Lives in the Wilderness: Three Classic Indian Autobiographies

This volume comprises the autobiographical works of three men who had a special relationship with the Indian jungles - Jim Corbett, Verrier Elwin and Salim Ali. In My India, published when the author was 77, the legendary Jim Corbett writes with sympathy and concern of the people of the Indian foothills, their life, traditions and folklore. It vividly evokes the environment in which his dramatic tiger encounters took place. The Tribal World of Verrier Elwin is the story of one of the greatest scholars and champions of India s tribal peoples. The hugely controversial Elwin's moving autobiography received the Sahitya Akademi award, which noted its sincerity, courage and charm, revealing a mind in which Western and Indian idealism were uniquely blended. The Fall of a Sparrow is the autobiography of India's most celebrated ornithologist, Salim Ali. From his first bird at the age of ten, to birding expeditions in almost every area of the subcontinent, Salim Ali's account of his life and the changing world in which he lived is imbued with his characteristic charm and verve.

About the Author
Verrier Elwin (1902–1964) Anthropologist, poet, and activist from England, is well known for his seminal work on the tribal culture of India. He also served as the chief of the Anthropological Survey of India.

Salim Ali (1896–1987), the Grand Old Man of Indian Ornithology, was among the first Indians to conduct systematic bird surveys in the country. His books have contributed enormously to the development of professional and amateur ornithology in India.

Jim Corbett His books on man-eating tigers are not only established classics, but also almost in a separate literary category by themselves.