NitroX
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| (.700 member) |
| 04/07/13 08:42 PM |
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Re: W.D.M. Bell
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Quote:
Poaching? I never understood where this idea came from. Bell was actually already in the Lado Enclave with a paid-for hunting permit from the Belgian authorities when the Belgian King died. He writes that the Belgians left immediately and there was a six month period before the land became the property of the Sudan. A whole horde of rascally adventurers descended on teh place and some of them behaved terribly towards the native people.
Where does it come from? It can be inferred from other hunter's writings, and the dates those books refer to. For example, Bell was "off somewhere across the river" when Roosevelt visited the area, and missed being able to meet Bell. I believe from memory this was at Goma. Bell's career did span a period of time.
Quote:
I am curious though, because Bell seems to have been well known as a successful African hunter before he wrote his first book. In 1916 a bio of him appears in the Royal Flying Corps magazine "Flight" describing him as the 'famous' big game hunter...I wonder what was written about him prior to WW1 and where...
I also believe before Bell's experiences were written in a book, he wrote a regular column for a magazine or newspaper. Where exactly? Only from memory. Perhaps someone else can confirm or point out.
As for people's comments, many people understand, what is written in AUTO-biographical books is often with a personal bias. And should be read in such a manner. I too greatly enjoy Bell's books and his standing is at the top of historical African hunters IMO.