Book Name: Just Tigers
Author: Jim Corbett
Publisher: Aleph
Rating: 5/5
Book Blurb: Just Tigers brings together all Jim Corbett’s stories about shooting tigers, many of whom were man-eaters. Taken from Man-eaters of Kumaon, The Temple Tiger and More Man-eaters of Kumaon and Jungle Lore, these fourteen stories are as fresh and thrilling as the day on which they were first published. They show, too, why, besides his legendary exploits as a hunter of man-eaters, Corbett was one of India’s most important conservationists. As Valmik Thapar writes in his introduction: ‘As you thrill to his exploits in the jungles of Kumaon, spare a thought for his legacy. In part due to his efforts and the people he inspired to carry on his work after him…we still have over 2,000 tigers left in India, the largest population of wild tigers in the world.’
Review: Aleph has come out with a beautiful book. Just Tigers brings to you some of the best stories written by Jim Corbett.
A master storyteller, Jim Corbett has an easy narration style that can captivate any reader. His descriptions of the forests and countryside of Uttarakhand are a hallmark in storytelling. As someone who grew up in Nainital and was a regular visitor to Gurney house, I could not help but feel nostalgic at re-reading these stories again.
The stories have been handpicked and collected into a marvelous little book that serves as a collectible item. Robin also manages to get some limelight in this book and if you ever visit Kaladhungi, then a visit to the Corbett museum is a must. Robin’s grave is still there and worth a visit.
Jim Corbett’s books are the best way to generate interest in nature and if you are looking for a suitable gift for a child, then look no further.
This book will take you into the majestic lives of tigers, magnificent creatures as they are and Jim Corbett’s easy to read English will definitely enthrall you. Like it fascinated me, many years ago.
There is nothing to criticise here; you cannot criticise Jim and even though I have always felt that some of the stories were a bit exaggerated, I dare not criticise dear old Jim.