Description
Step into the boots of a fearless Victorian-era hunter with this gripping facsimile reprint of William Finaughty’s personal account of elephant hunting across Africa between 1864 and 1875. This isn’t just adventure storytelling—it’s a rare primary source that captures the era’s hunting practices, wildlife abundance, and colonial perspective with unflinching detail. Finaughty’s prose is direct and often humorous, making dangerous encounters feel immediate and human. Perfect for history enthusiasts, collectors of Victorian literature, wildlife buffs, and anyone fascinated by 19th-century exploration narratives. The facsimile format preserves the original 1916 edition’s authenticity, including period illustrations and marginal notes. Whether you’re researching African colonial history or simply craving a page-turner rooted in real adventure, this memoir delivers both intellectual substance and genuine entertainment.
- Reading age: 10 years and up
- Language: English
- Dimensions: 21.59 x 13.34 x 1.73 cm
- Publisher: Facsimile Publisher
- Publication date: 1 January 2013
- ISBN-10: 9368961301
- ISBN-13: 978-9368961307
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was William Finaughty and what makes his elephant hunting memoir significant?
William Finaughty was a 19th-century professional elephant hunter who operated across Southern and East Africa from 1864 to 1875. His recollections are historically important because they document the ivory trade era, wildlife populations, and colonial hunting practices from a firsthand perspective. Historians and collectors value his observations as rare primary source material about Victorian-era Africa.
Is this a facsimile reprint or original edition?
This is a facsimile reprint of the original 1916 edition, which itself was a compilation of Finaughty’s earlier recollections. The facsimile format faithfully reproduces the original text, layout, illustrations, and period typography, making it valuable for both readers and collectors who appreciate historical authenticity.
What age group is this book suitable for?
The recommended reading age is 10 years and up. While young readers interested in adventure and history will enjoy the narrative excitement, older teens and adults will appreciate the historical context, colonial perspectives, and detailed hunting accounts that offer deeper layers of understanding.
Where can I buy William Finaughty’s Elephant Hunter memoirs in India?
You can buy this facsimile edition of William Finaughty’s recollections online at The Bookish Owl, India’s dedicated online bookstore. We stock rare and classic titles including Victorian adventure memoirs, colonial history texts, and historical reprints for readers across India.
What topics does this memoir cover besides elephant hunting?
Beyond hunting adventures, Finaughty’s account covers 19th-century African wildlife diversity, survival skills, interactions with indigenous peoples, colonial trade routes, and the cultural context of Victorian-era exploration. It’s as much a historical document about a vanished era as it is an action-packed memoir.
