<p>Sir Henry Rider Haggard was an English writer of adventure novels set mostly in Africa, and a founder of the Lost World literary genre. Pearl Maiden, Haggard's faith-fortifying novel, is a delicious blend of stirring events, captivating characters, and historical detail. It tells a story of the destruction of Jerusalem and features first-century life of Miriam, a young believer; and Marcus, the Roman officer who wishes to marry her.</p>