Setting

The novel is set in the late 19th century during the height of British colonialism in Africa. While an exact year is not specified, the story likely takes place in the 1880s, reflecting author H. Rider Haggard's own experiences in Africa during that decade. This era was characterized by European exploration and exploitation of the African continent, with adventurers and fortune-seekers venturing into uncharted territories.

Geographically, the story spans multiple regions of southern Africa. It begins in the coastal city of Durban in the British colony of Natal (present-day South Africa). From there, the protagonist's journey north into the African interior, crossing harsh deserts and scaling treacherous mountain ranges. The bulk of the action takes place in the fictional kingdom of Kukuanaland, which Haggard places in a remote valley somewhere in central Africa, likely in the region of modern-day Zambia or the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Within Kukuanaland, Haggard vividly describes several specific locations that form crucial settings for the story. These include the capital city of Loo, dominated by the royal kraal (settlement), and the cavernous diamond mines themselves - the fabled source of King Solomon's legendary wealth. By blending real African geography with imagined locations, Haggard creates an evocative backdrop that epitomizes the “lost world” genre he helped pioneer.

Characters

• Allan Quatermain: The protagonist and narrator, an experienced English hunter and adventurer in Africa.
• Sir Henry Curtis: An English nobleman searching for his missing brother.
• Captain John Good: Curtis's friend and former naval officer who joins the expedition.
• Umbopa/Ignosi: A mysterious African who joins the group, later revealed to be the rightful king of Kukuanaland.
• Twala: The cruel usurper king of Kukuanaland who seized power by murdering his brother.
• Gagool: An ancient and evil witch-doctor who advises King Twala.
• Foulata: A Kukuana woman who falls in love with Captain Good and helps the protagonists.
• Infadoos: A Kukuana warrior who supports Ignosi's claim to the throne.
• Neville Curtis: Sir Henry's missing brother, whom they set out to find.

Quick facts

• It was written in just 6-16 weeks as the result of a bet with Haggard's brother
• It's considered the first English adventure novel set in Africa
• The book launched the “Lost World” literary genre
• It was initially rejected by multiple publishers before becoming a bestseller
• Haggard based the character of Allan Quatermain on real-life explorer Frederick Selous
• The novel was inspired by the ruins of Great Zimbabwe that Haggard had seen
• It features one of the earliest interracial romances in popular fiction
• The book has been adapted into at least 7 films since 1919
• Haggard went on to write 13 more novels featuring Allan Quatermain
• The novel helped popularize African adventure stories in Victorian England

About the author

Sir Henry Rider Haggard was an English novelist best known for his adventure stories set in exotic locations, particularly Africa. Born in 1856 in Norfolk, England, Haggard spent several years working in South Africa as a young man before returning to England to pursue a career in law and writing. His experiences in Africa heavily influenced his most famous works, including King Solomon's Mines and She.

Haggard's breakthrough novel was King Solomon's Mines in 1885, which introduced the character of Allan Quatermain. This book helped establish the “lost world” literary genre and was hugely popular, inspiring many imitators. Haggard went on to write numerous other adventure novels featuring Quatermain and other characters, often set against the backdrop of Africa during the colonial era.

While Haggard's works reflected some of the racial stereotypes of his time, they were notable for portraying African characters in heroic roles and with a degree of sympathy unusual for the period. Beyond his fiction writing, Haggard was involved in colonial agricultural reform efforts and served on government commissions related to land use. He was knighted in 1912 and made a Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1919.

Haggard's adventure stories had a significant influence on later writers in the genre, including Edgar Rice Burroughs and H.P. Lovecraft. His novels have been adapted into numerous films over the years, with King Solomon's Mines and She being particularly popular. Haggard died in 1925.