Rider Haggard is remembered as the author of adventure novels, which shocked and fascinated not only Victorian and Edwardian Britain, but the world. Films of his books - notable "King Solomon's Mines" and "She" have been made, but Haggard, a Norfolk squire, saw his writing only as an amusing and lucrative pastime. The other Haggard, statesman and creator of a world of fact is explored in this book. His imagination was held by the reality of the British Empire and its future rather than the lost civilizations of his literary fantasies.
Sue Gaisford, The Independent
"It is an excellent biography, scholarly and readable."
John Whitehead, Country Life
"In this excellent biography, Tom Pocock draws a fascinating portrait of an imperialist"
Paul Johnson, The Spectator
"A thoroughly good read."
Paul Johnson, Sunday Telegraph
"A sympathetic and perceptive biography... Pocock presents a vivid portrait if this gifted, attractive man and does full justice to a varied career, rich in achievement and sorrows."