Tales of the African Frontier [Hardcover]

John A. Hunter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 15, 2000

John Hunter writes about East Africa's most illustrious characters in a time that is gone, but not forgotten.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 308 pages
• Publisher: Safari Press (January 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157157123X
• ISBN-13: 978-1571571236
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,663,354 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mind-blowing, August 22, 2004

By 

Moderate Risk (Lakeland, Florida United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: Tales of the African Frontier (Hardcover)

I have never read a book quite like this before. It is completely devoid of political correctness so often associated with revisionist history. The narrative is sharp and cuts like a knife. This book was copyright in 1954 which affords it two advantages: 1) it pre-dates political correctness and 2) The stories are told as first hand accounts told by the old timers when they were still alive. I can't begin to tell you how exciting it is to read African history when it's told by those who were actually there when the history was the present and not the past. Whew! What a ride!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unexpected pleasures, March 25, 2001

By 

Tony S. "Tony S." - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tales of the African Frontier (Hardcover)

This book goes well beyond Mr. Hunter's usual white hunter/safari fair. It is about a collection of characters, Arab, African, European and others who were around at the turn of the 20th century and on into the late '40's. It would probably NOT be considered politically correct, but Mr. Hunter and his co-author Daniel Mannix try their best to be unbiased in telling their tales. It begins with the story of Arab slaver Tippu Tib who had many adventures, including helping Stanley find Livingstone! A nice sketch of John Boyes (who was for a time, the king of the Kikuyu) is included for those who haven't read his own book. It finishes with Dr. L. S. B. Leakey who was as much Kikuyu as white man. I was unaware of his role in the Mau Mau troubles. In all, there are 15 tales of individuals and families who were part of the opening of Africa. As the authors say in the end: "Some were cruel, some prideful; probably a number of these pioneers were unwise, as all humans are. Many were heroes in the best sense of the word. But they all shared in a quality of courage which is the essential ingredient-at any frontier, on any continent, and at any time."

Finally, there is a nice bibliography at the end. I hope to read many of those tomes listed, if I can find them!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Adventure, August 3, 2000

By 

Lonnie Plecha (Chicago, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tales of the African Frontier (Hardcover)

A terrific read, and one of my favorite books of adventure. Includes a fascinating account of the Tsavo Lions, and great tales of heroism and hardship. I'm extremely happy to see this classic back in print. Inspiring history, unbelievable accounts of courage, greed, and patriotism. True stories of Lewis Leakey, missionaries, eccentric noblemen, safari hunters, and the founders of Hills coffee! New insight into the Victorian age of adventure. Delightfully written, funny and touching. The best written series of historical stories I've seen.