What began as a simple visit with a friend quickly turns into an experience of revelation when Allan Quatermain and his dear friend, Lady Ragnall, inhale the smoke of an ancient Egyptian herb. Lady Ragnall, a widow, and the great explorer, Alan Quatermain share a special bond. Though they are both attracted to each other, they find themselves unsure if they should act on these feelings. While they struggle with their feelings, Lady Ragnall and Quatermain become intoxicated with an ancient herb that Quatermain obtained during his last expedition. Having underestimated its power, the herb forces Lady Ragnall and Quatermain into an intense hallucinatory state. Now living as iterations of their past selves, the couple find themselves in ancient Egypt during a time of political strife. Now known as Lord Shabaka, Quatermain is an Egyptian noble. Surprised by the longevity of their intense bond, Quatermain and Ragnall reconnect through their past iterations, deciding together that the civil unrest must be addressed. With high stakes and danger guaranteed, Quatermain leads an army to the lands of the Nile, determined to stop Middle Eastern invaders or die trying.


With action, intrigue, and romance, The Ancient Allan is a clever ending to a three-part adventure series written by the incomparable 19th century author, H. Rider Haggard. With topics of reincarnation, war, and romance, The Ancient Allan exceeds expectations with innovative wit and a unique storyline paired with a classic Allan Quatermain adventure. Written in imaginative and simple prose, The Ancient Allan is assessible to a wide range of audiences, relevant and inclusive to both children and adults.


This edition of The Ancient Allan by H. Rider Haggard features a striking new cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, The Ancient Allan caters to a contemporary audience while preserving the original innovation and adventure of H. Rider Haggard’s work.