BFaucett
(.333 member)
19/05/05 03:05 AM
Re: John Taylor thread

I read Capstick's "A Man Called Lion" and enjoyed it. (But I didn't enjoy Captick's book about Meinertzhagen nearly as much.) Here's the description of the "A Man Called Lion" from Safari Press:

"John Taylor is well known to just about anybody interested in firearms or African hunting. This is the first complete biography of this very controversial character, written by Peter H. Capstick with research by Brian Marsh, a longtime Taylor acquaintance. Capstick tracks the life of this enigmatic figure from his early days in Ireland to the day he left Nyasaland in disgrace and in fear of arrest some forty years later. Also included are his wretched, depressing final years in London. Nothing is held back--whether it be his smuggling affair in Canada, ivory poaching, refusal to pay his bills, his tall tales and impressive escapes, or his homosexuality. This is Capstick at his very best on one of Africa’s most intriguing characters."

I got the impression, when reading the book, that most of the research was probably done by Brian Marsh. (If I recall correctly, I believe Brian Marsh was/is a well respected PH with a lot of experience.) It seemed to me to be more of Brian Marsh's book than Capstick's. I got the feeling that Capstick was listed as the author in order to make the book more sellable. Maybe Safari Press (or whomever) felt that Captick's name was more well known than Brian Marsh. I don't have any information to substantiate that but it is the impression I got while reading the book.

Anyway, to each his own, but I did find the book interesting and informative.

BTW: Brian Marsh's novel "The Last Trophy" is an enjoyable read.

Just my two cents worth....
-Bob F.



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