Just finished this entertaining and pretty up to date biography of George Hoffman. Very entertaining and well written. George is a guy, just like you and me that acted on his urge to "chuck the job" and head to Africa to learn to be a PH and work in the safari business. He started his career as a PH later in life than most, and, coupled with his American citizenship, had a slight uphill battle to be accepted in the hunting fraternity. He tells the usual "PH turned author" anecdotes about lions and buffalo and clients. They are well written, humorous and fun to read. His style is pleasant (to me at least) because he writes as a fellow hunter and not a "know-it-all", eventhough he has the knowledge and credentials to "know-it-all". He crosses pathes with several other PH/authors (Gordan Cundill, Sten Cedergren), hunter/authors (Boddington and others) and a business acquaintance of mine (Clayton Williams - you Texans will know Clayton as the guy that ran for governor of Texas but lost to Ann Richards over some off color comments about rape, he is an Aggie which explains the comments) - stories about these guys are interesting along with a failed safari company in Tanzania due to some back-stabbing.

He also offers gun/caliber/bullet advice that is solid. Remember he is the designer of the .416 Hoffman caliber. He offers excellent insight into that as well.

Overall, the book is fun to read, educational and well written. My only complaint is that for the price, I would expect a better presentation than what Trophy Room Books put out there. It is signed and a limited edition. The competition at Safari Press would likely have offered this in a richer cover and slip case for the price.

I rate this a solid 7 out of 10 and recommend it for those that enjoy the PH turned author type of books. You would enjoy learing about this interesting man.

Your comments about George's book are right on!

Bill Quimby

George was quite the gentleman and a character, to boot!

His book is one of those you'll find yourself re-reading; it's that good. And yes, the .416 Hoffman is a fine cartridge. Sterling Davenport built mine using George's personal reamers.

Is Hoffman still alive?

George passed to the land of the hundred-pounders several years ago. He was one of the nicest, most helpful people I have met on these forums.

He had done more in his life than most men can dream of and he stayed down to earth. He was always happy to chat and never laughed at my far-fetched dreams.

Quite a man.

Jason

He was a fantastic resource on these forums.

But even before that, several (Harry and Ray and others) had known him well.

His wife Mary is a refined and courteous person who reflects his accomplishments.

Some of us have been privilidged to hunt one of his favorite blocks in the Selous. How erie to round a bend in the trail and see a Baobab tree that you know must have been familiar to "the country boy".

The last time I saw George was over breakfast at the Reno Hilton's coffee shop. He was a frequent contributor of articles to Safari Magazine when I edited it. RIP, George.

Bill Quimby

I have the privilege of owning George's 416 Hoffman.

Ed

allfoden,
Tell us more about that rifle - How did you acquire it - have you used it in Africa - how does it shoot?

Palmer,

George needed money to pay medical bills and he asked Ray to post the rifle for sale on AR. I didn't need another rifle but thought it would be good to help him. The rifle is in "as hunted" condition with a few bruises but nothing serious. I thought about having it refinised to new condition but have not done so.
I have considered offering it for a raffle on AR. The winner to take the rifle for a hunt in Africa proceeds of the raffle would go to benefit some good cause. I have not considered the liability in doing it but what the hell life is full of liabilities. And it would make a great hunt story to post on AR. I think that George would like that. I have not shot the rifle.
Ed

I have a signed copy of his book that I bought dirrectly from him about ten days before he died. I sat and talked to him for some time at the DSC show that year. Eventhough he was in constant pain and on morphene, he still liked to talk about Africa, and though he couldn't walk around the DSC show, he missed few of the guests there, because they all came by to have a few words with him. Everyone knew he was terminal, including himself. However, he was simply himself, the same old George, as he always had been, though he had lost so much weight he was just skin and bones, you would have thought he was ready for another safari!

I will treasure that book with the skribbled signature put there by his very ill hand!

R.I.P. good George Hoffman!

I'm currently reading George's book and can't put it down. Magnificent read and well worth the price.
Cheers...
Con

A Country Boy in Africa
by George Hoffman
ISBN: 1882458192
Trophy Room Books, 1998

I just purchased a copy of this book from Abe Books. I was able to get a signed copy (#221 of 1000) for a fair price and am having it shippped to me in Virginia.

I can't wait to start reading it. I have to read it before I head back to Texas in September because it is one of Jim's Christmas presents.

Jim normally stays in the forums relating to African hunting and guns, guns, guns, so he probably won't see this post. If he should venture into this "Books" forum, well . . . Surprise!

Abe Books had other copies available at the time I purchased my copy. Actually, it's Jim's copy, just not until I'm done with it.

http://www.abebooks.com/
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