Customer Reviews

Maneaters

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Maneaters is the first Capstick I read and I immediately became a huge fan. I have read accounts of animals attacking people (having lived in Alaska I was well studied in all of the bear attack books) but I soon found out that a Capstick book is a completely different animal. Up 'til Maneaters, my level of interest in such stories was directly related to the events themselves; i.e. "shark devours swimmer as horrified beachcombers look on" would be better than "man escapes close call when black bear enters tent." Capstick, on the other hand, is seemingly able to take a news clipping and make you feel like you are the one getting stomped into a puddle by that rogue elephant.

Maneaters basically goes chapter by chapter through all of nature's species that have, in significant numbers, one of two qualities. Either they have taken to the consumption of human flesh, bones, hair or other parts; or they have typically found enjoyment in tap-dancing on, poking holes in, delimbing, tenderizing, or poisoning unfortunate, unwary people.

Capstick goes back through history and bring to life true cases of human/animal encounters. The entire book is case after case of attacks or close calls. He does an excellent job of explaining the circumstances, events, and outcomes of each entry and while the book is entirely a collection of story stories, it flows nicely and is a fast read.

Everybody turns up the television when the news comes on and says someone was mauled by a bear or bitten by a shark. This book is that multiplied by a hundred and there is no better newscaster than Peter Hathaway Capstick!

This is one of Capstick's greatest works. I am glad that he finally wrote something about tigers! The cannibal chapter was a real eye-opener. I truly enjoyed him finally telling some of George Rushby's adventures. The "Njombe Maneaters" was superb. This is another shining example of Capstick's work. It is a real "MUST READ."

This is Capstick at the top of his game. No one can tell a tale about the way Capstick does. You can feel the rumble of the Elephants, smell the Cape Buffalo, and feel the whiskers of that maneating Lion behind you. This book covers the range of species in the world that kill AND consume man. From the sea to the arid plains of Zambia, to the thornbrush of Tanganyika, tot the jungles of Mexica, Capstick takes you to where you probably don't want to go. Of particular interest to you fans of African hunting are the stories he relates about that great man George Rushby. The stories concerning Rushby are, in my opinion, the highlight of the book. This is a must have.

Capstick has done it again. The only author I've read that can put you in the thick of the hunt and the jaws of the beast! It doesn't matter if it's the story about maneating lions or being dragged down under in the muddy depths by a croc. By the time you read the first paragragh your hooked. And the lights are on all night long..... again!

This is one of my favorite Capstick books. His descriptions are vivid, his valid insights based on his experiences and those of his friends and co-workers. A must-read for hunters AND animal lovers.

By the way, kersi, Capstick IS dead, more's the pity.

Peter Capstick's "Maneaters" is one of those rare books that anyone, young or old, and from any background, any country could, and probably will, read over and over. But be prepared for your world to receive a shock. Capstick pulls no punches and coddles no one.
Yes, it's the 21st century and we've got cubicles, American Idol and Playstations, but - surprise - people are STILL getting EATEN, and battered and shredded by animals from sharks to bears to that hush-hush animal - the cannibal - lots of people. Capstick's legendary wry wit and candor are in ample evidence in "Maneaters" and, as always, serve to grab the reader with the gritty Truth of what Life outside our shells is really like.
"Maneaters" is pure Classic for any Outdoorsman or Outdoorswoman, any Naturalist, any animal enthusiast and anyone brave enough to look at the Real World without the rose-colored glasses. As with Capstick's other great books, the blood-chilling factor doesn't arise from bloodshed and gore (he uses little of that), but from Capstick's ability to plant you firmly into the story and from the fact the story is True. He makes you an "eyewitness" to things you would REALLY rather watch on TV in the safety of your living room.

What do you expect, it is Capstick. He does not get the credit he deserves except with those that have read him. He was as humble as he was skilled in putting you in the scene. I know a writer that was a friend of his and the man was as interesting as his books. This one is not his best, prose wise, but still a must read for some of his more obscure works.

I've heard many times that Death in the Long Grass is a better book, but as the first Peter Capstick book I ever read, nothing will ever compare to the sheer joy experienced when a 13 year old me first read this book. Peter Capstick and Maneaters alone started my love affair with all things Africa and with the idea of hunting to conserve, (a stance which has pissed off many fellow dems, let me tell you). Capstick writes with an ease and humor that is rambling at times, but the ramble is half the fun. While I will admit that my idol lived as long as he did out of sheer dumb luck, good aim on his part and on the part of his companions, and a good amount of common sense-something I think even he would have admitted-he is forever lodged in my mind with the same hero like aura my 13 year old mind first saw him in. One of the last great hunters of a bygone era. An era I would have loved to have lived through.

Africa has indeed moved into the modern world in many respects,yet a part of this mysterious land remains a dangerous environment for man. Indeed a place where man is also prey as well as predator.Mr Capstick has provided a window through which we can view this world from the safety of our own home.It is exciting to see through the eyes of one who has been there and done that !

Capstick is not a great writer. He can ramble about and sometimes loose you in the thick of things. But just like a lion you loose in the bush, whatch out, because thats when he gets you... Capstick's books are still selling long after his death because they are true stories, stories you will be glad you did not take part in. Be warned, you may not take a walk after dark, camp in the woods, or swim in a river again. If you like this one try Death in the Long Grass, one if his better African Safari books.