King Solomon's Mines

By: H. Rider Haggard

Narrated by: B.J. Harrison

Length: 9 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Legends tell of an unknown, hidden country where King Solomon's treasure is secreted. Many have searched for Solomon's diamonds and have never returned from their mysterious journey. Sir Henry Curtis' brother was lost on just such an adventure. Now, with a secret map, a regal guide, and the aid of Allan Quatermain, the renowned safari hunter, a group of three Englishmen journey to a secret land of witch doctors, warriors, and ancient mysteries. This is one of the best-selling novels of the 19th century, and has inspired countless adventure stories, including the Indiana Jones movies and Edgar Rice Burrough's Tarzan series. It's an adventure epic you won't want to miss!

©Public Domain B.J. Harrison (P)2014 B.J. Harrison

Beautiful Rendition of a Classic Adventure

I have listened to this recording twice. For the first two chapters, I found the story a little slow, but the reader kept me listening. I was later glad of it. This is a beautiful story. I have a new definition for the word "gentleman" imprinted on my mind. I can now imagine how the British came among savages. How they survived the encounter. How they changed the people they met for the better.

As to the reader, his performance is exceptional on several levels. I felt myself swept into the story immediately. I forgot that the reader was there. Harrison imbues the characters with emotions, as well as the narration. I highly recommend this book to lovers of classical novels set in Africa.

Great book and narrator

Absolutely loved this thrilling book and great narrator. I highly recommend this terrific classic book.

Great Classic

Great Classic and enjoyed the story throughout. B.J. Harrison has quickly become one of my favorite narrators. He did not disappoint in this telling.

A Fun Read

Many surprising twists which bring a story we never really see in cinema.
The original writing is always best, as it was here.

Great tales from a great author

Really got into the story. Like the ways in which moves the story along. Wanted it to be even longer.

It is King Solomon's Mines... What can be said?

Brilliant piece of work. I mean, what can you really say that has not already been said? Let's just consider for a moment how many motion pictures came from this book? My favorite, of course, being the Richard Chamberlain and Sharon Stone version. I saw that back in '87 or 88. Perhaps, earlier than that. This book is a classic, and if not already on the list of 1001 Books to Read Before You Die, it ought to be! I've been exploring the classics, lately, and they always seem to leave me in awe. The sheer quality of the descriptions are just mesmerizing. You can almost see every location, every rock, grain of sand, bit of vegetation, and body of water the characters are describing for you. I'd have to say, that I am so glad I have read this book because no movie can do it the Justice it deserves.

great adventure story

NJ Harrison is my favorite narrator. this is a classic adventure apo y. love it

A Fun adventure

This book is very violent, has several crude references including mountains that are described as breasts often, a man who walks around in only his underwear and shirt, and a couple of descriptions of being naked (not it a sexual manner). With that said, I did enjoy many aspects of this story.

The writing was amazing. Haggard's talent has not been exaggerated. His style appeals to me a lot. I loved the classic adventurer feel. I laughed every time Allen called himself a coward because he never acted like one.

Many people are concerned about the racism found in this book. Having read some books I wanted to burn written around the same time because they were so ugly in their racism, I was pretty amazed at this book. Yes, it has thoughts and attitudes that are sad to see. However, for the time, he showed a wide range of the peoples of Africa. He showed there were noble, caring people. He showed the depth and breadth of characters that are found the world over. I think unlike some literature of the time, he was trying to show the Africans could be good as well as bad. I would still say that go into it with your eyes open because the racism is there.

While not the greatest book, I enjoyed it and might even read more in the series. I would not recommend it for everyone though.
The edtion narrated by B.J. Harrison is splendid.

Old style adventure

I loved the 1950 movie ( Stewart Granger as Alan Quartermain ). The original story shares very little with the movie versions, but it is interesting to visit the source material. Good narration.

interesting story but..

Dated references to race and animal cruelty made it hard to listen in spots. Did not know that going in. that being said the story was interesting and action packed.