H. Rider Haggard (1856–1925)

Darwinian thought influences Allan's Wife and the other tales contained herein more forthrightly than anything else by Haggard I have so far read. In fact, in the story, "Long Odds," he directly employs the term, "survival of the fittest." This is as close to literary naturalism as you will find in any of his works. The hunting short stories, in particular, focus on a perceived realism, although the descriptions of animal behavior are exaggerated and, indeed, often incorrect, and they show more combine this realism with an emphasis on the rawness of nature and the combat necessary simply to get from one day to the next. It is harrowing stuff.

But it is in the title story/novel/novella, or however it may best be termed, that Haggard really gets around to dealing with notions of naturalism in literature. Taking up a trope common to European mythology, the feral White child, which can be seen even in the foundation stories applied to the creation of Rome, Haggard transplants the idea to Africa. Here, a White feral girl is raised by a troop of baboons, until she is rescued by a young woman who will become Allan Quatermain's wife.

Named Hendrika, the feral girl can not only communicate in "baboon talk" but also trains herself up in ways that manifest the strength, agility, and balance of those apes. Brought into the home of Stella Carson and her father, Hendrika is civilized and made a part of the family. All works well until Allan's arrival unleashes a streak of jealousy and hatred in Hendrika that leads to yet more adventure and tragedy.

Clearly, Haggard anticipates Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan by almost a quarter of a century. (Burroughs, by the way, along with Zane Grey, would bring literary naturalism to the forefront of the American bestseller in the years right before World War I.) But Haggard does so in his own unique way. And this is what makes his protagonist, Allan, so interesting. Far from the indomitable, perfect White hero, ruling over the plains and jungles of Africa, Quatermain is a flawed man, stubborn, easily put into moods, doubting, and, worst of all, someone who frequently makes the wrong decision, even as his instincts try to warn him off taking errant paths. In Allan's Wife, these flaws multiply, especially when the skeptical Allan refuses to listen to the warnings his African friend, a seer, constantly supplies. This thematic tension, between rational skepticism and mysticism runs throughout the Quatermain series of books. And, in this particular tale, Allan's refusal to listen to advice has consequences that forever sadden his life. show less

This is a rip-roaring slice of Haggard action and drama set in the 16th century at the time of Cortes's conquest of the Aztecs. Thomas Wingfield is an Englishman with a Spanish mother. She is killed by a Spaniard, De Garcia, and Thomas spends twenty years avenging her death, which brings him to Mexico where he joins the Aztecs against their common Spanish enemy, despite his revulsion at their practices of human sacrifice. He marries the eponymous Princess, betraying his vows to his show more sweetheart Lily back in England. He witnesses and fights against the Spanish Conquista, finally kills De Garcia, suffers the death of his wife and children, and returns to England and marries Lily who has waited for him. Full of cliches by modern standards of course, but a gripping read with many dramatic and even horrific scenes. Splendid stuff. 5/5 show less

"Time Hath No Power Against Identity"

Such a rare and joyful pleasure when a 'classic' proves equal to its reputation. At once a rollicking adventure tale and a rumination on the folly of vanity (both personal and cultural), She was an engaging read throughout. Haggard's prose remain effective 140 years later and the narrative brings the same thrills (and chills, make no mistake) that it must have done a century and a half ago.

The effect of this work on the burgeoning field of show more imaginative/speculative fiction was profound and numerous strains of its influence can be seen today in stories of fantasy, horror, and imagination. show less

She by H. Rider Haggard is an adventure novel that was originally published in 1887 after being previously serialized in a magazine. This fantasy adventure is the story of Cambridge professor Horace Holly and his ward Leo Vincey and their journey to a lost kingdom in the African interior. While the story is very unbelievable, I enjoyed being reminded of how I felt as a child when I would watch old Tarzan movies on “Jungle Theatre”.

This story about a two thousand year old sorceress, show more “She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed” and her tribe of cannibals is sheer balderdash but there were touches of misogynistic attitudes, a great deal of racism, and definite colonial attitudes that gives the reader a good look at the mindset of imperialist Victorians in the 1880s. Although the story is dated, it is a fact that this book was a trailblazer of original adventure stories, and is well remembered and at times copied even today. show less