"The Ancient Allan" is an adventure novel written by H. Rider Haggard in 1920. The book tells the story of Allan Quatermain, a legendary explorer and adventurer, and his journey to the lost city in search of treasure and adventure. The story begins with Allan being visited by his old friend, Sir Henry Curtis, who tells him of a lost city filled with treasure in the heart of Africa. Allan, along with a group of companions, sets out on a perilous journey through treacherous terrain and dangerous wildlife to find the city. Along the way, they encounter a variety of challenges, including hostile tribes, dangerous animals, and treacherous weather. Eventually, they reach the lost city, where they face even greater dangers, including deadly traps and ancient curses. Through it all, Allan remains determined to find the treasure and uncover the secrets of the ancient civilization that once inhabited the city. Will he be successful? The novel is full of action, adventure, and suspense, as well as themes of loyalty, friendship, and honor.
H. Rider Haggard was born on 22 June, 1856 in Braden ham, situated in the English area of Norfolk. His father, Sir William Meybohm Rider Haggard, was a lawyer, while his mother, Ella Dove ton Haggard, was an author herself. The couple had ten children, out of which Henry was conceived as the eighth. Sir Henry Rider Haggard was an English author who was known for his African thriller novel, 'Lord Solomon's Mines'. His father was a Norfolk advocate but he was denied an honourable men's schooling compared to his siblings due to his physical bluntness. At 19 years old, he started his vocation at the command of his father as an unpaid guide to Lieutenant-Governor of the Colony of Natal. Rider Haggard was married to a Norfolk beneficiary Marianna Louisa Margitson. They had four children named Jack, who died at the age of 10 due to measles, and three girls named Angela, Dorothy, and Lilias. Rider Haggard died at the age of 68 in London. His remains were cremated at St Mary's Church, Ditchingham. A rail route point of the Canadian National Railway in British Columbia has been named after him.