I have the 2nd version by Flack and Boddington. I do not have Mellon's original. Those that have both, is it recommended to get the first one or does the 2nd one cover it?
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Posts: 4168 | Location: Texas | Registered: 18 June 2001
Yes it's me and yes I am a book junkie. I was hoping you would say...no, just stick with #2. Sigh. Every year, I tell my family to get me books for gifts...not clothes.
I'm still trying to figure out how to justify Mr. Quimby's Royal Quest or Sanchez Arino's series on Hunting in Africa countries.
Hmmm...I've got this signed copy of Sutherland's big Colt book sitting here and I would rather trade or sell it if anyone needs it.
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Posts: 4168 | Location: Texas | Registered: 18 June 2001
I have Mellon's African Hunter, but haven't gotten around to buying No. 2. Mellon's book is a classic, but the information in it is dated. It has great photos, and Mellon wrote some interesting stuff. For a long time it was the Bible for anyone who wanted to know about hunting in Africa. It's been out long enough that you should be able to find used copies of the Safari Press reprint.
Bill Quimby
Posts: 2633 | Location: tucson and greer arizona | Registered: 02 February 2006
There is a lot of stuff in the first one that isn't Mellon's writings, as well.
The second edition is still very good. I think Boddington and Flack did a fantastic job updating Mellon's efforts.
If you are using these books as current reference material, then no the first edition isn't applicable in many parts of Africa today. But who can turn down reading stories about animals that are off-limits to hunting now, especially when the authors are Jack O'Connor, Warren Page, Elgin Gates, etc... There is a ton of fantastic writing in the first edition, whether you can hunt in Chad today doesn't matter that much...
Posts: 1508 | Location: Alaska | Registered: 09 August 2002
Good point Dave. I am not looking for current info in these older books as I have a number of sources for that. I am looking for classic authors and writing so I will be picking up Mellon at some point. I'm just not in a hurry since I have version 2.
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Posts: 4168 | Location: Texas | Registered: 18 June 2001
I have had it for over 10 years, I have a trade soft bound edition. I bought a SCI Volume 2 at the same time. The Mellon book is timeless, interesting, and fun.
The Africa he knew is so much different than our Africa it would amaze you.
I wish he wouldn't have retired, SCI had an intereview with him years ago and he doesn't really look any different and he must be 60-70.
You have to remember that African Hunter was written by him when he was in his 20s and 30s. He hunted at an exhaustive pace and he was probably the only one in the world doing it at the time.
Posts: 4729 | Location: Australia | Registered: 06 February 2005