King Solomon's Mines
Summary
King Solomon's Mines, published in 1885, is H. Rider Haggard's seminal adventure novel that launched the “lost world” literary genre. The book follows Allan Quatermain's expedition into uncharted African territory in search of legendary diamond mines and a missing explorer. Haggard's vivid depiction of Africa and thrilling plot made it an instant bestseller, inspiring countless other works across literature and film. The most famous adaptation is likely the 1950 Hollywood film starring Stewart Granger and Deborah Kerr, which won two Academy Awards and cemented the story's place in popular culture.
Plot
In King Solomon's Mines, adventurer Allan Quatermain is hired by Sir Henry Curtis and Captain John Good to help find Sir Henry's missing brother, who disappeared while searching for the legendary diamond mines of King Solomon. Quatermain possesses an old map to the mines and agrees to lead an expedition in exchange for a share of any treasure found. The group, joined by a mysterious native named Umbopa, sets out across treacherous African terrain.
After a perilous journey through desert and mountains, they arrive in Kukuanaland, where they become embroiled in a civil war. Umbopa is revealed to be the rightful heir to the throne, challenging the cruel King Twala. With the help of Quatermain and his companions, Umbopa defeats Twala and is crowned king. The group then follows the ancient witch-doctor Gagool to the fabled mines, where they discover an immense treasure chamber filled with diamonds and gold.
However, Gagool traps them inside the mine and they barely escape with their lives. They manage to pocket a fortune in diamonds before finding their way out through an underground river. On their return journey, they discover Sir Henry's brother stranded at an oasis with a broken leg. The entire party then makes it safely back to civilization, their adventure complete and their pockets filled with treasure.
Themes
• Adventure and exploration in uncharted lands
• The search for lost treasure and mythical places
• Colonialism and European views of Africa
• Racial attitudes and relationships between cultures
• Leadership, power struggles, and political intrigue
• Friendship and loyalty among the adventurers
• Courage and heroism in the face of danger
Settings
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
H. Rider Haggard
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.