THE WANDERINGS OF AN ELEPHANT HUNTER. By W.D.M. Bell.

(1923) 1989 new edn reprint. 4to (196 x 262mm). Ppvi,188,lxivandxxiv[plates]. B/w photographs and on-the-spot sketches by the author. Black boards, spine titled in gilt.

This is a classic of big game hunting literature, and deservedly so. It is also essential reading for those interested in the history of colonial Africa or the history of the elephant, and a good read for anyone with a taste for adventure and human and elephant psychology. W.D.M. 'Karamojo' Bell "was known far and wide ...for his extraordinary elephant-hunting exploits in the Karamoja Province of Uganda and elsewhere. [This book] considered by many to be the greatest of all elephant books by the greatest of all elephant hunters, is a series of elephant-hunting essays and stories during the glory days of Bell's career. It gives Bell's experiences in Uganda, the Sudan, Ethiopia, Central Africa, and West Africa. Foremost an elephant title, [this book] also includes tales of derring-do with buffalo and lion." Like many author-adventurers of the colonial era(s), Bell was an interested and sympathetic observer of the peoples amongst whom he lived, and he includes many observations of interest on contemporary society and politics. This Safari Press edition follows the format of the 1923 edition, with a facsimile of the appropriate dust-wrapper. The quality of reproduction of the author's sketches and photographs is excellent, which is frequently not the case in books which have run through many editions. A book of great interest, and a terrific read.