Fifty Years' Reminiscences of India: A Retrospect of Travel Adventure and Shikar  (Paperback, Colonel Pollok)

About The Book: "Fifty Years' Reminiscences of India: A Retrospect of Travel, Adventure and Shikar" is a collection of reminiscences by the author, who hopes to entertain and educate readers interested in pursuing hunting as a serious pursuit. The author highlights the strong love for hunting among Englishmen, emphasizing that their large colonial territories provide unique opportunities for such activities. The author cites Thackeray, who believed that the wilderness serves as a playground that prepares individuals for both prestigious honors and military achievements.The author encourages early exposure to horsemanship and shooting, suggesting that the skills acquired in these pursuits, such as a keen eye, steady hand, strong nerve, and courage, are more valuable for a soldier than academic knowledge. The author believes that a passion for the stable and hunting grounds should not be discouraged in favor of traditional education, as these qualities will prove advantageous in the face of life-threatening situations. The author references James Outram, an esteemed figure in Indian history known for his exceptional skills as a hunter, sportsman, and legislator. Throughout the book, the author recounts personal experiences and interactions with renowned sportsmen such as Shakespear, Nightingale, the orrs, and others. These anecdotes shed light on various sporting endeavors in different parts of the world, in which either the author or those known to him were involved. About The Author: Fitzwilliam Thomas Pollok (1832–1909) was an accomplished British military officer stationed in India, as well as an avid hunter and writer. He authored several notable works, including "Incidents of Foreign Sport and Travel" published in 1894 by Chapman & Hall, "Fifty Years' Reminiscences of India: A Retrospect of Travel, Adventure, and Shikar" in 1896, and "Wild Sports of Burma and Assam" in 1900, Pollok also made valuable contributions to The Zoologist, including an article in 1898 on "Indian Wild Cattle the Tsine and the Gaur (miscalled Bison)" and another on "The Indian Hispid Hare (Lepus hispidus)". Additionally, he engaged readers with his piece titled "A Chat about Indian Wild Beasts" in the same year.