Hunter [Hardcover]

John A. Hunter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 24, 2006

Written in the 1950s, Hunter recounts the career of John A. Hunter, a professional big-game hunter and former chairman of Tanganyika National Parks. J A. Hunter led a life of adventure, but, perhaps, the most astonishing tale in this book is his incredible adventures while hunting rhino. As a game ranger, he was ordered by the Tanganyikan government to clear out dozens of rogue rhinos from the area around Makueni, and the accounts of his experiences are spine-tingling. Hunter hunted throughout East Africa-for bongo in the Ituri rain forest (former Zaire), lion in Masailand (Kenya), and the man-killing buffalo near Thomson's Falls with his favorite dog (Kenya).

Product Details

• Hardcover: 263 pages
• Publisher: Safari Press (July 24, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571572430
• ISBN-13: 978-1571572431
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #298,403 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The 'Glory Days' of Africa, February 1, 2001

By 

Charles Lowry (Clayton, NC USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hunter (Hardcover)

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!!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Rated 6 Stars, November 30, 2000

By 

B. Barrett (Kansas City, MO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Hunter (Hardcover)

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.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Timeless Classic of African Hunting LIterature, May 3, 2005

By 

5/0 "Outdoors USA" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Hunter (Hardcover)

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.