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I found Col. James Stevenson-Hamilton's South African Eden at our local library.

A must read for anyone interested in the history of KNP, particularly its formative years.

Wow, You are lucky, I have been trying to get my hands on it for a while now.

I managed to pick up "Skukuza", a short biography on him a while ago.

I bought it

is it a worth while read?

I'm on Chapter 2, so far a very interesting read. Really paints a picture of the Loweveld of the early 1900s

This book has been re-printed by Penguin Classics and is available here. I got my copy from the Skukuza shop in July.

ISBN: 9780143185581

I got my copy last week at exclusive books. Am about half wat through. Makes very interesting reading for KNP addicts

I'm off to Exclusive B to see if I can pick a copy up after work, sounds excellent!

Finished it last night. Interestingly, the trouble with public bad behaviour started shortly after the park was opened to the public. That was in the 1920's or 1930s (I forget ).

Makes one realise how visionary Stevenson-Hamilton was at the time. Also scary how close it came to the deproclamation of the reserve and conversion to farmland!
Great read.

@ Senyetse I had a chuckle at those "heroes"who taunted the lion with a stick . I must admit, I thought "so whats changed?" when I read his stories of the publics poor behaviour!

Yes, indeed things have not changed very much.

I enjoyed the part where the lion was drinking water out of a bucket and then the handle fell over his head and the poor lion ran around with the bucket on his head while issuing "muffled roars".

Its a very entertaining but informative book written by someone with a true passion for his subject. Should be compulsory reading for all KNP fans

I found it in a KNP shop in 1999 . A great read indeed .
It could convert more people to agree that the best way to maintain "Eden" is by "back to basics" policy .

Hi all,

This was the best book I have ever read! I have read many interesting books about the lowveld/Kruger etc. but this one stands out by far!

Any true nature lover or kRUGER PARK enthusiast should have a copy of this wonderful book SOUTH AFRICAN EDEN it could never have a different title.

I have a 1974 edition printed by COLLINS St. James place LONDON purchased at the price of R6.55.

My prized possession is a First Published Edition 1937. In the front is an inscription R G Hulme Junior Army and Navy Club London.
On the next page is a Coat of Arms of R. Egerton Hulme, with the inscription "CASSIS TUTISSIMA VIRTUS" on the ribbon, which was presnted to me many years ago by someone who cared.

Unfortunately the book was falling apart, I have had it rebinded and an excellent job was done.

Should anyone have old books they need reaired, you can PM me and I will gladly make the contact details available.

I am again thoroughly enjoying reading this book , preparing myself for an imminent stay at a place where I can pretend that I am enjoying the KNP in the state that I wish I had seen it , as a Cinderella ...