks about sitting down one night with a good novel, and Haggard tells us that Bingham was "not above this frivolous occupation." Reading Haggard's "Beatrice," however, does not strike me as a "frivolous occupation." It is a serious-minded novel that the author obviously felt deeply about, and one that I do recommend highly. ... Read more

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Haggard's classic Egyptian novel, filled with magic, wandering Kas (or spirit-doubles), old gods, romance, and adventure -- as only Haggard could write it! Features an introduction by Lin Carter. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A very well written historical fantasy
Rider haggard at his best. This amazing Fantasy story takes place in ancient Egypt. The hero, a prince, has to go through many extreme challenges to win the throne and the heart of his beloved women. The book gives a great insight on Egyptian religions and culture. It is a great book for Egyption culture fans, adventure and fantasy lovers, and for anyone else too...

captivating,riveting,suspence,action,conter action,love.
when i was about 11years old,i came across this book back home in west africa.it is a story about an egyptian royal family.ramses .it is captivating to the point where,it made me to cry,laugh,and be kept in feverish suspense,but at the same time gave me an understanding of what power,position greed,and betrayal means. an absolute must read. ... Read more

Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.Download Description
Already under that heavy sky the light which struggled through the brine-encrusted eastern window was dim and grey. Presently, however, he discovered the figure of Stella seated in her accustomed place by the desolate-looking stone altar, whereon stood the box containing the aerophone that they had used in their experiments. She was dressed in her dark-coloured ulster, of which the hood was still drawn over her head, giving her the appearance of some cloaked nun, lingering, out of time and place, in the ruined habitations of her worship. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

ONE OF HAGGARD'S MOST BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN BOOKS
At the beginning of his 25th novel, "Stella Fregelius" (1903), H. Rider Haggard deemed it necessary to offer an apology to his public. In this brief foreword, the author warns prospective readers that "Stella" is not one of his typical tales, and one with "few exciting incidents." Indeed, those expecting the typical Haggardian mix of lost races, African adventure, big-game hunting, massive battle scenes and historical sweep may be disappointed with this book. However, I feel that Rider Haggard need not have bothered with an apology, as "Stella Fregelius" turns out to be one of his most beautifully written, deeply felt and truly romantic works.
The story here concerns one Morris Monk, a British inventor who is trying, when we first meet him, to perfect a device that he calls an "aerophone" (it seems, from the description, to be a bulkier version of today's ubiquitous cell phone). As his name implies, Monk is a scholarly man with little to no interest in women. Soon, however, he is coerced into marrying his wealthy first cousin (don't ask), Mary, as a means of saving his family's debt-ridden estate. Trouble is not long in coming, when Morris saves the life of the eponymous Stella from a shipwreck in the North Sea. As in Haggard's earlier novel "Mr. Meeson's Will" (1888) and the later "Benita" (1906), a shipwreck does play a pivotal role in this story. This shipwreck scene and its aftermath, by the way, constitute the only true action set pieces in the novel. It doesn't take too long for the reader to realize that Morris and Stella are "soul mates," which situation leads to all sorts of Edwardian mishegas, including [WARNING: SPOILER AHEAD!!!] Stella's death. And it is here that the novel reveals its true purpose, that of showing us that there are loves that survive beyond the grave, and that a spiritual connection is so much more important than the physical and temporal. Toss out your Harlequin paperbacks, ladies; this story is a TRUE romance! The theme of "eternal love" was one that Haggard returned to repeatedly, from his very first novel "Dawn" (1884), through all four She novels, and elsewhere. He himself was involved with a "soul mate" who he just happened to NOT be married to, and thus one can understand why "Stella" meant so much to him. This novel is somewhat reminiscent of his "Jess" (1887) and also his "Beatrice" (1890), in that it deals with a married man who finds his perfect match...elsewhere. All three tales end tragically, but in "Stella Fregelius," at least Haggard holds out the hope of a happy ending in the form of a blissful afterlife. The scenes in which the bereaved Morris attempts to communicate with his lost Stella are truly touching, and are written in some of Haggard's most beautiful, lyrical prose. This is also one of the most symbolic and metaphor packed of all Haggard's novels(at least, of the two dozen that I've been fortunate enough to have read), and contains many passages that the reader may want to peruse over and over, or at least underline for future reference. Filled with warm and touching characters; featuring a few genuinely exciting scenes; and crammed with Haggard's thoughts on life, love, religion and the afterlife, "Stella Fregelius" is a wonderful read. And certainly nothing to apologize for! I hope that Haggard felt, when he reread this finished work, something akin to the sentiment that Stella describes in one scene: "I have done something; it is good; it cannot be changed; it is a stone built forever in the pyramid of beauty, or knowledge, or advancement." ... Read more

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This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

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This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.Download Description
I, Hubert of Hastings, write this in the land of Tavantinsuyu, far from England, where I was born, whither I shall never more return, being a wanderer as the rune upon the sword of my ancestor, Thorgrimmer, foretold that I should be, which sword my mother gave me on the day of the burning of Hastings by the French. I write it with a pen that I have shaped from a wing feather of the great eagle. ... Read more

Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A sense of duty you won't find anymore...
A very, very old-fashioned adventure tale. It reads somewhat like a Shakespearean story -- not a play -- with clearly drawn good and evil, some improbable plot twists, and epic battles. It is the sweeping integrity of the hero that is so compelling. He never wavers, and truly good people are drawn to him, while "bad" people hate and fear him.

You really won't see a protagonist like this anymore. He values duty above all else, without sacrificing himself.

Adventurous & Entertaining!
This is one of the greatest books that I've read in a long time.I was in search of finding something to read that would entertain and inspire me.The Wanderer's Necklace has definitely done that!Every chapter brought forth a new array of events that captivated my mind weaving heartfelt imaginations.The writer takes readers on the journey with the Wanderer and captures their attention until the finish of the book.I returned to the contents of the book eagerly until I was finished reading it every day since I got it.This is something that I have not done in a long time.I recommend this book to anyone who likes fiction that takes you on an adventure and dares to explore the depths of things that you've never known before. ... Read more

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This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.Download Description
Life is never altogether clouded over, and that morning Angela's horizon had been brightened by two big rays of sunshine that came to shed their cheering light on the grey monotony of her surroundings. For of late, notwithstanding its occasional spasms of fierce excitement, her life had been as monotonous as it was miserable. Always the same anxious grief, the same fears, the same longing pressing hourly round her like phantoms in the mist--no, not like phantoms, like real living things peeping at her from the dark. ... Read more

Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more

Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.Download Description
Nay, King, she answered, "what I said then, I said once and for all. Read thou the saying as thou wilt, or let the Ghost-people interpret it to thee. Hear me, King and Councillors. Ye have kept me here when I would be gone, my business being ended, that I might be a judge among this people. Ye have told me that the rivers were in flood, that the beast I rode was sick, that evil would befall the land if I deserted you. Now I know, and ye know, that if it pleased me I could have departed when and whither I would, but it was not fitting that the Inkosazana should creep out of Zululand like a thief in the night, so I abode on in my house yonder. ... Read more

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This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.Download Description
Waking very early, as is my habit, I peeped out of the wagon, and through the morning mist perceived Footsack in converse with a particularly villainous-looking person. I at once concluded this must be Karl, evidently a Bastard compounded of about fifteen parts of various native bloods to one of white, who, to add to his attractions, was deeply scarred with smallpox and possessed a really alarming squint. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A WONDERFUL ENDING TO A SUPERB TRILOGY
"Finished" comprises the third book in H. Rider Haggard's so-called Zulu trilogy, the first two novels being "Marie" and "Child of Storm." This is a magnificent set of books that dealswith the downfall of the Zulu people, as personally witnessed by AllanQuatermain, the hero of 14 of Haggard's novels, including "KingSolomon's Mines." "Finished" has all the elements thatHaggard's fans have come to expect from him: a great and fast-moving story,scenes of big-game hunting, interesting and amusing characters, bloody andwell-described battles, all with a dash of mysticism and some supernaturalelements thrown into the mix. It is a real rouser. In the first half ofthis book, our hero Quatermain gets personally involved in the problems ofa young couple in the bush veld in Africa, but the entire second half ofthe book details his stay with the Zulus, their war councils, and the greatbattles that the Zulus fought against the English in the late 1870s. Thetone of the book is suitably elegiac, mourning the passing of a proudpeople and culture. This is a magnificent trilogy of books, and it is areal shame that they are all out of print. But I heartily recommend thatyou seek them out. ... Read more

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This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. Also titled: The war of the little handDownload Description
About four o'clock, however, Gobo woke me up, and told me that the head man of one of Wambe's kraals had arrived to see me. I ordered him to be brought up, and presently he came, a little, wizened, talkative old man, with a waistcloth round his middle, and a greasy, frayed kaross made of the skins of rock rabbits over his shoulders. ... Read more

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This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.Download Description
I do not know; I only know this, that in that wall, as in others, a door will be found. Trouble not for the future, but leave it in the hand of Him Who shapes all futures. Sufficient to the day is the evil thereof. So He said. Accept the saying and be grateful. It is something to have gained the love of such a one as this Roman, for, unless the wisdom which I have gained through many years is at fault, he is true and honest; and that man must be good at heart who can be reared in Rome and in the worship of its gods and yet remain honest. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Adventure and Romance Galore - Make a Movie of This, Someone
I have set myself to reading all of the H. Rider Haggard novels, and my library had a 1903 (!) edition of this book. Geez, it is AWESOME! I love early Christianity books like _Ben Hur_ and _Quo Vadis_; this book is up in their league.

That having been said, _Pearl Maiden_ spends very little time trying to assure the reader that Christianity is the best way, the only way, and that every other culture and faith that has come before it is misguided at best and infernal at worst. That's one of the things I really admire about Haggard, the more so as I read more of his books: for a man of his time, he is remarkably open-minded.

So, what's the book about? The twisting, turning plot follows the adventures of Miriam (the "Pearl Maiden" of the book's title), an orphan whose Christian mother puts the baby into the care of a loyal servant woman. Miriam grows up in an adoring colony of Essenes, who educate her and teach her a trade (sculpting) but who, because of the dictates of their order, must send her forth into the world. She goes to live with her grandfather, a powerful Jewish merchant who hates the Roman rule and takes part in the defense of Jerusalem from Titus' forces.

Miriam, whose grandfather has allowed her to retain her Christian faith, finds herself in a conflict, for she has fallen in love with Marcus, a Roman officer. To further complicate the plot, she has been raised with Caleb, a young Jewish boy, who loves her and no other.

Well, I won't divulge any more of the the plot; you will want to savour it for yourself. It's a nice, fat book (my edition is over 500 pages), that will satisfy anyone who enjoys an action-packed historical yarn. I was up until one this morning finishing it off. ... Read more