King Solomon's Mines - Good Old Reads

King Solomon's Mines - Cassell & Co - 1907

H. Rider Haggard - Command Decision — H. Rider Haggard

In King Solomon’s Mines, its protagonist, Allan Quatermain, must have been Indiana Jones’ grandfather. The two heroes have much in common.

High Point: It’s an uncommonly entertaining adventure with a few twists and surprises.

Low Point: The typical 19th century view towards disparate races.

Author: H. Rider Haggard

Publication Date: 1885

Genre: Action

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In H. Rider Haggard’s King Solomon’s Mines, its protagonist, Allan Quatermain, must have been Indiana Jones’ grandfather. The two heroes have much in common.

The story of King Solomon’s Mines takes place in the 1880s—about 50 years before Indiana—as Quatermain is hired to help find a friend’s long-lost brother somewhere in the wilds of Africa. This plot bares only a slight resemblance to the 1950 movie starring Deborah Kerr and Stewart Granger. The book is much more creative, and considerably more fun.

Told from Quatermain’s first-person perspective, King Solomon’s Mines is an easy and engaging read. Haggard keeps the story moving with a steady stream of danger and discovery that rivals any of the Indiana Jones movies.

Be aware, though, that the book does reflect the racial attitudes of the late 19^th century. Even so, its characters—regardless of race—show considerable respect and affection for one another, and there is even a love interest between two of them.

More than a century after its publication, King Solomon’s Mines remains an entertaining adventure and a great escape for a few hours—especially since Quatermain can out-Indiana Indiana.