After reading A. Julius Fazekas' African Diamond, a book about travel and adventure, I was completely transformed and experienced first-hand in his description the wilds and beauty as well as his vision of South Africa. There are many good moments in this book, especially the author's unabashed love of nature and feeling of oneness with Africa.The beautiful geographic locations and their protrayal is very well outlined and makes one want to see even more of this truly marvelous place. In other words, this is also a literary travel book and is much more than just a hunting story.
Historical topics are also mentioned and there are numerous references and quotes from previous hunters and travellers of Africa past, such as Frederick Selous, Adulphe Delagorgue and John Campbell and others which gives us an even more insightful glance at the experience.
The safari and nature premise is also very well depicted and gives big game hunting the merit it deserves, and not only the experience of killing animals at random which is often the distorted view. Of special note is the author's full explanation regarding the hunt and the particular role hunting plays in conservation techniques in well regulated hunting ranches that were travelled.
The coloured photos of which there are 80, are also quite delightful and one can clearly see the beauty of the country as well as the wild life and hunt. The impressive artistic illustrations of wild game are also worth a mention.
Therefore, the first effort of this author should be commended, since the book was written from the heart of one man's love of travel and adventure in the wilds of Africa. Read it you will enjoy it tremendously. A good read!
