Elephant Company: The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives in World War II
Product ID: 57785901
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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOK The remarkable story of James Howard "Billy" Williams, whose uncanny rapport with the world's largest land animals transformed him from a carefree young man into the charismatic war hero known as Elephant Bill In 1920, Billy Williams came to colonial Burma as a "forest man" for a British teak company. Mesmerized by the intelligence and character of the great animals who hauled logs through the jungle, he became a gifted "elephant wallah." In Elephant Company, Vicki Constantine Croke chronicles Williams's growing love for elephants as the animals provide him lessons in courage, trust, and gratitude. Elephant Company is also a tale of war and daring. When Japanese forces invaded Burma in 1942, Williams joined the elite British Force 136 and operated behind enemy lines. His war elephants carried supplies, helped build bridges, and transported the sick and elderly over treacherous mountain terrain. As the occupying authorities put a price on his head, Williams and his elephants faced their most perilous test. Elephant Company, cornered by the enemy, attempted a desperate escape: a risky trek over the mountainous border to India, with a bedraggled group of refugees in tow. Part biography, part war epic, Elephant Company is an inspirational narrative that illuminates a little-known chapter in the annals of wartime heroism. Praise for Elephant Company "This book is about far more than just the war, or even elephants. This is the story of friendship, loyalty and breathtaking bravery that transcends species. . . . Elephant Company is nothing less than a sweeping tale, masterfully written." --Sara Gruen, The New York Times Book Review "Splendid . . . Blending biography, history, and wildlife biology, [Vicki Constantine] Croke's story is an often moving account of [Billy] Williams, who earned the sobriquet 'Elephant Bill, ' and his unusual bond with the largest land mammals on earth." --The Boston Globe "Some of the biggest heroes of World War II were even bigger than you thought. . . . You may never call the lion the king of the jungle again." --New York Post "Vicki Constantine Croke delivers an exciting tale of this elephant whisperer-cum-war hero, while beautifully reminding us of the enduring bonds between animals and humans." --Mitchell Zuckoff, author of Lost in Shangri-La and Frozen in Time
| Dimensions | 13.21 x 2.03 x 20.32 cm |
| Edition | Illustrated |
| Isbn 10 | 0812981650 |
| Isbn 13 | 978-0812981650 |
| Item Weight | 272 g |
| Language | English |
| Print Length | 368 pages |
| Publication Date | 14 April 2015 |
| Publisher | Random House Trade |
User
A book to read
A well written book. A very nice book to read about a man who understood all animals behaviour and general knowledge of each animal. His love for elephants and his heroic exploits during the WW2 against the Japanese army not many people know of heroic actions. I only knew about this book after reading a part fiction part truth book .
User
A very worthwhile historical record
In the early 1950s, my father introduced me to 'Elephant Bill' in William's own book. This is a credible and worthy telling of the story through the lens of history
User
Four Stars
Excellent read - fascinating!
User
My favourite book
My most favourite book.
User
Unsung War Heros.
Excellent story; both before the war and during it. It even finished off after the war and what happened to the main characters. I found it very interesting and informative. I did read Bandoola the Elephant many years ago so it was really good to read more of him too.
User
I highly recommend this
I read this having read Elephant Moon and discovered it was 'based on a true story'. This book seems to be the truer version but is much more than that. It is a fascinating study of elephants and life with them. I highly recommend this book
User
Excellent reading
It was purchased for pleasure
User
The Book graphically describes elephant behaviours and treatment and gives ...
The Book graphically describes elephant behaviours and treatment and gives an insight to the mind of the world's most eloquent creature
User
Delightful read; masterpiece.
Vicki Croke's "Elephant Company" is a fabulous book that brings to life, J.H. William's deep and passionate relationship with the teak logging elephants of Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation, and his exceptional contribution to the war efforts.During lashing monsoons, jungles of Burma become inaccessible, and the swollen rivers turn treacherous. The author has painstakingly researched and chronicled the formidable living and working conditions of both humans and elephants alike in the inhospitable Chindwin River belt.Elephant Bill's selfless service and sacrifice earned him so much respect, that during the Japanese occupation, he was able to lead herds of elephants, and weak and infirm refugees, hundreds of miles to safety in India, through uncharted and hazardous hill tracts.Author Croke took me back to my logging stint half a century ago chronicled in my book "An Elephant Kissed My Window".Reviewed in India by M. Ravindran.
User
Grande come un elefante
Una storia bella vera e da insegnamento per la vita da tanti punti di vista.E mi ha presentato Burmania!
User
ああ、この本は買ってよかった。
new york times best sellerと表紙に書いてあって、自分の興味あるジャンルの本は、ハズレを引いた事がない。殊に今回は、ホームラン。それも、満塁ホームランクラスの満足感があった。動物が好きなひと、ペットを飼っているひと全員に勧めたい。登場人物が象を観察して、人間的にも成長するだけではない。＜人生に大切なことは象から学んだ＞と、言い切っている様子が、手に取るように分かる。もしも犬より遥かに大きな動物を ペットに持てるなら、象を飼ってみたい。しみじみ、そう思わされた。
User
Elephant book
Sehr schnell und gut
User
Great true story.
Great story! Love it because it is non-fiction...and it is about a time which I really knew nothing about, so the story is truly fascinating to me! I loved learning about that time in history, but especially about a man who becomes so inspired by an elephant and then elephants...his love was contagious and now I am reading all I can about Bandoola, the great elephant, and Bill Williams who loved these animals. GREAT book.
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