Robert C. Ruark, Author
- Thread starter Texas Star
- Start date
I don't know if it's the same guy or not.
OP
Texas Star
US Veteran
Thanks. You probably nailed it. (Excerpt) I haven't read, The Honey Badger since it was new. I do know that the author said that the mustelid had much in common with modern Amercan women, in that both go right for the groin when angry. I think he was referring to his divorce experiences.
VAdoublegunner
Member
Ruark is one of my favorite authors.
I am a collector of sorts and have 1st Eds of all of his books, including 2 autographs, a pre-edition edit/proof copy of Something of Value, and an original illustration plate for one chapter of the Old Man and the Boy ("the old man and his pals a'sittin' and a'talkin'", at the live oak at Whittlers' Bench in Southport). That one holds special meaning for me since I grew up in NC and have been going to the beach at Southport (Long Beach actually) since I could walk. The autograph copy of I Didn't Know It Was Loaded is to my father, although he misspelled his last name with a B instead of an F (or maybe it is a fancy "F").
The old live oak at the Whittler's Bench in Southport was always a favorite spot for me. It was unfortunately destroyed by hurricane some years ago. Folks remembered Ruark there well in the early 60s (still do), many of his friends were there, and I met him once, although was just a kid around 1959 or 60 when he was there for a visit, and I think my mom has the pic somewhere.
I remember fishing over on Baldhead (Smith) Island, where he wrote of going fishing, camping and hunting with the Old Man, when it was still privately held, an uninhabited wilderness with Old Baldy the only landmark before it was developed like it is now. I visit often, my family still has a house at Long Beach, and although the area is still much the same to me, it's just not quite the same. If you are ever in the area, I recommend you visit. Places like that don't exist much any longer, and it is getting more despoiled by the years. Ruark gave us much to remember of that area the way it was, and the way it should be, as well his stories about Africa and the state of war between men and women. And many, many lessons about life in all of his works.
I am a collector of sorts and have 1st Eds of all of his books, including 2 autographs, a pre-edition edit/proof copy of Something of Value, and an original illustration plate for one chapter of the Old Man and the Boy ("the old man and his pals a'sittin' and a'talkin'", at the live oak at Whittlers' Bench in Southport). That one holds special meaning for me since I grew up in NC and have been going to the beach at Southport (Long Beach actually) since I could walk. The autograph copy of I Didn't Know It Was Loaded is to my father, although he misspelled his last name with a B instead of an F (or maybe it is a fancy "F").
The old live oak at the Whittler's Bench in Southport was always a favorite spot for me. It was unfortunately destroyed by hurricane some years ago. Folks remembered Ruark there well in the early 60s (still do), many of his friends were there, and I met him once, although was just a kid around 1959 or 60 when he was there for a visit, and I think my mom has the pic somewhere.
I remember fishing over on Baldhead (Smith) Island, where he wrote of going fishing, camping and hunting with the Old Man, when it was still privately held, an uninhabited wilderness with Old Baldy the only landmark before it was developed like it is now. I visit often, my family still has a house at Long Beach, and although the area is still much the same to me, it's just not quite the same. If you are ever in the area, I recommend you visit. Places like that don't exist much any longer, and it is getting more despoiled by the years. Ruark gave us much to remember of that area the way it was, and the way it should be, as well his stories about Africa and the state of war between men and women. And many, many lessons about life in all of his works.
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ljmvaw124
US Veteran
Started on Ruark with "the Old Man and the Boy" in HS, Ruark had just died the previous year. I've since read everything I could find of his, and enjoyed it all............
The African hunting stories were great, but he also excelled at chronicling failures, as well as the triumphs. His tales of growing up under his grandfather's guidance make you wish you'd been around then to share the times.
As for having to get his Guardia Civil friend to put down Schnorkel, macho be dammned, that was a tearful, but inevitable ending. Anyone who's ever had to put down a treasured companion knows that feeling.
Anyone know of any current writers that are his equal ?
The African hunting stories were great, but he also excelled at chronicling failures, as well as the triumphs. His tales of growing up under his grandfather's guidance make you wish you'd been around then to share the times.
As for having to get his Guardia Civil friend to put down Schnorkel, macho be dammned, that was a tearful, but inevitable ending. Anyone who's ever had to put down a treasured companion knows that feeling.
Anyone know of any current writers that are his equal ?
jlrhiner
US Veteran
In my opinion, Capstick was every bit as good. I realize you said current, but if you haven't started in on Pedro, your missing some good stuff. He also did a library collection of old safari writers he rereleased, which is fantastic!
VAdoublegunner
Member
Not current, but a contemporary writer whom I also enjoy, although in a bit different style, is Corey Ford.
If you grew up with Field and Stream as I did in the 60s, who could not look forward to the next adventure of the Lower Forty Shooting, Angling and Inside Straight Club?
His short story, "The Road to Tinkhamtown", is still generally regarded as among the best outdoors stories ever written.
If you grew up with Field and Stream as I did in the 60s, who could not look forward to the next adventure of the Lower Forty Shooting, Angling and Inside Straight Club?
His short story, "The Road to Tinkhamtown", is still generally regarded as among the best outdoors stories ever written.
I've read most of Ruark's works and enjoyed them all. When comparing Hemingway's African stories with Ruark's, a critic once said something to the effect that Hemingway visited Africa, while Ruark lived there. I don't know that this is indeed true but, after reading them - it sure seems so.
Jerry
Jerry
