The quintessential English African adventure novel. ( )

A famed archeologist, an aging doctor, and a young army engineer set out across the African desert on a great adventure. Professor Higgs is in search of new archeological discoveries, Dr. Adams seeks to rescue his kidnapped son, and Captain Orme wants to forget an unhappy love affair. Maqueda, Daughter of Kings, ruler of the Abati, enlists their aid to destroy the sacred idol of a neighboring tribe with promises to help the doctor rescue his son. However, the idol is a second great sphinx, carved out of a mountain. In their quest they can expect little help from the weak and cowardly Abati. The road is fraught with danger, wild beasts, valiant enemies, and traitorous allies, but their greatest danger is a beautiful woman whom it is death to love.

Another variant on Haggard's standard African lost race story. In this case the Maguffin is the ring of the Queen of Sheba. Also, one of the party. is seeking his son who was captured by the Mahdi's men. ( )

(bijna) vergeten boek, erg spannend, een aanrader ( )

my copy has no dust jacket ( )