I have just started this book, recommended to me by a friend. Sarkis Atamanian speaks for all of us who hunt. More as I continue.

I read this book about 6 or 7 years ago (whenever it came out). I have to say I didn't care for it all. I gave it to a good friend of mine and he didn't care for it either.

Both of us are hunters and well-educated and both thought the author was out to make a buck by writing this book, not trying to help explain the hunter's heart or mindset.

I have only just started but I am in agreement with a great deal of what he has to say, and find nothing yet to disagree with. His justification and support for trophy hunting could not have been better said. There is more to the huunt than just the kill, and he expresses that well. Having represented authors in the past I question a dollar motive.. ...with a book like this both he and the publisher stand an even chance of barely breaking even. I'll comment more as I finish the work.

I think it was his way using 1,000 words when 10 would do. I thought there was a lot fluff and filler in that book. Maybe he was trying to justify hunting to himself, or what I took as, getting enough material to fill a book to sell.

I know he is a very well respected professor at UAF, at least he used to be, I have no idea if he is still there. I don't know the man from Adam, but thought this book was a far cry from Ted Trueblood's book on why man hunts or even John Barsness' book on the same subject.

The Bears of Manley reads like it was written by a pyschologist trying to analyze himself. I'm no fan of the practice and no fan the book. To me it read like either he was trying to justify his own actions to himself as a psychologist, or he was out to sell a book to his counterparts on that level, almost a professional paper or white paper of sorts.

I guess that is what makes the world goes around, though. Not all of us like the same thing. I've written here how I loved Russel Annabel and Elgin Gates' writings... I know one prominent author just shakes his head in disgust every time he sees me write that (sorry Bill!!!). I also love reading Hemingway, Ruark, O'Connor, Keith, Anderson, Sanchez-Arino, Bell, Seyfried, Carmichel, Atcheson, Batten, Andrews and countless others.

Never was a fan of Roosevelt Sr., but loved Kermit's work, didn't like Selous writings and detested Muir.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by DPhillips:
I think it was his way using 1,000 words when 10 would do. I thought there was a lot fluff and filler in that book. Maybe he was trying to justify hunting to himself, or what I took as, getting enough material to fill a book to sell.

The Bears of Manley reads like it was written by a pyschologist trying to analyze himself. I'm no fan of the practice and no fan the book. To me it read like either he was trying to justify his own actions to himself as a psychologist, or he was out to sell a book to his counterparts on that level, almost a professional paper or white paper of sorts.

......I've written here how I loved Russel Annabel and Elgin Gates' writings... I know one prominent author just shakes his head in disgust every time he sees me write that (sorry Bill!!!). QUOTE]

I do agree with you on the "wordy" part. But that is explainable by his chosen profession. Hard to compare him to those you have mentioned, and I do enjoy his hunting chapters far more than his "reflections."

The book was probably his answer to all the bullshit and criticism he received from the anti gun and anti hunting members of his own profession. I am sure they still don't get it. And, by the way, I think the Bill you speak of is a pal of mine, and I really like Elgin Gates as well. (and if you have a chance acquire some of the books Bill edited and wrote. Very well done.)
Not sure if you have read them but to me Hemingway's best were; The Old Man And The Sea, Islands In The Stream, (both of which were made into movies back in the days when the movie makers were true to the book); The Snows Of Kilimanjaro and Death In The Afternoon. (re: The Snows....I have a tape; Charlton Heston reading the book.)

The "Bill" I mentioned is one of this forum's own members and a well respected author. I've read several of his books, especially his "ghost" writings. I won't drag him into this, he'll just bash me over the head for my Annabel and Gates leanings... I am patiently waiting for Safari Press to deliver "Obsessed", though. So, if he can make them hurry up, I'd appreciate it.

I like Hemingway, I think because he's different. You definitely know you are in something completely different, with Hemingway. I don't want all writers to be like him, and I am glad there is only one. I'm not sure the world could handle more than one. I can't say that I like to read his works on a bright sunny day. He's books have a particular flavor about them and I have to be in the mood to enjoy them.

I have read all of his works, at least I believe that I have... There may be some obscure manuscript out there somewhere that hasn't been credited properly.

Back to "The Bears". I didn't mean to make my original post sound as vile as it does. I didn't enjoy the book. Getting through it was like reading a college text, which I never enjoyed. I do believe he does provide some good counterpoints to the anti's usual garbage, but, I thought it could have been either cleaner and much more concise; or in much more entertaining manner.

I remember growing up reading hunting or gun articles in magazines or books. They were entertaining and educational at the same time. I don't think there is much of that today. It seems to be either/or. Either it is entertaining without educational value, or is purely techno-garble without being enjoyable to read.

Seems to be a lost art...

The Bears....a bear. I continue to enjoy his hunt stories, but he should have published two books....one on hunting, with a limited reference to ethics and fair chase and another tome on his reflections. Reading them is taxing, even though many of his points may be relevant. It is a not a book I can just sit down and read. One or two chapters and I am off to a novel. My last comment on Sarkis.


Hemingway "turned me on" to bullfighting, and I have never looked back. Death In The Afternoon. Next to hunting it is a favorite of mine, and I truly enjoy the literature available. It is courage personified. Were I several (many) years younger it would be tempting to try it when in Spain. If you have not seen it, try to rent Islands In The Stream.

You have a PM.

Dave