Elissa; Or, The Doom of Zimbabwe

Name: Elissa; Or, The Doom of Zimbabwe
Author: H. Rider Haggard

By H. Rider Haggard

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Adventure

About This Book

The narrative follows a caravan to an inland Phœnician city where a young prince, Aziel, and a circle of traders and priests confront political intrigue, forbidden love, and religious conflict amid the ruins' temples and courts. Events move from arrival and courtship through acts of sacrilege, dreams and trials, the martyrdom of a loyal figure, and a woman's flight to sanctuary, leading to imprisonment and desperate peril. Interwoven scenes evoke ritual worship, power struggles, and cultural collision that presage the city's decline, while themes of faith, sacrifice, and doomed affection drive the characters toward tragic reckonings.

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.