Content levels
Trigger warnings
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Synopsis
The collection kicks off with the title tale, and concerns a budding Egyptologist who is locked up one night in the Cairo Museum, and dreams that he is put on trial for grave robbing by the ghosts of Egypt's pharaohs and queens. Or is it a dream? This is a very amusing, somewhat lighthearted, at times eerie tale, which also serves as a bit of a history lesson for those not up on their ancient lore. While perhaps not on a par with Algernon Blackwood's story "A Descent Into Egypt," it remains most entertaining. (Haggard does make a rare goof in this tale, when he writes that Thotmes III was Hatshepu's brother and husband; in actuality, he was her son. Thotmes II was her husband. I know, I know...who cares, right?) Next up is a tale for all fans of Haggard's arguably greatest creation, the hunter Allan Quatermain.
Is Smith and the Pharaohs and Other Tales appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 13 and up.
A lighthearted collection of supernatural and adventure tales from 1920 featuring Egyptian ghosts, hunters, and historical fantasy. Contains mild peril and ghostly encounters but no graphic content.
What to know going in
This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include death.
Publisher ages reflect reading level; our rating reflects content maturity — they can differ.
Who'll love this
Readers who enjoy classic adventure stories with Egyptian mysteries and ghostly encounters will find these tales entertaining and educational.