No comments about David Thompson: A Trail by Stars (The Quest Library).

No comments about The Fortunate Adversities of William Bligh.

No comments about Stars Over Montana: A Centennial Celebration of the Men Who Shaped Glacier National Park.

No comments about Sir Walter Raleigh: A Biography.

No comments about Ice Captain: The Life of the Endurance Expedition's Other Hero, Joseph Russell Stenhouse.

No comments about The Intrepid Explorer: James Hector's Explorations in the Canadian Rockies.

No comments about David Thompson: The Epic Expeditions of a Great Canadian Explorer (Amazing Stories).

5 comments about Horn of the Hunter: The Story of an African Safari.

1. you know how they say''anticipation is sweeter than the possession'' thats what happened with me.Before buying this book I'have read the other reviwes,with no disrespect to other readers, but I think they have over done it a little.I am a long time big game hunter,what I found what is missing in this book is a thru heart of an hunter. The horn was there, but not the hunter. After reading the book, I remember more of the memsaabs hair care than the hunting adventures.I felt ,for Mr Ruark the shooting part of the safari was the most booring bit.Well that is his styl and I respect him
   I just wanted to share my thoughts with rest of my bwana brothers.Still a good reading.Especially to know the great character of Mr. Selby.



2. This book is the rousing and interesting story of writer Robert Ruark's two month Safari into the wilds of Africa. This was done in the 1950's and he was accompanied by his wife who also hunted by his side. Gritty and often frightening descriptions of the chase and the kill are acompanied by astute observations on the Africa of that time. He had strong opinions of many of the African tribes. Some he praised highly and others he condemned and he explains why. If you are wrapped in the fog of political correctness don't bother to read this. If you want an unvarnished, honest, very interesting tale, by all means, buy this outstanding book.



3. "Horn Of The Hunter" is one of the best stories about African hunting and wildlife that has ever been penned. (My Opinion) Robert Ruark may have written between the two era's of Hemingway and Capstick, but when it comes to writing about Africa he took a backseat to neither of them and if you have read my other reviews you know that I have nothing but praise for them both.
   
   Ruark takes us on safari with him and his wife Virginia. The copyright is 1952 and though I couldn't find a definite time for the safari it was during the post WW II era. It is reasonable to assume that it would have been a short time prior to the copyright. He describes in great detail the African wilderness and wildlife along with the discomforts of insect bites and muddy river bottoms. Traveling through the Tanganyika wilderness in a Land Rover called Jessica with a professional hunter named Harry Selby, Ruark takes us with him on a grand adventure.
   
   Unlike many prominent writers Ruark not only tells of his successes, but his failures as well. Throughout the text Selby compares Ruark's marksmanship with a lady client named Harriet Maytag and Ruark's responses to his comments add depth and humor to the text. There are some spectacular long range shots taken, but there are also some clean misses at both long and short range. He admits his fear of Cape Buffalo and tells us of his love for wing shooting. He talks of Selby who is as sqeamish with snakes as a teenage girl, but is the living portrait of abosolute courage when following up wounded and dangerous animals.
   
   Ruark's delightful humor is on nearly every page as he describes various bits of unorthodox lore. Such as painting a juvinile baboon with flourescent paint to frighten off the band or Selby's advice to him to survive a buffalo stampede by shooting one of them and climbing on top of it to avoid being trampled.
   
   When I finished reading this story I was as sad to see it end as Ruark was to leave Africa.
   
   All in all this is a readers delight and will be a treasured gem in any hunters library.



4. I loved his stories of Africa! The book took me back to a better time when being on safari meant you could be killed by very dangerous animals or reptiles but humans were not quite as high up the list in the danger catalogue.



5. Well I love old african stories. Here is another that I will read again and again. This is the type I like most. Just facts and no lets make it a story stuff. This is almost like reading a journal or diary. I loved it and bet you will too.

4 comments about Passage to Alaska.

1. Wow. What a great read. This is a top-notch adventure story that inspired me like few others. The author and his companion really took on the challenges of the northwest coast and came back with a story of high seas, wildlife and terrible weather. The descriptions were so good I actually felt WET after some of the passages. But it is more than an adventure story. The author weaves in fascinating information about the nature and culture of the Inside Passage, providing an informative look at this fascinating place. I've been to the Inside Passage on three different trips and always learn something new. I think Passage to Alaska would be a great companion for anyone traveling the area or simply wishing to learn about one of the wildest places remaining in North America. And it's a great adventure story, too!



2. This is a terrific book. The author does an impressive job of weaving together not only his personal story of his kayaking to Alaska, but also accounts of Vancouver's voyage, the explorations of John Muir, and a lot of natural history regarding the region. It's quite well-written and makes for a book that is very readable and often even riveting.



3. I agree wholeheartedly with the other reviewers about this book! I loved the adventure story of kayaking through rough water and harsh weather for two months. The author really brings to life the forest, glaciers, mountains and wildlife of the Inside Passage. The information about the nature and history of the area separates this from a mere adventure story. It's really the story of the coast told through a gripping adventure. And the many sidebars that contain tips for sea kayakers are a great plus. I highly recommend this book!



4. This is a gem of a book. The author does a wonderful job narrating an adventure story while providing valuable information about the geological and ecological background of this ever evolving part of Alaska. It made for an entertaining and informative read. Having had the pleasure to explore this part of the country by kayak myself, I enjoyed how this book's descriptions of the ocean and landscape captured the experience of exploring the Inside Passage.

5 comments about Shattered Air: A True Account of Catastrophe and Courage on Yosemite's Half Dome.

1. I enjoyed this book because I have been to Yosemite although I did not climb Half Dome. It was interesting because the reader got to see what led up to the tragedy and how this should never have happened. It was also great to hear everyone's side of the story including the EM T's and others that helped save 2 lives.



2. To put my review in context, I have climbed Half Dome several times, and was a former member of National Ski Patrol, trained and experienced in search and rescue. I have a friend who was killed by lightning in Arizona and was almost struck myself in my back yard, 20 minutes after a storm had ended and the sky had turned clear blue. I am a confirmed hiker and back packer and have back packed in Yosemite and the High Sierra many times. I found this book deeply troubling and at the same time very rewarding. This recounts the story of what happened when foolhardy young people ignored the warnings of the lethal reality of lightning as they approach Half Dome so that they can "dance in the lightning" to prove their manhood. Two are killed and others are severely injured by being struck multiple times by lightning. I was horrified by their wanton disregard not only for their personal safety but also for their disgusting disregard for others. Their actions were offensive in the extreme. Contrast this with the actions of the rescuers! Despite being offended by the vulgar and crude actions of those who were struck by lightning on Half Dome, they recognized the value of human life, no matter how offensive the victims were, and exercise heroic efforts, at immense self sacrifice, to save their lives. I take my hat off to all involved in the rescue but particularly to Linda Crozier for her efforts to save the injured. She stands out as a stunning example of not only the best humanity has to offer but also did a superb job triaging and treating the injured under the most trying circumstances. Linda, God bless you! Thanks also to the pilots of the helicopter who risked landing on top of Half Dome several times as darkness fell to evacuate the injured! What heroes! Anyone reading this book will have a much better understanding of the dangers of lightning and of the inherent risks and difficulties involved in moutain rescues! This book has a lot to teach and will affect almost every reader for the rest of their lives!



3. The author tells an excellent tale of sociolocical misfits who play outside and believe they are free and some how superior. But Mother Nature does not suffer fools well and they do get a serious wake up call atop Half Dome - a place they thought they "owned." The people have a beliefe that they belong in the wilderness, but they really move with the wilderness. They do not practice good wilderness habits or manners. They cast a wide shadow as they tramp about. Anybody close enough to witness these travellers must have watched in awe as one does at a car wreck. How bad will this be? The author does explain how bad it gets and it is tragically serious. Where were the back country rangers when these people were out in the wilds? This is a well-written book, but the people made me feel like they disrespected the wilderness and they had some true issues with life. It is a very compelling story. "Keep moving folks. There's nothing here to see." It is an excellent description of the wreck.



4. What makes a good story? Setting for one thing - and what could more majestic than the Half-Dome gem set into the Yosemite grandeur.
   
   Next come the characters - with their perfections and pimples. Then we want to see their development, if any, and if none, why not. Often when we anticipate how these players will respond to extreme circumstance, we are surprised, disappointed, cheerful, and even angry.
   
   It's an added pleasure if, during our read, we are "let in" on the obscure skills, techniques and passions that drive the action.
   
   But the two major elements of a mesmerizing adventure are converging drama and believability.
   
   In Shattered Air, you can taste the approaching clash of ego and nature and you will suffer in the helplessness atop Half-Dome.
   
   And when you close the covers of this true story, you'll take a deep breath and utter, "Wow."



5. As a participant in the rescue, I think Bob did a wonderful job putting this book together. By the time he interviewed me for the book, he knew far more about the events leading up to the incident than I ever did. When the book finally came out, I was so engrossed in the story that I kind of forgot that I was part of it, and when he got to the actual rescue it was like reliving the experience twenty years later.
   
   As a paramedic, you seldom get to hear about the events leading up to a rescue, and even more rarely find out any details about the peoples lives that were involved, and what happened to them weeks and months later. So thanks Bob for giving me a rare opportunity to learn "the rest of the story".
   
   I am quite sure that anyone with a love of the outdoors will find this a very good read.
   
   Bill Bryant
   (the paramedic on the helicopter)