Just wondering what your thoughts are regarding the best books to read on African hunting. I have just finished Horn of the Hunter by Robert ruark and am currently reading African game trails by Theodore Roosevelt.

I have ordered Pondoro and was considering the books written by Bunny Allen. Bunnys first two books (First Wheel & Second Wheel) were limited to 1000 copies and are between $160-$200 each. Has anyone read these books and would it be worth buying copies of these to add to my collection?

What are some of the books you consider best to read and what ones should I avoid?

Thanks

I enjoyed the Ruark ook, but not TR's. Tony Sanchez-Arino's written a couple of good ones, I really liked Elgin Gates' Trophy Hunter in Africa, Boddington's book Search For The Spiral Horn, of course all the Capstick books, Something of Value is another. I'm not at home so I can't think of many more. Do however, stay away from "True At First Light", the supposed last book by Hemingway. THAT was terrible. It's one long run-on sentence. jorge

I just finished "Use Enough Gun" by Ruark and loved it. I am reading one by Kiramajo Bell about his elephant exploits right now and it is another good choice.

One of my favorite writers is Peter Flack. I have two of his books Heart of an Africian Hunter (my favorite) and Tales of a Trophy Hunter in Africa. Peter is a native of RSA but has hunted the entire continent. He receintely edited a book with Craig Boddington - Africian Hunter II also very good, I haven't finished it as it is also a good reference book with stories from many PH's from Gregor Woods to Geoff Broom to Tony Dyer. It covers 25 countries with over 600 color photos and over 600 pages. for $135 a must for any Africian hunter in my opionion - no I don't get any commission. I am also reading Fragments of Africa by Gordon Cundill and it is very enjoyable.

Be sure to get your own copies of Craig Boddington's "Safari Rifles", and "African Hunter II". Also James Mellon's classic, "African Hunter". I could name scores of superb books, but these are foundational in my opinion, as is Robertson's, "The Perfect Shot".

You'll find it interesting to compare Mellon's thirty year-old "AH" to Boddington's "AHII". You'll see that Africa has changed a lot in one generation, yet much is still the same!

Other personal favorites: "Last Of The Few" by Tony Sanchez-Arino~, "Horned Death", by Burger, and "Trophy Hunter In Africa", by Elgin Gates.

AD

FYI, there is a reprint of Allen�s �Wheel of Life� on sale at Safari Press (www.safaripress.com) for $24.95. Lots of other titles discounted as well.

There are two compilations of short stories by Ruark �Use Enough Gun� and �Lost Classics�. Be sure to try "Uhuru" (spelling?) and "Something of Value", the best of the novels by Ruark. If your interested there are two recent books about Ruark one called "Someone of Value" by Terry Whelend.

For a taste of the �old Africa� try �Adventures of an Elephant Hunter� by Sutherland, �Hunting the Elephant in East Equatorial Africa� (I think) by Neumenan (one of my favorites), �Karamoja Safari� and �Bell of Africa� by WDM Bell. As you probably know there are several other titles by John Taylor.

Funny how tastes differ, I find anything by Boddington stupefying although his books are good �staff work� before an African trip.

Best regards;
Brett

Any of F.C. Selous' books, and I really do like C.H. Stingand's "Hunting the elephant in Africa."

I really like J.A. Hunter. When I go through my shelves looking for a re-read I always pick up one of his.

There are many recommendations on our Books Forum

I am sure you will find a number of interesting books there.

Bunny Allen's books are terribly written and mostly involve how great Bunny was. Personally I'd save your money.

Why do I get an "Access Denied" message when I try to access the link you provided, Saeed?

I thought Mark Sullivan's book "Death and Double Rifles" was fantastic. I know a lot of people do not like him, but this book is well worth reading.

White Hunters-Brian Herne

Safari- Bartle Bull (Bartle Bull is in the video "In the Blood". He is the attorney from New York.

Out in Africa-Andrew Holmberg

I have no idea!

It is a link to one of our forums. If you cannot get to it directly, just scroll down on the main forum poge and you will see a forum for Books Of Interest.