When the World Shook : Being an Account of the Great Adventure of Bastin, Bickley and Arbuthnot

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Haggard, H. Rider (Henry Rider), 1856-1925.

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"When the World Shook" by H. Rider Haggard is a novel written during the late 19th century. The story centers around the adventures of Humphrey Arbuthnot and his two friends, Bastin and Bickley, as they embark on a journey that promises both physical and metaphysical discoveries. The narrative delves into themes of fate, the enduring essence of life, and the contrast between science and spirituality, as the characters grapple with their beliefs and experiences in an ever-expanding universe. The opening of the novel introduces Humphrey Arbuthnot as he reflects on his life's background, detailing his upbringing, family connections, and the influences of his father. We learn about his wealth and his decision to purchase the Priory estate, where he now resides. Arbuthnot discusses his friendships with Bastin, a simple yet devout clergyman, and Bickley, a pragmatic surgeon who finds his views challenged by Arbuthnot's spiritual quest. This initial portion sets the stage for their future adventures, hinting at the ideological contrasts that will permeate their journey, while foreshadowing the existential questions they ultimately seek to answer. As they prepare for a voyage to the South Seas, the trio's contrasting personalities and beliefs lay the groundwork for the challenges and revelations that await them. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Anthony Matonak and David Widger

Notes:

Reading ease score: 76.9 (7th grade). Fairly easy to read.

Wikipedia page about this book: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/When_the_World_Shook

Release date is 1998-06-01