The Man-Eaters of Tsavo and Other East African Adventures

By: John Henry Patterson

Narrated by: Clay Lomakayu

My own long experience of African hunting told me at once that every word in this thrilling narrative was absolutely true. Nay more: I knew that the author had told his story in a most modest manner, laying but little stress on the dangers he had run when sitting up at nights to try and compass the death of the terrible man-eaters, especially on that one occasion when whilst watching from a very light scaffolding, supported only by four rickety poles, he was himself stalked by one of the dread beasts.

Fortunately he did not lose his nerve, and succeeded in shooting the lion, just when it was on the point of springing upon him. But had this lion approached him from behind, I think it would probably have added Col. Patterson to its long list of victims, for in my own experience I have known of three instances of men having been pulled from trees or huts built on platforms at a greater height from the ground than the crazy structure on which Col. Patterson was watching on that night of terrors.

©2022 Sundance (P)2022 Sundance

He uses natives as bait and sets a coolie on fire

The Man Eaters of Tsavo is a profoundly unique account of British Imperialism and big game hunting in Africa. While Patterson's stories of maneating lions in Kenya make for a bonecrunching read, it was his relations to the labourers (often eaten by lions) employed to build a Kenyan railway that fascinated me. At one stage in the narrative they plot to murder him, and it easy to see why. He shoots at them when they don't work, sets one on fire, and uses them as bait to attract lions. After listening to this books three times (and it is an entertaining read), i am of the opinion he most likely killed some of his coolies and blamed it on the lions. If you are looking for an example of the zenith of British racism and the dangers of building a railway through a pride of lions, this book is for you.

Exciting and Refreshing

This was written when Europeans were proud to be Europeans. It takes place well before the woke disease that is infecting Europe and the USA occurred. Highly recommended!