H Rider Haggard

Sir Henry Rider Haggard (1856-1925) was a prolific British writer of adventure novels set in exotic locations, predominantly Africa. Born in Norfolk, England, Haggard was the eighth of ten children. He attended Ipswich Grammar School before leaving for London, where he worked as an unpaid secretary for a while. In 1875, Haggard travelled to South Africa to serve as the secretary to Sir Henry Bulwer, the governor of Natal. He spent six years in South Africa, during which he gained a deep...See more

Sir Henry Rider Haggard (1856-1925) was a prolific British writer of adventure novels set in exotic locations, predominantly Africa. Born in Norfolk, England, Haggard was the eighth of ten children. He attended Ipswich Grammar School before leaving for London, where he worked as an unpaid secretary for a while. In 1875, Haggard travelled to South Africa to serve as the secretary to Sir Henry Bulwer, the governor of Natal. He spent six years in South Africa, during which he gained a deep appreciation for the African landscape, culture and people. These experiences would later provide a rich backdrop for his novels. Haggard returned to England in 1881 and began to focus on his writing career. He wrote his first novel, Dawn, in 1884, but it was his next work, King Solomon's Mines, published in 1885, that brought him widespread acclaim and commercial success. The novel introduced the character Allan Quatermain, a skilled hunter and adventurer who would become the protagonist of many of Haggard's subsequent novels. Haggard continued to write throughout his life, producing over 40 novels, numerous short stories, and non-fiction works. His other notable works include She (1887), Allan Quatermain (1887) and Cleopatra (1889). Haggard's writing was characterized by vivid descriptions of the African landscape and culture, thrilling adventures and a deep sense of spirituality and mysticism. See less