Untitled [Set of 3 Books by Jim Corbett]
a) Jim Corbett, Man Eaters of Kumaon, London: Oxford University Press, 1966
xvi, 252 pages including illustrations by Raymond Shepard; brown boards, silver title to spine with pictorial dustjacket
8.4 x 5.6 in (21 x 14 cm)
The legendary hunter-turned-conservationist Jim Corbett's Man-Eaters of Kumaon is a riveting firsthand account that details his encounters with some of India's most notorious man-eating tigers and leopards. This edition (London: Oxford University Press, 1966), which was initially published in 1944, continues to captivate readers with its evocative storytelling, profound empathy for wildlife, and captivating narratives of adventure.
The book, which is situated in the remote Himalayan foothills of Kumaon, recounts Corbett's pursuit of several infamous man-eaters, such as the Champawat Tiger, which is reported to have murdered over 400 people, and the Man-Eating Leopard of Rudraprayag. Corbett meticulously delineates the hazards associated with tracing these elusive predators, as well as his personal observations of the local landscape and people.
Man Eaters of Kumaon is not merely a hunting memoir; it is a reflection of Corbett's changing perspective on conservation. He became one of India's foremost advocates for wildlife preservation as a result of his profound regard for the wild and his concern for the dwindling tiger populations. He also played a role in the establishment of India's first national park, which was subsequently renamed Jim Corbett National Park in his honor.
b) Jim Corbett, The Temple Tiger and more Man-Eaters of Kumaon, London: Oxford University Press, 1955
[xii] + 197 pages, 10 black and white plates; hardbound with dust wrappers
8.4 x 5.6 in (21 x 14 cm)
The last of Colonel Jim Corbett's books on his unique and enthralling hunting experiences in India, this volume concludes the narrative of his adventures with tigers begun in the famous Man-Eaters of Kumaon. These stories maintain, perhaps even supersede, the high standard of the earlier classic collection. Corbett saves his best story of all for the long concluding chapter in this volume, describing, in The Talla Des Man-Eater, how he embarked on what he feared might be a fatal last test of skill and endurance. As always, he writes with an acute awareness of all jungle sights and sounds, choosing words charged with a great love of humanity, birds, and animals. His calm and straightforward modesty heightens the excitement and suspense of these experiences, in which he continuously risks his life to free the Indian tarai of dangerous man-eaters.
c) Jim Corbett, My India, London: Oxford University Press, 1952
190 pages, hardbound with dust wrappers
8.4 x 5.6 in (21 x 14 cm)
The legendary hunter-turned-conservationist, Jim Corbett, has written a profoundly personal and evocative memoir titled My India. Corbett's book is a tribute to the people of India, with a particular emphasis on the simple, industrious villagers of Kumaon and Garhwal, whom he knew and adored, in contrast to his well-known works on tracking man-eating tigers.
Corbett's intimate portrait of rural India during the early 20th century is depicted through a series of vivid and heartfelt anecdotes. He introduces readers to the villagers' customs, traditions, and the profound connection they shared with nature, as well as their commonplace struggles and resilience. He recounts the stories of friendship, courage, and survival in a world that is swiftly changing in each chapter, which unfold as a poignant narrative about the individuals he encountered.
My India is not merely a memoir; it is a historical and cultural record of a bygone era, written with warmth, humility, and profound respect for the land and its people.
Jim Corbett's writings encapsulate his extraordinary existence in the Indian jungles, combining a deep human connection, thrilling adventure, and an evolving conservationist ethos.
Corbett's books are timeless classics, providing both adventure and insight into a bygone period, whether they chronicle his daring hunts, his admiration for the people of India, or his passion for wildlife preservation.
(Set of three)
This lot will be shipped in "as is" condition. For further details, please refer to the images of individual lots as reference for the condition of each book.