Smith and the Pharaohs, and other Tales

Name: Smith and the Pharaohs, and other Tales
Author: H. Rider Haggard

By H. Rider Haggard

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Adventure British Literature Mythology, Legends & Folklore Short Stories

About This Book

A collection of short tales that mix adventure, folklore, and the uncanny. The opening narrative follows a reclusive man whose fascination with an ancient Egyptian likeness leads him into study and uncanny experiences, and subsequent stories move between folkloric animal episodes, domestic mysteries, spectral returns, and moral reckonings. Across varied lengths the pieces dwell on memory, obsession, the persistence of the past, and how ancient forces or unexpected events unsettle ordinary lives. Tone ranges from wistful and reflective to suspenseful, with episodic structure allowing contrasts between excavation of antiquity and intimate, often eerie human dilemmas.

About the Author

H. Rider Haggard

H. Rider Haggard was a British author and adventurer, best known for his pioneering works in the genre of adventure fiction. His most famous novel, "King Solomon's Mines," published in 1885, is often credited with establishing the template for the modern adventure story. Haggard's writing frequently explores themes of exploration and colonialism, particularly in Africa, where he spent significant time. His characters often embark on perilous journeys, facing both physical and moral challenges. In addition to his adventure novels, Haggard wrote historical fiction and essays, contributing to the literary heritage of the late 19th century. His works, such as "Allan Quatermain" and "She," remain influential in the adventure genre.