The World's Desire [Paperback]

H. Rider Haggard (Author), Andrew Lang (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2007

"Perchance he woke, and perchance he slept . . . "

His family dead, his country in ashes, the greatest hero of the ancient world collapses at the gates of the Temple of Aphrodite, where he gains a vision of the World's Desire: Helen, herself -- a friend of his youth, and the enduring love of his life.

Learning she still lives, Odysseus takes over the Black Ship of the Sidonians, armed only with sword and bow . . . and with a hunger in his heart that will drive him onto his final battlefield.

A collaboration between 19th-century literary giants Andrew Lang (1844-1912)and H. Rider Haggard (1856-1925), this 1890 novel is a tale of adventure, mystery, and undying love.

Product Details

• Paperback: 204 pages
• Publisher: Aegypan (September 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1603122702
• ISBN-13: 978-1603122702
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,703,581 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars One last grand adventure across the wine-dark sea, January 20, 2012

By 

William Timothy Lukeman - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The world's desire (Ballantine adult fantasy series) (Mass Market Paperback)

Have you ever wondered what happened to Odysseus after the conclusion of his epic journey home to Ithaca? Well, here's one possibility, offered in a rousing, glorious melange of fantasy, folklore & (pseudo-) history, by the creators of She & the many-colored Fairy Books, H. Rider Haggard & Andrew Lang.

Thanks to Lin Carter & the fabled Ballantine Adult Fantasy Series, this unjustly neglected gem was reprinted to the delight of eager young readers after decades had passed. And while some classics don't always wear well with age, this novel had lost none of its appeal in the interim.

Odysseus is an older man now, the lone survivor of a plague that has swept away all that he knew & loved on Ithaca. Shifting his fealty from Athena to Aphrodite, he embarks on a new voyage, one that leads him to Egypt during the time of Moses. As an outsider, he brings a unique perspective to the Biblical tale -- and it never bogs down in too much Victorian piety, either. The emphasis is on story, first & foremost.

And what an exciting story it is! Haggard & Lang are in top form, giving us both spectacle & shrewd characterization. You'll even see references to their own works in passing, a knowing wink to the reader that never gets in the way of the story. It's just an added dash of color to an already vibrant tapestry.

While there are several reprints currently available, the out-of-print Ballantine edition offers their typically lush cover art & an enthusiastic introduction by editor Lin Carter. But whatever edition you get, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Recommended!