Memories of an African Hunter

by Denis D. Lyell, Peter Hathaway Capstick (Editor)

The author shares his experiences hunting elephant, rhino, buffalo, hippo, lion, and antelope, discusses rifles and hunting techniques, and includes anecdotes about unusual individuals and events

267 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1986

About the author

Denis David Lyell (1871 - 1946) was born in Calcutta into a Scottish family from Dundee. In 1893, Lyell went to Ceylon and then India as a tea planter. By 1899, aged 28, he went to South Africa and by 1913, he settled in Nyasaland. After World War I, he came back to Scotland and married Marion Brown. He was among the last big game hunters who hunted elephants for profit. From 1900 he was immersed in the hunting world and became a renowned author.

Reviews

[Rajiv · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing book……!

Denis D Lyell born in 1871 was a contemporary of the great Selous and Stigand.

This book does not have the heartbeat by heartbeat adventure normally described in African hunting stories. However it gives a more leisurely, more involved look at the life as it was then. More than a century and a quarter away, life was full of Cholera, Malaria, Sleeping sickness, dog-bite driven Rabies and much more. Death was common and integrity, pluck was admired.

Interestingly, the book draws parallels between the Author’s time spent in NE India and Rhodesia. There are some remarkable comparisons like the differences between number of toenails of Indian & African elephants, Rhimos having 3 horns, elephants with stones in their stomachs,…..

Definitely recommended as a good read for this oriented.

Happy reading !

[David Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good solid book about hunting in the late days of the nineteenth century and early 20th. He tells about a lot of people who get killed and mauled to the point of distraction almost. He talks of the different types of game and his kills, the guns he uses, but he does not describe the natives with any depth. OK book not the best.

[Johnny Sumara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most excellent African-safari book. As good as Capstick

5/5 stars. Easily as good as Capstick and Sutherland, maybe not quite Ruark, but who is.
DEFINITELY worth your couple dollars.

[Ronald Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great history of early Africa and hunting therein.

Luella lead an unbelievable life and chronicles it here. His experiences and insite are so educational to those of us that want to know what it was really like being a professional hunter in early Africa.

[Craig Schlossin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Lyell.

[Pamela Rankin · Rating 4 out of 5]

good reading book

Enjoyed the adventures. Felt like I was there hunting with the author. Very exciting stories of a n early time in Africa