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Re: Capstick ?

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02 January 2004, 07:05
odie
Re: Capstick ?
I read "Death in the Long Grass", "Horn of the Hunter" and something by Corbett which I borrowed and do not recall the title. I found all three exceedingly good reads.



I then went hunting in Africa for the first time.



After that I read three other Capstick titles and found them somewhat boring.
03 January 2004, 02:49
Dark Helmet
Quote:

Count me as one of those who has enjoyed his writing. But some other writers have accused him of seriously exaggerating things, one of them went so far as to call a tall tale a "Capstickism". With all respects for the things he did and his skill as a writer, do we have any comments on that?



I've seen that "accusation" on several occasions, and truthfully, it doesn't faze me at all. if it is exaggerated, I don't care, its lit a fire in me to go to africa and see this beast and learn for myself why the term "the dark continent" is so apt.

additionally, no one can argue his passion for the subject. And the glory of capstick is that it is immediately engaging, for the less-seasoned reader, or just someone new to the subject matter, the books are remarkably non-threatening (heck, my wife reads them, and the only thing she hunts are the evil rabbits who ravage her garden!)

that said, to me its no different. the writings serve a purpose, and serve it well. when I finish his collection, I'll move on the deeper and harder reads... its all a process!
03 January 2004, 14:12
Atkinson
I've read most of the old books and found them kinda dry and dull...I much prefer Capsticks style, some of that stuff he wrote made the hair stand up on the back of my neck...the man had a talent...and that was the written word.
03 January 2004, 14:22
<mikeh416Rigby>
I agree with you Ray. So much of the old books were just too "matter of fact", and had little passion. I met P.H.C. and his wife Fiona, and he was as interesting in person, as he was in print. It'll be a long time before someone else can capture his style and flair.
05 January 2004, 08:04
Frank Martinez
Glad to see another reader who enjoys the excitement of imagination. I have an offer for you. I have two copies of Death in the Long Grass. When you finish reading the book completed by his wife I will trade you for your copy so I can read it too.
Let me know.
Frank
05 January 2004, 17:24
mamba
Ive talked to Capstick and Geoff Broom who he hunted for. He started as the barman for safari south according to Geoff. He did drink to much and in later years became quite melodramatic, but considering that his first book is the reason I went on my first buffalo hunt I owe him a debt of gratitude. I say the writers who can do what he did are a credit to the profession.