Pharos, the Egyptian (ePub)

Guy Boothby (1867-1905) was an Australian novelist and writer, prominent for his prolific contributions to Victorian popular fiction during the turn of the 20th century. Born in Adelaide, South Australia, Boothby was the son of a judge and exhibited an early interest in literature. He moved to England with the aim of pursuing his literary career, where he gained significant recognition. Boothby's writing is often characterized by its adventure elements, dramatic plotlines, and an infusion of the supernatural, which was widely appealing to the tastes of his contemporary reading audience.

Perhaps his most famous creation is the character Dr. Nikola, an occult villain featured in a series of novels. However, amongst his standalone works, 'Pharos, the Egyptian' stands out as one of his notable pieces. Published in 1899, this novel exemplifies Boothby's attraction to the themes of ancient civilizations and supernatural occurrences. It tells the story of a man named Pharos, who is revealed to be a 3,000-year-old Egyptian sorcerer. The book is steeped in mystery and showcases Boothby's flair for suspense and the macabre. Guy Boothby's prolific output, encompassing over 50 novels and numerous short stories, cemented his reputation in the annals of English literature, particularly within the genre of supernatural and adventure fiction. His influence extended to his contemporaries and the generations that followed, reflecting the enduring appeal of his literary style.