The Hunter in my Heart: A Sportsman's Salmagundi [Hardcover]

Robert F. Jones (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2002

A new collection of sporting essays by one of America's finest outdoor writers.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

This new work by former Sports Illustrated editor Jones is a collection of 30 essays and two short stories. The author of eight novels (e.g., The Run to Gitche Gummee) and five works of nonfiction (e.g., African Twilight: The Story of a Hunter), Jones has a style similar to that of the late hunter/author Peter Hathaway Capstick (Death in the Long Grass). His stories are gripping and ring so true that the reader can almost smell the Vermont woods and see the sunset on Maryland's eastern shore. The essays repeatedly speak of the affection between Jones and his Lab dogs, especially Luke and Jake. Jones not only tells great outdoor stories but also explores his thoughts on hunting and friendship. Several pieces will remain in readers' minds long after finishing the book, including "Champion," a Costa Rican adventure complete with crocodiles; "Grassfires"; "The Everlasting Lab"; and "A Hippie Dippie Bird Hunt," a humorous adventure in a 1970s New Mexico commune. This book is not just about hunting it's really a well-written series of essays about relationships: between a man and his beloved dogs, between men and nature, and between friends. Recommended for all public libraries. Scott R. DiMarco, Herkimer Cty. Community Coll., NY
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

From a veteran outdoors writer and novelist comes this very personal collection of previously published essays and short stories about different aspects of hunting. We learn in one essay that the combined efforts of clear-cutters, on the one hand, and the antihunting lobby, on the other, have dramatically reduced the number of "coverts," places where grouse hunters can find their prey. In other essays, Jones reflects on his love of his hunting dogs, including Roz, the Jack Russell terrier whose passing is related in a particularly moving tribute. We are also introduced to the Great MacNab, a kind of hunting triathlon in which three different kinds of prey are sought on the same day. With hunting currently a controversial sport, these essays will obviously have a somewhat limited audience; on the other hand, the sport could not find a more eloquent, thoughtful defender. David Pitt
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Lyons Press; 1st edition (June 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1585744654
• ISBN-13: 978-1585744657
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,863,611 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Heart of Eevery Bird Hunter, February 6, 2004

By 

John R. Cowan (Massachusetts United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hunter in my Heart: A Sportsman's Salmagundi (Hardcover)

My wife gave me this book for Christmas. She told me that I was the hunter of her heart! Well enough with the sappy stuff, on with the review. I recently went on vacation and took the book along for a read at the beach. I read the book in two days! It was one of those books that was hard to put down. On my flight back to the states, I began to read some of the stories again, and was just as intrigued during the first read. Mr. Jones talks about hunting in with his Lab and a Jack Russell (definite twist). That would have been a pair to see in the field, a Jack Russell pointing and a Lab flushing!?!?!?! Mr. Jones has the ability to make you feel like you are right there with him. Not many authors have that ability. If you have a true passion for good hunting and great dogs, this book is it. Now that I am back to reality (cold, snowy weather), I have picked up the book sevral more times and began to read the book from cover to cover again, while I am waiting for my most recent Amazon order of bird hunting books. Spend the money and take the time to read this great book. It wont disapoint you.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thoughtful collection of stories, June 6, 2008

By 

Matthew Gordon (oregon,usa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Hunter in my Heart: A Sportsman's Salmagundi (Hardcover)

I've ready many outdoor books and have read all the great writers from yesteryear as well. I have to say that this is one of my favorites. I appreciate the sense of humor along with the down to earth and rather frank wording that Mr. Jones uses throughout this book. The range of topics covered is a good one, especially considering the adult content in a couple of the stories, which honestly was unexpected but quite funny as well. Great read.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Man as hunter, writer as seer, March 15, 2007

By 

John Wallingford "jack" (mantua) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Hunter in my Heart: A Sportsman's Salmagundi (Hardcover)

Robert F. Jones brings an illumination to the sport of hunting that is often missing from other writers. There is an insight, a special gift that Jones has that brings us to the hunt wide eyed and ready. He speaks of favorite dogs without being soppy and sentimental. He makes passages glisten with newness even though the scene is lived out daily during the hnting season. If you are a dog lover, a hunter, or someone intereste din good writing, Jones is the man for you.