Embark on an epic journey with "She: A History of Adventure" by H. Rider Haggard, a classic tale of mystery and intrigue. Follow Leo Vincey and Horace Holly as they venture into Africa's uncharted depths, guided by a mysterious ancient document. They encounter Ayesha, the immortal and enchanting ruler known as "She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed." As they unravel her enigmatic past filled with power and love, they are caught in a whirlwind of danger and revelation. Haggard's novel weaves adventure with themes of immortality, destiny, and the limits of human understanding, creating a timeless masterpiece of fantasy literature.
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"This should probably be 3 and a half stars - somewhere between "liked" and "really liked." A classic fantasy adventure novel from the end of the 19th century in the deepest, darkest heart of Africa. There were a few slow parts, but overall a great story! "
— Dan (4 out of 5 stars)
" I was not expecting this to be such a fun, silly read. Seeing the other reviews, I think need to remember the time in which it was written and Haggard's own life. I actually enjoyed it very much...very descriptive. "
— Dan, 1/25/2014" This is by no means a good book. It's often offensive -- racist, misogynistic, condescending -- and yet somehow it keeps you hanging in there, almost like it's reading itself. What's really important about this book, though, is it's enormous influence. The genres of colonial gothic horror and adult adventure fiction pretty much start here. Anything from Wilbur Smith to Indiana Jones ultimately come back to this. "
— Edmundking, 1/25/2014" Given by an old friend... "
— Claudia, 1/25/2014" This book will simultaneously amuse and annoy you. It's Victorian origins positively ooze from the pages, filled as they are with British machismo, casual bigotry, and baffling melodrama. And yet, all that is part of what makes this story fun. It's the kind of book you love to hate. "
— StrangeBedfellows, 1/24/2014" This was a very tedious read. The writing was so-so, it was verbose, and the story - although somewhat unusual - was not all that interesting. Lots of descriptions of dark caves. Lots of statements that he can't describe something followed by a page and a half of its description. Inconsistent philosophizing/moralizing with no resolution. Spent the last third of the book wondering if it would ever end. "
— The, 1/14/2014" There is a great deal of hype surrounding this book. Although the concept is interesting - the book did not entertain. I found it FAR too descriptive & tedious. "
— Brandy, 1/10/2014" Crazy, creepy, and fun. Hard to put down, fascinating character, excellent plot. Has an Indiana Jones flavor at the start as well--good for anyone into adventure, horror, or just interesting characterization. "
— Aaron, 1/7/2014" A cracking Indiana Jones-sort of a romp, meeting cannibals, terrors and the original She-who-must-be-obeyed along the way. "
— Heidi, 12/30/2013" Best/strangest fin-de-siecle novel I read in my Victorian Lit class. However, unlike my professor, I don't think the story was actually about mediated homoerotic love. "
— Hayley, 11/4/2013" Found it somehow not as entertaining as the other AQ novels I have read. Seemed a tad laboured. Also the conception of love went way past obsession into insanity. "
— Ian, 9/22/2013" Truly bizarre Gothic adventure novel about eternal youth, savage Africans, and all those other cultural imperialisms so favored in the Victorian era! Cheerio! Watch out for the hotpots! "
— Jack, 7/30/2013" If you like action adventure literature, give She a shot. H. Rider Haggard invented the genre. A long lost civilization, an ancient mystery, and a woman who does not die build into a startling ending. "
— Rob, 5/29/2013" Amusing but a bit too much blather. Prefer Solomon. "
— Irene, 12/30/2012" one of the best stories i ever read "
— Lamees, 10/2/2012" Interesting novel about an immortal woman and all the spiritual and political-social implications of power and immortality.[return] "
— Toby, 2/7/2012" Classic Haggard suspense with some creepy sensuality. "
— Amy, 12/13/2011" yes , she is the masterpiece of Haggard, Leo Vinci was mesmerizing so was that "She" ... Awesome plot,greatest adventures of all time. "
— Kashfia, 11/19/2011" A little slow at the beginning, but picks up eventually. Disliked one of the characters, but the main characters were likable. "
— Makenzie, 7/2/2011" It's very victorian sounding, and the whole time I was reading it, I was convinced I had already read it. I finished it, though. It was fairly engrossing, if very dated. "
— Jen, 4/30/2011" Amusing but a bit too much blather. Prefer Solomon. "
— Irene, 3/28/2011" What a great page-turning, rip-roaring adventure about She, who of course, must be obeyed. "
— Steve, 3/3/2011" This is a really fun adventure novel from the Victorian era. It's an exciting, creative story. "
— Abby, 2/9/2011" First book read on my new Kindle. Obtained the copy from Gutenberg Project. Very enjoyable. I am enthusiastic about the Kindle. "
— Clay, 1/5/2011" A rousing adventure ... I kept thinking this would have been a really great book if I had read it in 1905.<br/> "
— Scott, 11/26/2010" loved it, want to write one like it some day "
— Sarah, 11/9/2010H. Rider Haggard (1856–1925) was born in Norfolk, England. After failing the Army entrance exam, he went to Natal in 1875 as secretary to Sir Henry Bulwer and the next year went to the Transvaal. He returned to England in 1881, married, and settled down to a literary life. His first novel, King Solomon’s Mines, was published in 1885. He published thirty-four adventure novels during his lifetime. He was knighted in 1912.