Richard Lionel Spittel, CMG, CBE, FRCS (commonly known as Dr. R. L. Spittel) (December 9, 1881 – September 3, 1969) was a Ceylonese Burgher physician and author. He was one of the foremost experts on the Vedda community. An avid nature-lover, Dr Spittel made many trips to the jungles of Ceylon, gaining much knowledge of the flora and fauna and the aborigines of the island, the Veddas. His studies on the Veddas made him and expert on this little understood people. Based on his ethnographic studies, he authored several books that gained much fame during his lifetime. His works include novels, poetry and academic studies.
This is a book that I enjoyed a lot. Learnt a lot on ancient srilanka's wildlife, people, society, food and also the wadi tribe in srilanka. Wonderful book.
One of my favourite childhood memories is my father reading this story to me. I remember that this book being the book that turned me into a reader. The world of Hans and the weddas and the wild forest still makes an impact on me to this date.