Publishers review
From his early rebellious schooldays, C. P. Ionides knew exactly what he wanted out of life. He got it. Soldier turned ivory poacher turned big-game hunter turned game warden, Ionides lived an incredible, untamed, adventurous life among maneating lions and leopards, rogue elephants and poisonous snakes-the dangerous reptiles with which this remarkable man, who died in 1968, was latterly most associated.

He was the essence of the eccentric Englishman in darkest Africa. Like Lawrence of Arabia he was a confirmed bachelor, a loner.

Poacher, white hunter and game-keeper, Ionides shot over a thousand elephants, destroyed man-eating lions and child killing leopards. Yet he passionately loved all forms of wild life, and above all - snakes.

Immunized with roots and herbs and protected by his 'magic' hat, Ionides tracked down Africa's deadliest, most vicious snakes.
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I found this book very interesting. Ionides account of hunting 19 African animals for a museum's collection is astonishing. He took real pain in hunting these by fair chase and named these as Desert Rarities and Forest Rarities.

[ 10-25-2002, 14:48: Message edited by: Saad ]

Saad,
it's nice to see another admirer of this fine book. I first read Mambas and Maneaters about 25 years ago,a library copy. The UK publisher called the book A Hunters Story. I read it a couple times because I enjoyed it so much. "Father" was a most interesting character. I presently have a copy and will undoubtedly read it again. There are two more books about "Iodine" you might like to read; Snake Man by Alan Wykes and Life with Ionides by Margaret Lane. I was very inspired by his book and on a trip to Nairobi Kenya in 1996 I visited the Nairobi Museum just to see if any of his exhibits were still there. Yes they were.
Regards Macawber

I am now on at least my third trip through this book. Ionides was a fascinating man . . . somewhat like Corbett in many respects. Hunter turned conservationist. Life-long bachelor. Preferred the company of animals and the bush to people in many respects. He is a very articulate person and his writing style is quite enjoyable. I certainly do not share his love of reptiles, particularly snakes, but he absolutely would have been a treasure to share a campfire with.

I'll need to buy that book. I am familiar with him through Capstick's "The African Adventurers".But that was only a capsule. Thanks for the heads up.

Sounds like a great title. I am not the least fond of snakes, and therefore might gain some "reason" on the subject by reading it. Thanks for pointing it out, Saad.

Enjoyed the read. Ionides was an individual and an iconoclast.

Many women are not married for various reasons;this lass has valid reason.Hell.I' a mam + I would not share quarters with him. Would take a strange lady indeed | quite frankly I woyu not want to meet her.