Horn of the Hunter: The Story of an African Safari

The definitive book of Robert Roark.....period. This is the what will whet your appetite for more, this will make you dream of Africa, north hardwoods, grasslands and prairies, mountains and woodsmoke of a campfire. This will give you an understanding of why men hunt. For the anti's this is what makes your positions and arguments pointless and futile.....find something else to be against, like voter fraud and illegal invasion, (even though the lamestream tells us they do not exist, despite the facts). If you've NEVER hunted, or even shot a firearm, (don't say 'gun' as a 'gun' is a crew-served weapon, ie; machine-gun, naval Gunfire, artillery pieces are called guns, etc. hunters use rifles, pistols and fowlers, bastardized to shot-GUN by east-coast liberal hacks), but have had that nagging curiosity that you don't want to say out-loud in front of your liberal friends, then read this and learn to understand a part of yourself that longs to be a complete man....or woman, and maybe take the steps towards being more complete. Let me underscore what the author will drill home relentlessly and factually in this book. If you like killing, you are not a hunter, but a sociopath/psychopath....get help. But if you are smarter then a rutabaga then you know meat, delicious, wonderful meat doesn't come from a supermarket or burger-joint. Your great-great grandfathers seldom had a place to buy meat, it was acquired the way their fathers before them acquired it......they hunted their meat. Here they learned to love the animals that provide that nourishment. They learned that the animals and the land deserved more respect then most men, and all politicians. If you're willing to admit you don't know everything about hunting or why you or others are drawn to it, then this book can start you on a journey of self-discovery through the experiences of another person that was.....like you. If you're an anti, then you will hate this book because it proves you so wrong about....everything.

I love both Hemingway and Ruark but, despite the fact that Hemingway has won more literary accolades, I enjoy Ruark more. He describes himself as a 'second rate' Hemingway. I don't agree. I think Ruark was, in fact, the real deal. I have my questions about Hemingway.

Ruark is never politically correct whether he is talking about war, politics or hunting. He tells it like he sees it and does it and, having been there myself, many times, it has the feel of reality. Even in Ruark's time he recognized that hunting, in many American circles, was becoming 'de classe' and regarded as passe by the elitist Left in America. As such, Ruark reckoned, perhaps correctly, that big game hunting was on its last legs.

He couldn't have known of the great resurgence of hunting since his death. As it turns out, hunting is not only satisfying and profitable but--partially because it is profitable to nations that might otherwise be disinterested in their own wildlife--it has promoted the conservation of wild places and wild animals all over the earth. At the same time, Ruark could not have predicted the power of the the idiotic 'animal rights' movement, although he would have scarcely been surprised. Ruark recognized that the more urban societies became, the more isolated from nature--and reality--the same societies would necessarily be.

I also enjoyed the part in Ruark's book in which he is nearly killed by a zebra. Predictably, Ruark sees the humor and irony in the event.

Ron Braithwaite, author of novels--"Skull Rack" and "Hummingbird God"--on the Spanish Conquest of Mexico

Robert Ruark's chronicle of his African safari in the 1950s. This is good reading for both outdoor buffs and readers of a more literary type. Ruark avoids the pitfall of turning his book into an extended article for "Field and Stream." Aside from the details of the big-game hunt, he sprinkles his narrative with recollections of his WWII combat experience, musings on the literary world of New York, books, movies about Africa, and life in America. The focal point of the book is the daily experience of fighting the African environment in the pursuit of the elusive prey. The descriptions of the wildlife are thrilling as the hunting party tracks across the primeval plains. Ruark gives full attention to the discomforts of safari life and the doubtful sanity of those who submit themselves to this type of "recreation." The killing is graphically described and not for the squeamish. Animal rights activists should steer clear of this book.
Ruark has great fun describing himself as an Ernest Hemingway "wannabe." Comparisons to Hemingway's "Green Hills of Africa" are inevitable. Ruark is more self-deprecating than Ernest Hemingway, and can see the outrageous humor of it all. The white hunter guide, Harry Selby, falls short of the Allan Quartermain ideal. Selby is afraid of snakes and scorpions, and manages to get the safari lost at least once. Just as Hemingway, Ruark takes his wife, Jenny, along on safari. She handles the discomforts very well, and doesn't wimp out.
This book won't be studied a 100 years from now in American Lit. classes, but it's diverting reading. It recalls the macho standards of a different era. Ruark's reputation has faded since his heyday in the '50s and early '60s. For those who remember, this book is an interesting footnote to his literary career. ;-)

This book is a classic book on African Hunting. Robert Ruark writes about his adventures hunting in Africa on a two month safari with his wife. You cannot go on this type of safari anymore in modern Africa. He writes not only of the hunting but of the beauty of Africa, the love of a good fire and camp life. Truly, I think he was as good a story teller as Peter Capstick or Ernest Hemingway when it came to describing the actual hunting and safari. I enjoyed this book immensely and have read it more than once.

having read Horn of the Hunter several times, have to say that folks need to keep in mind, the difference between JA Hunter, who was a professional hunter (ie: culling agent), and Ruark, is that, Hunter wrote of his experiences as on the job, where Ruark was writing about his first time experience in Africa as a visitor. Adding in the swahili expressions, etc., showed how everyday camp life would go, etc., and his wife getting her hair "rinsed" the level to which a tent safari would go, to make folks comfortable, etc. Ruark wasn't a Journalist, though he might have been doing some magazine articles still, he was a book writer. One of the best, and his book, Something of Value was on the best seller list for over 6 months. The showing of the use of the local languages used in a lot of other writers books, WDM Bell, being one. Adds flavor to the story, as shows that not everyone on the camp staff, etc., speaks english. Horn of the Hunter was written to show people what a safari was like. Ruark loved the country so much he went back at least once a year.

This book was an incredible read not just for the entertainment of the book but also the deep insights in to hunting. The author takes you on his thrilling adventure to Africa where he shows us his true love for hunting and what makes it so. Being a hunter it makes me realize the true reasons that we hunt. Everybody has one big reason for their love of hunting, and that reason is supported by a lot of little other reasons. Some have had the tradition passed down from father to son, some want the meat, but I feel the main reason and the reason exemplified in this book is the thrill of the hunt. Close to how the book puts it there is nothing like being that close to a wild animal, and that rush you get from being that close to danger like a lion or buffalo is a feeling you chase. Back in the day when Ruark was hunting, Africa was truly wild and untamed. His adventures hunting, travelling in the lorry and drinking gin makes a person want to relive these experiences. They had to work a lot in the book and that is another aspect to love, the hard work put in makes the end result even more rewarding.

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.

One of the really good hunting in Africa novels. Robert Ruark writes to where you can imagine that you are actually on safari with him and his professional hunter. Both Ruark and Faulkner demonstrate a love for the land, the people and the animals that one can identify with and accept. If you haven't read Ruark, this is a good one to start on.

Written in 1952, you will appreciate the dialogue spoken and written during this time. At no time does the reader feel these hunters killed for fun. Back then this was a profession. Unlike today where hunting is more so for poaching. The writer is witty, talented, and knew he had a good story to tell. His wife accompanied him on this safari and you actually feel you're right alongside them in the land rover, traveling across the Serengeti Plains, visiting the frontier town of Arusha, and taking in the wildlife on the veldt. I read this book for research on my next novel I'm writing. I did not expect to be so entertained.

After reading several reviews on this famous book and much wait when I finally got this book, truly I was a little bit disappointed during reading. I had in my mind something superior than Hemingway and Capstick's works. Before this I read his later book 'Use Enough Gun' which I think is better than this one. However, when I finished, it was added in my list of to-be-re-read books. These are the books which leave an impression on you, which take you in the atmosphere of theirs and you remember the good taste of the book as of very fine things in the life.
Now I would say that Hemingway is a kind of more powerful and more hunter on this safari stuff, in the "Green Hills of Africa". His white hunter Philip Percival is not as much narrated as Herry Selby of Ruark's. Interstingly Selby is one of the pupil of Percival as Ruark is inspired by Hemingway.
I think that the Ruark has the edge of being more comic and funny. His humouress narration of his own acts and that of his companions are different then many hero-type hunters-authors, who always succeed in every crisis. His desire to shoot a Greater Kudu trophy and story of fair chase and the end of chase....is a classic picture of true hunting attitude. He was not a rifle shooter before this safari as opposed to Hemingway who was a serious hunter. One of the finest parts in this book is the episode of sand grouse shooting and Ruark's pride on his expertise in bird shooting over his white hunter Selby, who used to surprise Ruark in rifle shooting.
Collectively a very fine book on the African safari hunting in the golden era of long safaris.

One of the finest books ever written on Hunting period. Ruark odes Hemingway's Green Hills of Africa hands down. In this book we follow a man and his wife from New York's high life to the backwoods African bush. We discover what a buffalo really looks like, and how you feel when he looks at you! We discover fear, anxiety, restlessness, pride, truimph, and in the end respect and joy. A very highly recommended book.

Great book. First few chapters (setup) not that impressive, but the rest of the book every bit as good as I had hoped. Not a collection of misadventures, but rather an account of a single safari (9 weeks?!). Who has that kind of time? A good story written well. Don't let the slow start put you off.

Hard to put down. Ruark's descriptions of his locations, his companions, and, of course, the animals were interesting and informative. Also his sense of humor made me laugh out loud at times (46 empty bottles of gin and still half a bottle of vermouth left over...after six weeks in the bush).

Ruarks style and attention to details make this book leap off the page. Visions of the African landscape appear in your mind. Ruark describes the sights, smells, and the very face of Africa. Also the foreshadowing of his alcoholism is recounted time and again. I can't wait to read it again!

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.

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.

Ruarke is rightfully called the master of outdoor writing. This is a fabulously written story of his first safari in Kenya and Tanganyika (now Tanzania). It is a must read for anyone who enjoys outdoor literature, hunting stories, or Africa.