A very unusual biography by one of the most experienced elephant hunter/cullers still living. He writes a very detailed book about a period from age 17 to 22, then ends the book abruptly with very few stories or details of life during the changes in Rhodesia/Zimababwe.

Harland is a good writer as was shown in his African Epic book about Paul Grobler. Hunting Imperative is his first book and he definitely improved on his second.

I like the book and recommend it as an easy read for the person wanting more info on hunting in Zim in 1960's.

My copy was interesting in that the pages around pagd 145 thru 163 were mixed up so I had to pay attention to what page is was on or I would get lost. Published by Rowland and Ward - I was surprised at this error in the book.

Overall, read it. It is pretty good.

I'm half way through this enjoyable read. Looking ahead, my copy's pages seem to all be in order.
Gary

quote:

Originally posted by dogcat:
A very unusual biography by one of the most experienced elephant hunter/cullers still living. He writes a very detailed book about a period from age 17 to 22, then ends the book abruptly with very few stories or details of life during the changes in Rhodesia/Zimababwe.

Harland is a good writer as was shown in his African Epic book about Paul Grobler. Hunting Imperative is his first book and he definitely improved on his second.

I like the book and recommend it as an easy read for the person wanting more info on hunting in Zim in 1960's.

My copy was interesting in that the pages around pagd 145 thru 163 were mixed up so I had to pay attention to what page is was on or I would get lost. Published by Rowland and Ward - I was surprised at this error in the book.

Overall, read it. It is pretty good.

Ross,
Thanks for the comments and I'm pleased you enjoyed the read! Yes, your are right to spot the shortage of stories "during the changes in Rhodesia/Zimbabwe." Two reasons; firstly there was a lot of anti-insurgency work which it was better not to include due to the still fresh memories amongst my countrymen of that bush war period. Secondly, being a first book I felt that it should be 'short and sweet' and had learned with magazine writing to always cuts stuff out rather than be long-winded. Anyway, the book was aimed at the hunting fraternity and to tell too much about simple ranch life did not seem attractive!

Sorry about the mixed pages, it is quite rare. Why don't you ask Lucinda at Rowland Ward to replace it? (E-mail: rowlandward@wwdb.org)

Richard.

Author of: The Hunting Imperative; African Epic; Ndlovu-The Art of Hunting the African Elephant. (Available from Rowland Ward Publications and Safari Press)

Yes, this is a favorite read of mine and the first of the 3 from Richard that I read. I sat there looking at all 3 (signed - thanks Richard) after returning from a tuskless hunt in Zim this summer. I figured, why not read the one written about himself first.

I'm reading his book on Grobler right now and have already read Ndlovu (but keep referring to it on a regular basis). I consider Ndlovu to be a primary resource on elephant hunting. I just like the way Richard writes (not at all presumptous...very down to earth) and I like his conclusions. He's more than just a very experienced hunter...he has very good common sense in my opinion which cannot be said of all African hunters and writers.

Yukon,
I agree with you, I hope Mr. Harland continues his literary efforts as he is like fine wine - gets better with age....