Heart of the World

"Heart of the World" by H. Rider Haggard is a novel written in the late 19th century. This tale weaves themes of adventure and discovery centered around the quest for a lost civilization, specifically the mysterious and fabled Golden City. The narrative is framed through the eyes of its main character, Ignatio, as well as other compelling figures like the Englishman, James Strickland. The opening of the story introduces us to Don Ignatio, an Indian gentleman residing in a mountain "hacienda" in Chiapas, Mexico. The tale begins with him reflecting on his life and the deep connection he holds to his heritage and to the ancient tales of his ancestors. We learn of his friendship with an Englishman named Jones, who is intrigued by ancient artifacts and the legends of lost cities. Following a series of tragic events in Ignatio's life, including his father’s execution and his mother’s death, he is drawn toward his Indian identity and a legendary Golden City linked to his ancestry. The narrative sets the stage for future adventures while establishing a backdrop rich in cultural history, promise, and an underlying tension stemming from colonial oppression. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Sir Henry Rider Haggard was an English writer of adventure fiction romances set in exotic locations, predominantly Africa, and a pioneer of the lost world literary genre. He was also involved in land reform throughout the British Empire. His stories, situated at the lighter end of Victorian literature and including the eighteen Allan Quatermain stories beginning with King Solomon's Mines, continue to be popular and influential.