THE LOST WILDERNESS: TALES OF EAST AFRICA. By Mohamed Ismail and Alice Thor Pianfetti. Classics in African Hunting Series No. 33.

2000 1st edition. 8vo (156 x 325mm). Ppxvi,216. B/w photograph plates, patterned end-papers. Antelope print tipped to blue cloth, gilt titles to upper board and spine. Numbered and signed by both authors.

Mohamed Ismail recounts the story of his years in Kenya and Tanzania as a game warden and professional hunter, mostly in pursuit of elephant and buffalo. "In this book Ismail chronicles the life experiences of five native Africans who worked with him during his years as a game warden, as well as his own experiences as a professional hunter. ...Read about the most deadly poachers ever seen in the history of East Africa; the best ivory trackers; the most elusive quarry, the East African greater kudu; and Ismail's dangerous hunts after buffalo and elephant. (This book's) pages are filled with the adventurous tales of brave men who always faced danger straight on - sometimes winning against considerable odds and sometimes losing, as was the case of the game warden who was killed by a poisoned arrow from a poacher. Come face to face with the other side of the law as you delve into the life of Tura, a notorious poacher whose limp was the result of a buffalo goring. These fascinating and engrossing true-to-life adventures of East African hunting hark back to a time that is now forever gone. Foreword by Patrick Hemingway, son of Ernest Hemingway." Chapters include: In another time and place, the Selous remembered; Malusi; Makei; Conversations with Guyo; Kibwana; Abakuna; Tura; Epilogue.