Robert Ruark books from the personal library of his professional hunter, Harry Selby, are the ultimate gift for those pining for Africa.
For many who love and live for Africa, the writings of Robert Ruark are the next-best thing to being on safari. In point of fact, most who have reached the age where they actually go on safari are realizing a dream that began by reading Ruark’s tales of adventure with his professional hunter, the late Harry Selby.
Ruark made Selby famous and dedicated what is probably the finest chronicle ever written on safari life, Horn of the Hunter, to Selby.
Harry Selby was Ruark’s friend as much as his muse, giving him life or at least a reason for living. Ruark made Selby famous and dedicated what is probably the finest chronicle ever written on safari life, Horn of the Hunter, to Selby. He also made Peter McKenzie, the main character in Something of Value, in Selby’s image – at least more or less.
Selby named Ruark the godfather of his son, Mark. Ruark one-upped him by presenting young Mark with a pair of rifles previously owned by a storied elephant hunter named Bell. Together they took hundred-pound elephants, big-maned lions and cranky Cape buffalo. Harry got the last words, having penned the introduction to the 60th Anniversary limited edition printing of Horn of the Hunter as well as Ruark Remembered several years ago. We are all better for their union, you and me and anyone else who takes up the track with a heavy rifle balanced on their shoulder.
Gail Selby-Wentink, Harry Selby’s daughter, recently consigned seven books from Harry’s personal library to Sportsman’s Legacy. All bear Harry’s signature.
Gail Selby-Wentink, Harry’s daughter, recently consigned seven books from Harry’s personal library to Sportsman’s Legacy. All bear Harry’s signature. Four copies are Horn of the Hunter (three vintage plus Harry’s person copy of the 60th) and one each of Something of Value, Use Enough Gun and Sporting Classics’ own Ruark Remembered. Each is supported with a letter of rock-solid provenance from Gail. The books are spendy, but justifiably so, and real Selby fans might even consider purchasing Harry’s custom built and factory-engraved Weatherby Mark V from the 1960s that looks like it was built last week. Photos and details on all are presented at the Sportsman’s Legacy website.
This timeless classic, originally published in 1957 and never out of print, tells the story of a remarkable friendship between a young boy and his grandfather. The old man and the boy hunt the woods and fields of North Carolina together; they fish the lakes, ponds and sea. All the while the old man acts as teacher and guide, passing on his wisdom and life experiences to his grandson, who listens in rapt fascination.
In Ruark’s skillful hands, the book becomes much more than a boy’s early lessons in hunting, fishing and camping. It is a heartwarming, eloquent and ultimately poignant tale about choices, about responsibility and about becoming a man. Buy Now
