Customer Reviews

Hunter

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4 star:		(1)
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I read this when I was about 12 years old, and an avid small game hunter myself. I would sit for hours, dreaming of endless herds of rhino, elephants and buffalo streaming across the African plains. John Hunter was a 'White Hunter' in the early part of the century, and was a game control officer for many years. His responsibility was to thin herds to prevent over-population and to make room for spreading civilization. He also guided clients on hunts. His descriptions of the early days in Africa are spell-binding. In this day and age, many proponents of conservation would be shocked at his descriptions of herd thinning. It was necessary at the time and probably did more to preserve the animals than harm them. Peter Capstick gives Hunter much credit for inspiring him, not only to become a hunter, but to write about his own exploits. Hunter goes to great lengths to describe clients, animals and guns. His chapter, 'Guns, Men and Fear' is great. If you enjoy hunting, reading about the romantic days of big game hunting, or are interested in how Africa has changed, this is the book for you. Also, you will find this cahpter a treasure-trove of info if you're interested in collecting old double rifles. I am ordering a new copy to preserve my first edition, as I read this book quite often. If you like Capstick, you'll love Hunter!!

This is an incredible book, in my opinion head and shoulders above other popular African hunter books. J.A. Hunter was born in Scotland and moved to Africa when he became an adult. ... He subsequently became a professional hunter and guide, and later an animal control officer. He details a Masai lion hunt he took part in - rare stuff - and lion hunting with dogs. Many dangerous episodes are also related about rhino, elephant, and water buffalo. The book is a modestly written, eye witness account. This is a classic, and I'm glad to see it back in print, as it was originally published in 1952.

As others have written, "Hunter" by J.A. Hunter is one of the very best of the classic hunting books to come out of Africa.
J. A. Hunter's writing takes the reader through some of the most interesting tales set in the most interesting time of this most interesting land. Like others, I've read this book so many times I could probably recite large parts of several chapters by rote. It's that good, that spellbinding, and that entertaining. To see it become readily available again is grand news and I hope it is available and read by several generations to come.
One of it's most endearing traits is it omits the typical heavy and self-aggrandizing tone of many of the 19th Century writers of African hunting literature. It also bypasses any political stance and simply speaks to the reader seeking the romance and excitment of unadulterated adventure.

I first read "Hunter" when I was in college more than 40 years ago, and I can still remember J.A. Hunter's sadness and lament when he described his feelings upon the loss of his dog. In that instance he said "that you grow too fond of a dog. I sometimes wonder whether the pleasure in owning a dog is worth the misery caused by his death." An excellent book that I would recommend to all readers, but especially teenagers and young adults.

I first read this book when I was a boy. The author's vivid description of his safaris evokes the smell of campfires
and the thunder of hooves. This is an excellent tale of
a time long gone. It is a book you will want to read again
& again because it transports you to Africa like magic. Mr Hunter's writing style fits like a favourite old pair of hunting boots. It inspires dreams of adventure. I had the good fortune to find an original edition for my library. Don't miss this opportunity to acquire your own copy. You will never regret it.

This book is a timeless classic and definitely, definitely worth reading. If you are a big game hunter (or an aspiring big game hunter), this book is an essential addition to your library. This is quite possibly the best hunting book ever written. Better than Hemingway's accounts, in my opinion.

My father picked up an old copy of Hunter in a used book store when I was just about to enter my teens, and it's one of the few books I've read more than once. Indeed, I must have read it three or four times. It truly is a gem of a tale about an adventurous life lived on the last edge of civilization.

Like others that have reviewed this book, I read it in my early teens and was fascinated. I also have searched high and low for it and am delighted to have finally found it again!
ANY hunter or gun enthusiast, large or small, will love this book.

This is the best book on African Dangerous Game Hunting that I have read to date. John Hunter (coincidence of name and profession) hunted in Africa (mostly Kenya) in the first half of the 20th century and with his 'cropping' activities for the Kenya Game Department shot staggering numbers of the 'big five'. His unassuming old world style is engaging and I found the book difficult to put down and was disappointed when I reached the end - I was left craving more. That he survived to write his books is testimony to his skill as a hunter.

A great book, one of the best on African hunting I have ever read. Hunter is right up there with Pondoro Taylor as knowledgeable yet entertaining as well.