This book is part of the "Peter Capstick Collection" put out several years ago by St. Martin's Press. There are 10 books in this collection of "Capstick's Favorites" that are all pretty good. I have read about half of them and will read the remainder soon.

Denis Lyell was serious big game hunter at the turn of the last century. He hunted in several of the countries that we all hunt today and had contacts with all of the early day famous hunters and elephant men. He corresponded with them regularly exchanging ideas on books, guns, areas to hunt, ethics, other hunters, the speaking circuit and the next big hunt.

This book is a collection of those letters arranged by corresponding author and topic. He corresponded with Selous, WDM Bell, Stigand, Pease and Cunningham (Teddy Roosevelt's PH). What is really great about this collection of letters are the insights into the minds of these hunters. Interestingly, to a man, they said they made no money writing books! They discussed cartridges, experiences, thoughts on travel, thoughts on other hunters and the various animals. One interesting series of letters centered on how many lions each hunter had taken in a lifetime. It makes very interesting reading.

If you are just getting into reading books on Africa and African hunting, this is not a good starter book. You to have read Selous' book or Bell's or some other history of the area. This book is kind of a graduate school book for those truly interested in the nuances of these famous men and the game they pursued.

Lyell has written several books, this is the first I have read. I will read some others and pass on my thoughts.

Overall, I would rate this a 8 on 10 scale for readability and fun. However, I recommend it only to those that have a few other "basic" books under their belts. It is a solid book and worthy addition to an African hunting library.

"Interestingly, to a man, they said they made no money writing books!"

Why is it that I'm not surprised?

I warn my clients up front that they probably will never recover my fee with the royalties they will get from their books.

Bill Qumby