Explore Adventure Novels: A Journey with Allan Quatermain
Explore African adventure novels inspired by Allan Quatermain, Frederick Selous, Percy Fawcett and H. Rider Haggard.
Journey Through Africa
ALlan Quatermain
Allan Quatermain
Allan Quatermain is a fictional character created by H. Rider Haggard, who first appeared in the 1885 novel King Solomon's Mines. As a British adventurer, big-game hunter, and explorer in colonial Africa, he serves as a prototype for later action heroes like Indiana Jones. Quatermain is rugged, skilled, and principled, possessing a deep knowledge of African landscapes and cultures, which is often reflected in African literature. Born in England, he’s a widower who embarks on perilous journeys for treasure, advneture, or survival. In King Solomon's Mines, he leads an expedition to locate a lost diamond mine, confronting dangers such as hostile tribes, treacherous terrain, and betrayal. His blend of grit, wit, and moral code—favoring adventure over greed—has solidified his status as an iconic character, much like the real-life explorer Frederick Courteney Selous. I think uniquely-though perhaps predictably Haggard novels actually get better later in the Quatermain series.
Frederick Courteney Selous
Frederick Courteney Selous was born on December 31, 1851, in London, England. Growing up in Regent’s Park, he developed a deep fascination with nature, collecting butterflies and even poaching as a teenager. His father, Frederick Selous Sr., was the chairman of the London Stock Exchange, and his mother, Ann Sherborn, shared a love for the natural world. Educated at Rugby School, Selous founded the Natural History Society in 1867 and was influenced by books such as David Livingstone’s Missionary Travels and Research in South Africa (1857) and William Charles Baldwin’s African Hunting and Adventure from Natal to the Zambesi (1863), which shaped his ambitions for African exploration and inspired his later contributions to African literature.
At 19, Selous left for Africa in 1871, arriving in Port Elizabeth with 150 kg of baggage, including guns and novels. He traveled to Kimberly, hiring a transport rider, and began hunting game to support his journey. His hunting career began in earnest, with his first lion sighting in August 1872 and a meeting with Lobengula, King of the Matabele, in September 1872. His first elephant expedition yielded 400 lbs of ivory, which he sold for £300. These thrilling adventures were documented in his bestseller A Hunter’s Wanderings in Africa (1881), which also contributed to the genre of African literature.
Selous’s explorations significantly expanded European knowledge of Africa, particularly its south-central regions that would become Rhodesia and are now known as Zimbabwe. He mapped uncharted territories, earning the Royal Geographical Society’s medal in 1890 for his work on the River Umfuli. In 1890, he joined the British South Africa Company, guiding settlers to establish Fort Salisbury (now Harare) and playing a pivotal role in the First Matabele War, where he scouted during the advance on Bulawayo in November 1893. His efforts also helped bring Manicaland under British control.
A pioneer in conservation, Selous advocated for wildlife protection and played a crucial role in establishing game reserves. The Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania, one of Africa’s largest protected areas, is named in his honor.
His influence extended to literature, inspiring H. Rider Haggard’s iconic character Allan Quatermain and appearing in Wilbur Smith’s novels like Rage (1987) and Men of Men (1981).
During World War I, Selous served in East Africa, engaging in skirmishes between German and British colonial forces. Tragically, he was shot by a sniper and killed at the age of 65 on January 4, 1917, near the Rufiji River in Tanzania.
Percy Fawcett
Lt. Percy Fawcett DSO was the original badass! H. Rider Haggard and Percy Fawcett shared a close personal friendship, based upon lost civilizations, adventure, and the occult. Both men were part of a literary and exploratory circle along with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Fawcett's real-life Amazon expeditions inspired Doyle to write The Lost World (1912), while Haggard's novels like King Solomon's Mines (1885) inspired Fawcett's obsessions with ancient secret societies.
They shared interests in spiritualism and archaeology. Fawcett, a trained surveyor and soldier, became friends with Haggard around the time he began his South American expeditions in 1906. Sources describe them as "close friends." Haggard gifted Fawcett a 10-inch black basalt statuette (idol) he had acquired in Brazil. Haggard believed it originated in a lost city. Fawcett carried this talisman on his journeys and consulted psychics who claimed it held supernatural powers and linked it to Atlantis or ancient Amazonian civilizations. These ideas echoed in Haggard's fictional themes in his later novels.
This exchange blurred the line between Haggard's romanticized fiction and Fawcett's real quests. Their friendship embodied the era's blend of imperialism, mysticism, and exploration and inspired archetypes like Indiana Jones and Lara Croft. Haggard died in May 1925, just as Fawcett vanished on his final expedition.
Allan Quatermain Books
King Solomon's Mines
King Solomon's Mines is an adventure novel by H. Rider Haggard, first published in 1885. It follows Allan Quatermain, a seasoned hunter, alongside his companions—Sir Henry Curtis and Captain John Good—as they embark on a perilous quest to find Curtis’s missing brother and the legendary treasure of King Solomon in an uncharted region of Africa. This captivating tale draws on elements of African literature and is set against a backdrop of colonial exploration, featuring thrilling encounters with wildlife, hostile tribes, and treacherous landscapes. The narrative also pays homage to figures like Frederick Courteney Selous, known for his explorations in Africa. The book is considered a foundational work of the 'lost world' genre, blending exoticism, imperialism, and suspense.
Allan Quatermain
Allan Quatermain, an 1887 novel by H. Rider Haggard, follows the adventurer Allan Quatermain, Sir Henry Curtis, and Captain John Good as they journey to a remote region of Africa to investigate rumors of a lost white civilization. Joined by Umslopogaas, a Zulu warrior, they encounter the Zu-Vendi people, a light-skinned tribe ruled by two queens, Nyleptha and Sorais. This captivating story blends adventure, romance, and political intrigue, culminating in a civil war and tragic sacrifices. Notably, the character of Quatermain, inspired by the experiences of explorers like Frederick Courteney Selous, is portrayed as a grizzled yet honorable hero, making it a significant work within African literature.
Allan's Wife
Allan's Wife is a novella, first published in 1889 as part of the collection Allan's Wife and Other Tales. It is the third entry in the Allan Quatermain series, though it serves as a prequel, set early in Quatermain’s life. This story offers a personal glimpse into the life of the iconic adventurer, focusing on his childhood, early years in Africa, and his marriage to Stella, the mother of his son, Harry. As a fan of African literature, I find this one of my favorite stories. It also introduces the ROAH rifle. Interestingly, several versions of this tale exist, particularly regarding the death of the antagonist Hendrika, who is often associated with the real-life explorer Frederick Courteney Selous, a figure that influenced H. Rider Haggard's work. The scenes with Hendrika (the Baboon Woman) a feral white woman rescued as a child after her family was killed was raised by baboons, and became a sort of half-human, half-beast—speaking in growls, swinging through trees, and fiercely loyal to Stella, whom she worships as a goddess and likely loves. As Allan falls deeply in love with Stella, Hendrika’s obsessive devotion turns to violent jealousy. What follows is a haunting tale of love, madness, primal instinct, adventure, and tragedy
Maiwa's Revenge
Maiwa's Revenge, or The War of the Little Hand, is a novella published in 1888 by H. Rider Haggard, an influential figure in African literature. This captivating story is set in South Africa and serves as a prequel to the adventures of the renowned hunter Allan Quatermain. It delves into themes of vengeance, tribal warfare, and Quatermain's strategic prowess.
In this tale, Quatermain narrates an earlier chapter of his life where he becomes involved in Maiwa's quest for revenge against her husband, Wambe, a cruel chief responsible for the death of her child and her banishment. Now wed to Quatermain’s ally Nala, Maiwa seeks Quatermain's expertise to help overthrow Wambe and restore her son’s honor. Alongside his loyal servant Gobo and a small group, Quatermain leads a daring campaign against Wambe’s fortified kraal. Utilizing his extensive knowledge of the terrain and his hunting skills, Quatermain orchestrates a conflict between rival tribes, outsmarts Wambe’s forces, and aids Maiwa in her quest for vengeance. The story is action-packed, featuring vivid descriptions of battles, elephant hunts, and the stunning African landscapes, ultimately culminating in Maiwa’s triumph and Wambe’s downfall, reminiscent of the adventurous spirit found in the works of Frederick Courteney Selous.
Marie
A novel published in 1912, the first in a trilogy of Allan Quatermain prequels by H. Rider Haggard, is followed by Child of Storm (1913) and Finished (1917). Set in South Africa during the 1830s, it chronicles the early adventures of a young Allan Quatermain, focusing on his first love and his involvement in the historical tensions between Dutch Boers, British settlers, and Zulu tribes. This work is a notable example of African literature, blending romance, adventure, and historical fiction, while also reflecting the influence of figures like Frederick Courteney Selous. The most memorable scene is when Allan is in a shooting contest with Hernando Pereira.
Child of Storm
Child of Storm, a novel published in 1913 by H. Rider Haggard, is a significant work in African literature. Set in South Africa during the 1850s, it depicts a slightly older Allan Quatermain embroiled in Zulu political intrigue, romance, and warfare. The novel blends historical fiction with adventure, focusing on the rise and fall of a charismatic Zulu woman and the looming Zulu civil conflicts, while also reflecting the influence of figures like Frederick Courteney Selous.
Holy Flower
The Holy Flower, a novel published in 1915, is a significant work in African literature that takes place in South Africa and central Africa. It follows the aging adventurer, reminiscent of Allan Quatermain, on a quest for a rare orchid. The story blends adventure, mysticism, and colonial exploration, combining H. Rider Haggard’s signature “lost world” elements with themes of obsession and cultural conflict, echoing the spirit of explorers like Frederick Courteney Selous.
The Ivory Child
The Ivory Child, a notable work of African literature published in 1916, features the legendary character Allan Quatermain, who, in his later years, embarks on a new adventure. This time, he meets Lord Ragnall, a wealthy Englishman, and his fiancée, Luna Holmes, in England. Luna is plagued by visions of a mysterious African child and an ivory mask that is tied to her past. Accompanied by his loyal Hottentot servant Hans, Quatermain joins Ragnall’s expedition to Africa, driven to uncover the truth. In this thrilling journey, they encounter the White Kendah, a tribe that worships a child oracle, as well as their rivals, the Black Kendah, led by the fanatic priest Harût. The conflict centers around the “Ivory Child,” a sacred artifact integral to the tribes’ religion. As Quatermain navigates tribal warfare, supernatural occurrences, and a daring rescue mission, his cunning and marksmanship come into play for survival. The narrative, reflecting elements reminiscent of H. Rider Haggard and inspired by the adventures of Frederick Courteney Selous, delves into themes of destiny and cultural misunderstanding, ultimately leading to a dramatic resolution.
Finished
Finished is a notable novel in African literature, published in 1917, and it serves as the third and final book in the Allan Quatermain prequel trilogy, succeeding Marie (1912) and Child of Storm (1913). Set in South Africa during the 1870s, the story portrays an older Allan Quatermain, a character crafted by H. Rider Haggard, who finds himself embroiled in the historical prelude to the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. This novel artfully combines adventure, political intrigue, and mysticism, highlighting Quatermain’s involvement in the Zulu-British tensions and his encounters with spiritual forces. Quatermain, now a seasoned hunter and trader in his 50s, narrates a tale from his past, drawing readers into a complex web of events involving the Zulu king Cetshwayo, British colonial authorities, and a mysterious Zulu seer named Zikali, the 'Opener of Roads.' Zikali, a cunning and vengeful character, manipulates Quatermain and others to destabilize the Zulu kingdom in a quest for retribution against past injustices. Accompanied by his Hottentot servant Hans, Quatermain navigates alliances with historical figures, including the renowned Frederick Courteney Selous and faces threats from Zulu warriors and internal betrayals. The narrative delves into the annexation of the Transvaal and the rising conflict leading to the Anglo-Zulu War, with Quatermain reluctantly positioned as an intermediary. Supernatural elements, intricately linked to Zikali’s visions, introduce a mystical dimension, culminating in a tragic and contemplative resolution.
The Ancient Allan
The Ancient Allan is a novel published in 1920 by H. Rider Haggard. Unlike most entries in African literature, it blends adventure with fantasy and reincarnation, as Allan Quatermain experiences visions of a past life in ancient Africa. Set primarily in England and a fictional ancient African civilization, the novel explores themes of destiny, memory, and cyclical history, all while retaining Haggard’s signature colonial lens. Quatermain, now elderly and living in England, is visited by his friend Lord Ragnall (from The Ivory Child). During their conversation, Quatermain is persuaded to inhale a mystical substance known as taduki, which induces vivid visions of his past life. He “becomes” Shabaka, a noble hunter and warrior in an ancient African kingdom resembling pre-dynastic Egypt or a proto-Bantu civilization. In this past life, Shabaka navigates political intrigue, a love triangle with a princess named Amada, and a war against invading forces led by a Persian-like empire. Quatermain’s modern consciousness occasionally surfaces, drawing parallels between his past and present selves. The story alternates between the ancient narrative and Quatermain’s reflections in England, culminating in revelations about fate and identity. The novel serves as a loose sequel to The Ivory Child (1916), revisiting characters like Ragnall and the taduki drug, while also echoing the adventures of figures like Frederick Courteney Selous.
She and Allan
She and Allan is a novel published in 1921, contributing to the rich tapestry of African literature. This work serves as a crossover between H. Rider Haggard’s two iconic characters: Allan Quatermain, the rugged adventurer from King Solomon’s Mines, and Ayesha, the immortal queen from She (1887) and its sequels. Set in central Africa, the novel blends adventure, fantasy, and mysticism, exploring themes of mortality, power, and the supernatural through Quatermain’s skeptical lens. Now elderly and reflective, Quatermain is persuaded by a dying friend to undertake a quest to find a mysterious woman in Africa’s interior. Accompanied by his loyal Hottentot servant Hans and a young warrior named Umslopogaas (from Allan Quatermain), Quatermain ventures into uncharted territory. There, he encounters Ayesha, the immortal “She-who-must-be-obeyed,” who rules the lost city of Kôr and possesses unearthly beauty and wisdom. Ayesha seeks Quatermain’s help to confront a rival sorceress and unravel a prophecy tied to her past love, Kallikrates. The narrative weaves Quatermain’s practical worldview with Ayesha’s mystical allure, leading to battles with hostile tribes, supernatural visions, and profound revelations about life and death. The story reflects on Quatermain’s mortality against Ayesha’s eternal existence, culminating in a dramatic and bittersweet resolution, echoing the adventurous spirit of Frederick Courteney Selous.
Heu Heu
Heu-Heu, or The Monster, is a novel published in 1924 that has become a notable work in African literature. Set in South Africa and a fictional African region, it follows the aging adventurer Allan Quatermain on a quest involving a monstrous legend, a lost tribe, and a volcanic cult. Quatermain, now elderly, narrates a tale from his past, prompted by a request from his friend, the wizard Zikali (from Child of Storm and Finished). Zikali tasks Quatermain and his loyal Hottentot servant Hans with investigating a legend about Heu-Heu, a monstrous, ape-like deity worshipped by a remote tribe near a volcanic lake. The tribe, led by a cruel high priest, practices human sacrifice to appease Heu-Heu, and their raids threaten nearby communities. Quatermain and Hans, joined by a local chief’s son, venture into the wilderness, uncovering a hidden valley and the truth behind the Heu-Heu myth. They face hostile natives, natural disasters, and the tribe’s sinister rituals. Quatermain’s resourcefulness and skepticism, reminiscent of the adventures penned by H. Rider Haggard and inspired by figures like Frederick Courteney Selous, drive the mission, leading to a climactic confrontation involving volcanic upheaval and the unraveling of the monster’s mystery.
Treasure of the Lake
Treasure of the Lake is a notable work of African literature published in 1926. Set in South Africa and a fictional African region, it follows the aging adventurer Allan Quatermain on a quest involving a hidden lake, a lost tribe, and a mystical prophecy. Quatermain, now elderly and contemplative, narrates a tale from his past. He is drawn into an expedition by a mysterious African seer, Kaneke, who promises to reveal the location of a fabled lake surrounded by gold and guarded by the secretive Dabanda tribe. Accompanied by his loyal Hottentot servant Hans and a young Englishman, Robert Blake, Quatermain ventures into uncharted African territory. They encounter the Dabanda, a matriarchal tribe led by a priestess-queen, Kumpana, who worships the lake and its treasures. The group faces dangers, including hostile warriors, treacherous landscapes, and internal conflicts, while unraveling a prophecy about a white man’s role in the tribe’s fate, reminiscent of themes found in H. Rider Haggard's works. Quatermain’s pragmatism clashes with the tribe’s mysticism, leading to a dramatic climax involving betrayal, sacrifice, and the revelation of the lake’s true 'treasure,' much like the adventures experienced by Frederick Courteney Selous.
Allan Quatermain and the Ice Gods
Allan and the Ice-Gods is a novel published posthumously in 1927, serving as the final entry in the Allan Quatermain series created by H. Rider Haggard. Unlike most Quatermain adventures, this story leans heavily into fantasy, utilizing the hallucinogenic taduki drug to transport Quatermain into a vision of his past life during the Ice Age. Drawing inspiration from an idea by Rudyard Kipling, the novel delves into themes of survival, leadership, and the tension between superstition and progress, all set against a prehistoric backdrop reminiscent of the rich narratives found in African literature. Quatermain, now elderly and residing in England, is hesitant to use the taduki drug again after his intense visions in The Ivory Child and The Ancient Allan. However, persuaded by Lady Luna Ragnall’s bequest, he partakes in the experience with his friend Captain John Good. Quatermain's journey leads him to a past life as Wi, a tribal leader in a Paleolithic community, possibly located in Ice Age Scotland, dating back 50,000–500,000 years. Wi's closest ally is Pag, a clever outcast raised by wolves, reminiscent of Quatermain’s servant Hans. Wi's personal life is anchored by his wife, Aaka, and son, Foh, but his leadership is challenged by tribal conflicts and external threats. Wi confronts Henga, a tyrannical chief, and implements reforms such as monogamy and collective decision-making, which challenge the tribe’s veneration of the “Ice Gods”—a man and mammoth frozen in a glacier. Pag’s innovations, including new weaponry, support Wi’s leadership efforts. The arrival of Laleela, a mysterious woman from a southern land (possibly an incarnation of Luna Ragnall), introduces tension. Wi falls in love with her but declines to abandon his monogamy oath, despite the pressure to marry her for her safety. The tribe, suspecting Laleela of witchcraft, demands a sacrifice. Wi bravely faces threats from a saber-toothed tiger, a wolf pack, red-bearded invaders, and an aurochs. When Wi renounces the Ice Gods in favor of Laleela’s faith, the tribe turns against him. As Wi offers himself as a sacrifice, the glacier melts, resulting in the tribe's destruction. Wi, Pag, and others attempt to flee south but are caught in rapids. Ultimately, Quatermain and Good awaken, engaging in a debate about whether taduki reveals true past lives or merely ancestral memories, reflecting on themes akin to those in the works of Frederick Courteney Selous.
Hunter Quatermain's Story, A Tale of Three Lions and Long Odds
Three Short Stories published in 1889 are also released alongside Allan's Wife, a notable work in African literature. In the first story, Hunter Quatermain’s Story, Quatermain recounts a harrowing lion hunt in South Africa. While tracking game with a companion, he’s attacked by a lion, leading to a tense struggle for survival.
In A Tale of Three Lions, Quatermain narrates an adventure involving a hunt for three lions terrorizing a region. Accompanied by his son Harry and a companion, he faces danger in the African bush. This story includes a comedic subplot featuring a bumbling character and a tense nighttime encounter with the lions.
Long Odds tells of Quatermain's solo hunting trip where he’s severely injured by a buffalo and stalked by a lion. Stranded and vulnerable, he relies on his wits to survive. This narrative emphasizes his resilience and resourcefulness in the face of overwhelming odds, reflecting H. Rider Haggard's style. It's one of Haggard’s darker short stories, focusing on personal struggle rather than grand quests. The influence of figures like Frederick Courteney Selous on Haggard’s writing is evident throughout these tales.
Magepa the Buck & The Blue Curtain
Magepa the Buck is a notable short story in African literature, first published in 1912 in The Strand Magazine and later included in Smith and the Pharaohs and Other Tales (1920). The narrative features the character Allan Quatermain, who recounts a gripping tale of Magepa, a Zulu warrior determined to outrun danger and save his child amidst a tribal conflict. Quatermain serves as both the narrator and a minor participant in this thrilling account.
Another interesting piece in African literature is The Blue Curtain, a short story released in 1920. Though lesser-known, it sometimes finds its way into collections of Quatermain's adventures. In this tale, Quatermain reflects on a past adventure involving a mysterious woman and a supernatural encounter in Africa, echoing the spirit of exploration reminiscent of the works of H. Rider Haggard and Frederick Courteney Selous.
Other Charachters
Umbopa/Ignosi:
Umbopa is a native African who joins Allan Quatermain and his party, including the notable explorer Frederick Courteney Selous, on their quest to find the lost diamond mines of King Solomon. Initially presented as a porter, Umbopa is described as regal, intelligent, and well-spoken, which hints at a deeper significance often explored in African literature, particularly in the works of H. Rider Haggard.
Gagool
In the realm of African literature, Gagool stands out as an ancient and sinister witch-doctor who serves as an advisor to King Twala in the Kukuana kingdom. Often described as shriveled, cunning, and malevolent, Gagool exerts considerable influence through her extensive knowledge of tribal lore and prophecy, much like the characters created by H. Rider Haggard in his tales featuring Allan Quatermain and Frederick Courteney Selous.
Captain John Good and Sir Henry Curtis
Captain John Good, often referred to as "Good," is a retired naval officer and friend of Sir Henry Curtis who joins the expedition to find Curtis’s brother and the legendary diamond mines, which are often celebrated in African literature. Good is depicted as meticulous, slightly comical (especially with his monocle and grooming habits), and resourceful, providing a lighter contrast to the group’s more serious members like Allan Quatermain and Curtis.
Sir Henry Curtis is a wealthy, physically imposing English gentleman who hires Allan Quatermain, the iconic character from H. Rider Haggard's adventures, to lead an expedition into uncharted African territory to find his missing brother, George, and the fabled diamond mines of King Solomon. Described as brave, honorable, and somewhat idealized, Curtis embodies the Victorian adventurer archetype, much like the renowned explorer Frederick Courteney Selous.
