Capstick "Death in the Long Grass" is superb

[Pheroze]

I finally got this book and read it. It is superb. I must admit that I did not expect what I was treated to. Lots of adventure, for sure. But, Capstick had a very witty and descriptive style that is just fun to read. To top it off, his observations are incredibly insightful. I was caught off guard by his sensitivity; his take on wild dogs was a suprise. His observations about the "Disney crowd" prophetic!

Get the book! At first you will be entertained, but later you will be enlightened.

Now, what to read by him?

 

[Red Leg]

It is wonderful writing, and to quote one of the fellows who knew him “out there”, it is a brilliant novel..

 

[BenKK]

I think that was the first hunting book I ever read. Inspirational stuff for a young bloke regardless of whether it’s fact or fiction or in between.

 

[Pondoro]

I beg to differ...too much Death here and danger there...yes I have it.. But then I dislike Ruark too..

 

[sambarhunter]

A mate here bought his first three books and I read through them.
I dropped off Capstick when he denigrated Jim Corbett in one of his writings...A fool if you ask me and a writer that has collectively grabbed many other hunters tales and written them up. I will never own one of his books.

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Agree totally that Capstick's "Death in the Long Grass is a wonderful read. One of his last books, before his death, was Sands of Silence. This book was terrible.

 

[Ridgewalker]

Easily his best IMO. I personally enjoyed most of his writings.

 

[postoak]

Have you read other hunting authors? I ask because Capstick can't hold a candle to Jim Corbett and John Taylor. J.A. Hunter's biography is great too, although not long enough!

 

[Ridgewalker]

J.A. Hunter's biography is great too, although not long enough!

+1

 

[spike.t]

It is wonderful writing, and to quote one of the fellows who knew him “out there”, it is a brilliant novel..

Very subtle.....

 

[CAustin]

I finally got this book and read it. It is superb. I must admit that I did not expect what I was treated to. Lots of adventure, for sure. But, Capstick had a very witty and descriptive style that is just fun to read. To top it off, his observations are incredibly insightful. I was caught off guard by his sensitivity; his take on wild dogs was a suprise. His observations about the "Disney crowd" prophetic!

Get the book! At first you will be entertained, but later you will be enlightened.

Now, what to read by him?

a friend loaned the book to me about a year ago and like you I very much enjoyed the read.

 

[Shootist43]

One of my youngest son's parishioners gave him a copy for Christmas. He in turn loaned it to me. I too enjoyed it very much.

 

[meigsbucks]

I purchased and read several of his books years ago. Although there are some embellishments and fanciful additions to his writings, I enjoyed his books. I also have is videos.
In fact this thread has inspired me to blow the dust off of ..Long Grass and reread it. It’s been years.

 

[Pheroze]

I beg to differ...too much Death here and danger there...yes I have it.. But then I dislike Ruark too..

There is an element of sensationalism. The over descriptive text is designed to heighten the machismo factor, no doubt. but there is a more intelligent subtext too. It's the same kind of insight, or analysis, that lifts Hunter Thompson out of the mere druggie narrative.

Have you read other hunting authors? I ask because Capstick can't hold a candle to Jim Corbett and John Taylor. J.A. Hunter's biography is great too, although not long enough!

I have read several Corbett books. Very good. But, I was interested in Capstick's commentary about the animal rights movement and similar topics as well.

 

[Tra3]

After reading Death in the Long Grass I ordered and read 4 of his other books. I enjoyed his writing and perspective.
I’d suggest your read his other books too. I too am curious about what other africa hunting books to read.

Lately I’ve been reading through the series by C.J. Box about a Wyoming game warden. They are entertaining and a great relief from the negative news media of today.

 

[Ryan]

Next up would be Death in the Silent Places and Death in the Dark Continent. Great reads that keep you engaged. I've read them all twice I think. I found The Last Ivory Hunter about Wally Johnson to be pretty interesting. Among other things Wally and his son were Fred Bears PHs when he bowhunted in Mozambique (you can find the Bear film on that hunt on Youtube). My first outfitter was not a fan of Capstick. He had worked in the Luagwe river area when Capstick claimed to have and said most of his stories were in fact other peoples stories. Ok, so I take "his" stories with a big grain of salt. But Capsticks knew how to write them down and get it to everyone and in the end he got a lot of readers to become clients.

 

[Von S.]

I purchased and read several of his books years ago. Although there are some embellishments and fanciful additions to his writings, I enjoyed his books. I also have is videos.
In fact this thread has inspired me to blow the dust off of ..Long Grass and reread it. It’s been years.

Extremely well said.

I tip my hat.

 

[Wyatt Smith]

Capstick tells good stories, exaggerated maybe, but they are good stories.

 

[Bonk]

I enjoy reading Capstick and I have for many years. I realize he takes some literary license with his story telling. Otherwise, how can he remember exactly what birds were flying overhead, what animals were calling and what the sky looked like when retelling a tale? I'm okay with that because it doesn't change the essence of the narrative and it helps set the scene.

I also suspect he embellishes somewhat and I'm okay with that as well. Most stories get better as time goes on and most of us are a little guilty of that too. It's human nature. There is a difference between embellishment and flat out BS. I hope he didn't cross that line.

I appreciate his self deprecating humor. Shaking hands trying to light a cigarette and desperately wanting a drink to settle nerves is a lot better than a bunch of machismo BS.

I sincerely hope the accusations that he's taken other peoples adventures and claimed them as his own are false. If he is guilty of that there's no excuse. However, I have no idea whether any of the accusations are true or not.

 

[sestoppelman]

Read all his books, love them all too. While I am aware of the opinions that he borrowed lots of stories, he did have PH papers for more than one country and did work for some fairly notable outfitters. I always thought much of the poo poo'ing of his books was not much more than jealousy at his success.

Like Ruark, another fine writer, he died much too young. Both under 50, both from over indulgence of adult beverages. Ruark's liver basically dissolved in his body, end of story. Capstick died on the OR table during heart surgery IIRC.