I just got back from the farm last night. I was doing the weekly filling of feeders and checking trail-cam memory cards and a box was waiting for me.

Its titled " Ruark Remembered ", written by his personal " man Friday " Rich Casada. I am about 1/3 of the way through the book. It is very well written. It is NOT a constant worship by an employee type of book. Casada left the warts on and told what it was like to spend lots of time with Ruark.

And yes there is a chapter about Ruarks drinking.

There are lots of pictures I have never seen before.

I purchased one of the limited edition copies, I got # 162 of 500. A real perk is in the 500 special editions there is an autographed picture from Harry Selby, with Harry and Ruark posed together.

It is being published by Sporting Classics magazine. I think it is one of the essential African books that needs to be added to any collection.

Its going on the shelf beside my original 1911 printing of African Game Trails by TR.................................JJ

I just got mine also; very cool to have Harry Selby's autograph on that photo.

Actually, JIM CASADA edited the book, Alan Ritchie, who was Ruark's secretary actually wrote it many years ago. Jim is well known in the Ruak field as he did a sort of collection of Ruark's stories.

I have had the luck to make acquaintance with some of Ruark's and RItchie's friends in Spain and look forward to many long conversations when I am there.

_BAxter

BaxterB, I guess you are right. Alan complied huge quanities of notes and writings and Casada made sense of them and got them published.

But be that as it may its still a great read about a man and hunter who fought his own demons. I have more respect for Ruark now than before....................JJ

I can;t wait to read it. My copy is on the way as we speak. Very interested to hear about Ruark from an 'insider.'

_BAxter

Where can I get a copy of this book? Thanks.

quote:

Ruark Remembered

375fan, I just ordered a copy from Amazon.com.

Where to start....

I have heard Ruark's name mentioned on numerous occasions over the years, but I had never read any of his books. Not due to a lack of interest, but there are just so many books and just so little time.

Next year I am going on my first safari. It will be for plains game in Namibia and I have started reading all I can about Africa, Safari's, etc., etc. I am very excited about the trip and to quote someone "I am hooked on this stuff." :-) I have been getting recommendations on books to read and Ruark's name came up as one of the author's to check out. So, I am currently reading Horn of the Hunter. What an excellent book! You all have probably read it so there is no need to extol its virtues, but man oh man! I am about halfway though and enjoying myself.... This is definitely a good read.

Getting to the point of all of this, I just saw this thread.... and... well.... I just ordered the deluxe edition of the book from Sporting Classics Magazines. Definitely an impulse buy and probably the most expensive book that I have ever purchased. However, I am wrapped up in the story and want more... plus having Selby's autograph makes me feel, even if in a very small way, as being part of it.

Sherrill

As I understand it Ruark died at 50,but what of?

He died at 49 of excessive living.

From the Introduction to
"Robert Ruark's Africa"

In June 1951, Robert Chester Ruark, Jr. fled from New York City to Nairobi Kenya, pursed by demons. He was thirty-five years old. He owned a mustache and a receding hairline and an enormous reputation as a writer of acerbic social commentary. He brought with him a wife, luggage that weighed 278 pounds over airline allowance, and a liver already suffering the ravages of too much alcohol. He would die, largely at the behest of that same organ, almost precisely fourteen years later. He described walking in the African bush for the first time as a feeling of having, for the moment as least, outdistanced his soul.- Michael McIntosh

His liver basically exploded.

quote:

Originally posted by Sherrill Philip Neese:
Where to start....

I have heard Ruark's name mentioned on numerous occasions over the years, but I had never read any of his books.

Make sure and read "Horn of the Hunter." It's a classic and really helped me get on with it and plan my first trip.

Also, I've sent you a PM.

quote:

Originally posted by BaxterB:
His liver basically exploded.

Every alcoholic dies the same way. Alcoholism is 100% fatal and is no respector of persons. I have lost half my family to alcoholism. It is not pretty way to go..

Ordered the book yesterday from Amazon based on the reccomendations from those here. Hoping for a very good read? Will comment more after I get past a few Chapters. Won't be until after the SCI show in Reno.

Larry Sellers
SCI Life Member

You guys should order the book directly from JIm. Just google Jim Casada outdoors and you will find him. He'll happily sign them. I think he gets a bit more when you deal direct; I hope so, he has done a hell of a lot of work on the book, plus Jim is just a good guy.

_BAxter

What I have always loved about Ruark was his humility and humanity. And he was an observer and storyteller without peer.

His alcoholism was a tragic flaw that did not in any way diminish his great journalistic and literary talents.

So young. Just think what he could have done.

Alcoholism is no respector of persons or personalities. Another great tragedy. I'll get the book, also.

quote:

Originally posted by BaxterB:
You guys should order the book directly from JIm. Just google Jim Casada outdoors and you will find him. He'll happily sign them. I think he gets a bit more when you deal direct; I hope so, he has done a hell of a lot of work on the book, plus Jim is just a good guy.

_BAxter

NOW you tell us!

Just finished the book myself and found it very entertaining and a great insight into the man. My impression is that like Hemingway, Ruark was losing his "touch" for writing accelerating his demise. He died of internal hemorraging of the veins in and around his liver. I don't want to spoil the reading for you guys, but he practically knew he was dying and refused medical attention. Sad indeed. jorge

Does anyone know if Robert Ruark's movie, "Africa Adventure" is available on VHS or DVD?

I got the book this week. I ordered the delux version. It looks so good I don't know whether to read it or put it on a pedestal! Very nice pictures too. As mentioned, it also has the autographed picture of Selby and Ruark. Wow!

I am going to really enjoy this one.

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Carlson:
Does anyone know if Robert Ruark's movie, "Africa Adventure" is available on VHS or DVD?

You can still order a copy from Videoscreams.com. It's catalog item Q347, listed under "Classic Horror, Sci-Fi, and More". It's a transfer of a 16mm B&W print...

I have the Deluxe Edition and was glad to read about my rifle the 275 Rigby that Bell, Ruark and Selby owned. The rifle is also pictured in the book in color.Very good book indeed.Baxter, thanks for the info on the rifles receipt, I have copies of it now and am going to display all the info at some point.

Then you decided to keep it aye? I have been meaning to PM you about it.

Baxter,I'm still gathering info on the rifle, Ruark did a couple of articles in Playboy that I want to get.I also plan on maybe doing a little hunting with it.Talk to you later.

quote:

Originally posted by BaxterB:
You guys should order the book directly from JIm. Just google Jim Casada outdoors and you will find him. He'll happily sign them. I think he gets a bit more when you deal direct; I hope so, he has done a hell of a lot of work on the book, plus Jim is just a good guy.

_BAxter

Just FYI, here's the link to Jim Casada's web site: http://www.jimcasadaoutdoors.com/



-Bob F.