I was glancing at the "worst gunwriters" thread, and thought I would break out this line of inquiry. I had read a couple of magazine articles by Capstick, saw one of his videos, and planned to read several of his books. Then I started hearing the questions about the man, and about whether he really did everything he said he did. Still, I planned to read at least a couple of his classics. Then I made the mistake of buying for my first Capstick book, "Warrior," his biography of Richard Meinertzhagen, surely one of the most interesting and controversial men to set foot in Africa, and a biography that would be hard to screw up. I do not think I am being too harsh when I say this book was unreadably awful. I couldn't finish it, but I know from what others tell me that "Death in the Long Grass" and others of his hunting books are excellent. Perhaps "Warrior" would have been much better if Capstick had lived to complete the manuscript to his satisfaction.
What is the truth about this fellow? From all accounts, he was a wonderful chap to have as a friend, and an excellent story teller. Also, what would you who have read the Capstick canon recommend as his best two or three?

I think I have read all of his stuff by now. They all tend to blur together. I treat his stuff just like Louis Lamour -- it may not all be true, but it could have been! Just enjoy it without being hypercritical.

I guess if - like some here - I knew personally the people to which some of the events actually happened, I would be irked by his presumption, but I don't, so it doesn't!

Don

I've read Capstick's works several times. I've found him to be great. His dry humor is especially great.

He has written several books about famous hunters and several about his own experiences. But I think if you're going to read your first book by him, read Death in the Long Grass.

It was his first and while scaring you about how dangerous Africa can be, it will leave you laughing.

I think PHC was one of, if not THE best writer of African hunting adventure that ever lived BUT I don't for one minute believe he did anywhere near what he said he did! I'm sure there will be others who will defend his honor and that's fine with me. Everyone here is free to believe whatever they choose to about the man. I'd suggest reading his work and enjoying it for what it is, great stuff!!!

Have Read a couple of his books Return to the Long Grass & Safari. Have all his videos. I think he is great value. Safari is almost like a reference book the other one is very sensational. He really plays the "danger" bit.

Heck reading books is like eating. How boring foos would be without "Spices". Agree with Don G , its a good read so enjoy.

Regards,
JohnT

I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with Peter in 1979, at his home in Naples, Florida. I had just read "Death In The Tall Grass" and was on my way to a job in Brazil, where Peter had his first dangerous game hunting experiences with jaguars.

We spent the time drinking scotch, smoking cigars and swapping hunting tales. I can't comment on the veracity of all the details recounted in his various books ("Death In The Tall Grass" was the only one out at that time), but I can assure you that he was one of the most charming and erudite people I have ever met.

He showed me his only trophy; a black, melanistic jaguar rug in his study, and his favorite M70 .375. Before I left he wrote a very kind inscription in the cover of my copy of "Death In The Tall Grass" and I cherish it to this day.

I recently ordered his 6 pack of videos from Cabela's and enjoyed them tremendously. Although a bit pompous and certainly guilty of overplaying the danger involved in African hunting, he was one-of-a-kind, a great storyteller and student of African hunting lore.

He probably did more to revive interest in African hunting than any other writer of his generation. Fact or fiction? We'll probably never know for sure, but it sure was entertaining!

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NRA and GOA Life Member
Do your part to protect our 2nd Amendment rights and preserve our hunting heritage!

I read to be entertained and have read all his books with the exception of the ones he decribes other people. Death In The Long Grass was probably his best.

I don't care if he did all the stuff he said in his books, or if they were other people's stories, or just made up.

I know that I wasn't intertested in African hunting until I read Death in the Long Grass.

His writing paints such great pictures, and I can see, smell and taste Africa, without actually being there.

Capsticks early books seem to be better...after reading one of his later books I remember thinking he was trying too hard.
Having said that, I do consider Death in the Long Grass to be a classic.....

I would have to say, that Peter was one of the greats when it came to putting in words a picture of Africa. I knew Peter very well, I have shared some camps with him in Botswana. There is a picture of Peter and Dr. Melrose In my book "A Counntry Boy In Africa" And Peter's book, "Sands of Silence"
was dedecated to Dr. Melrose and myself. I liked to read his stuff.
George

He sho nuff could spin a tale and have me jumping out of my seat..Peter brought me a lot of pleasurable reading, and I'm gratefull for that. That other stuff, as to the veracity of his stories means nothing to me one way or the other, I judge a man by his deeds and accomplishments and not on rumors of others that I know nothing about..What I do know is that he hunted Africa a lot and was very knowledgable and that he shared that goodness with the world...

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Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

George and Ray,
Thanks for your words on PHC. From men of your stature, it means a lot. Take notice any detractors of PHC!

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Good huntin' and shootin',
Bwanawannabe, Daktari Ron

"PETER HATHAWAY CAPSTICK" was a man who knew how to tell you a dream of the kind you have, and no matter how hard you try, you can't remember! Peter was a kind man, a knowledgeable man, and a real spell binder with the written word! I had the great pleasure of knowing him casually, and I for one will miss him more as time goes on! I have also talked to many of PHC's friends, and associates, and they, to the man, have not seen anything in Peter's books that they doughted, and have confirmed many of them. I will reserve my opinion to what I KNOW not what I here! DEATH IN THE LONG GRASS was my favorite! I like them al, however!

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..Mac >>>===(x)===>

I read a couple of his books and really enjoyed them. Don't care if they were really his exploits or not. They are well written and kept my attention.

I wanted to put in my two-cents on this topic.
I have read every book written by Peter Hathaway Capstick except the published after his death. Peter could tell a story like no writer I have ever read on a subject so dear to me. Within seconds of starting anything he wrote I was there. His dry humor and ability to spine the tale kept me in the books to the end. I often would start one of his books and not stop until I was done. My wife would come in to see if I was OK. I was either so involved in the story I wouldn't move and the next minute I would bust into a roar of laughter.

I am envious of George Hoffman and those that were able to share a campfire with him as those must have been memorable events.

Good hunting
Steve

I beleive Peter died before the "Warrior" book was completed, and his wife finished it. He was in poor health so that could be why the book was not up to normal Capstick standards.

Check out this Capstick tribute website. It has a brief story about Peter written by Tink Nathan (African Bowhunter)

http://www.geocities.com/phcafrica/

George Hoffman's book is ever bit as good as a good Capstick book. I read it cover to cover without stopping. I am waiting for the next one george!

Ray, I am waiting for your book too!

[This message has been edited by Buffman (edited 06-07-2001).]

I was introduced to Capstick in an article that appeared in Guns `n Ammo about 15 or 20 years ago concerning the hunting of dangerous game. It must have been about the time that Death in the Long Grass came out. Never having read his books I cannot judge their allure but I was very impressed by his observations and anecdotes in that article. As far as his alleged overplaying the danger of Africa, he may we have been quite sincere. I have seen him in a video with Gordon Cumming (I think) and he reacted rather nervously to the presence of a hippo (Cumming was unmoved, perhaps from long day-to-day association). I think Capstick may have acquired a very healthy fear of what can happen and simply revealed that in his writing, rather than hyped or sensationalized it for good copy.