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Tree Tops
The last book written by the late big-game hunter Jim Corbett tells of his final days living in the Kenyan game reserves. Although containing vivid descriptions of the area's wildlife, Corbett concentrates on the visit of Princess Elizabeth to Tree Tops, where she learned of George VI's death.
42 pages, Paperback
First published October 10, 1991
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243 people want to read
About the author
Jim Corbett
105 books288 followersEdward James "Jim" Corbett was a British hunter, turned conservationist, author and naturalist, famous for hunting a large number of man-eaters in India.
Corbett held the rank of colonel in the British Indian Army and was frequently called upon by the government of the United Provinces, now the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, to kill man-eating tigers and leopards that were harassing people in the nearby villages of the Garhwal and Kumaon region. His hunting successes earned him a long-held respect and fame amongst the people residing in the villages of Kumaon. Some even claim that he was considered to be a sadhu (saint) by the locals.
Corbett was an avid photographer and after his retirement, authored the Man-Eaters of Kumaon, Jungle Lore, and other books recounting his hunts and experiences, which enjoyed much critical acclaim and commercial success. Later on in life, Corbett spoke out for the need to protect India's wildlife from extermination and played a key role in creating a national reserve for the endangered Bengal tiger by using his influence to persuade the provincial government to establish it. The national park was renamed Jim Corbett National Park in his honour in 1957 after his death in 1955.
Corbett held the rank of colonel in the British Indian Army and was frequently called upon by the government of the United Provinces, now the Indian states of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, to kill man-eating tigers and leopards that were harassing people in the nearby villages of the Garhwal and Kumaon region. His hunting successes earned him a long-held respect and fame amongst the people residing in the villages of Kumaon. Some even claim that he was considered to be a sadhu (saint) by the locals.
Corbett was an avid photographer and after his retirement, authored the Man-Eaters of Kumaon, Jungle Lore, and other books recounting his hunts and experiences, which enjoyed much critical acclaim and commercial success. Later on in life, Corbett spoke out for the need to protect India's wildlife from extermination and played a key role in creating a national reserve for the endangered Bengal tiger by using his influence to persuade the provincial government to establish it. The national park was renamed Jim Corbett National Park in his honour in 1957 after his death in 1955.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 9, 2018
This book is a description of the time spent by Queen Elizabeth in a hut on a tree top in Kenya.The night was her last as a princess.Jim Corbett describes all events in detail but only as a commentator.Although the book is good but it is clear that Corbett was missing India.Hence,the book sometimes becomes boring.
This is the last book written by Corbett and provides a rare look into his life in Kenya. Its a must read for Corbett fans.
This is the last book written by Corbett and provides a rare look into his life in Kenya. Its a must read for Corbett fans.
March 22, 2023
ಜಿಮ್ ತನ್ನ ಅಂತಿಮ ದಿನಗಳನ್ನು ಆಫ್ರಿಕಾ ಖಂಡದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಳೆಯುತ್ತಾನೆ, ತನ್ನ ಎಂಬತ್ತನೇ ಆಸುಪಾಸಿನ ವಯಸ್ಸಿನಲ್ಲೂ ಕಾಡಿನ ಮೇಲಿದ್ದ ಮೋಹ ಅಳಿದಿರುವುದಿಲ್ಲ. ಸಮೀಪದಲ್ಲಿದ್ದ ಕಾಡಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರಾಣಿಗಳು ತಮ್ಮ ದಣಿವನ್ನು ತೀರಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ಮತ್ತು ತಮ್ಮ ಹಲವು ಪೋಷಕಾಂಶಗಳ ಪೂರೈಕೆಗೆ ಅಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಉಪ್ಪಿನ ನೆಕ್ಕ (Mineral Lick/Salt Lick)ಕ್ಕೆ ಬರುವ ಜಾಗವೂ ಪೂರ್ತಿಯಾಗಿ ಕಾಣಿಸುವಂತೆ ಒಂದು ಸುಶಕ್ತ ಮರದ ಮಚಾನು ಕಟ್ಟಿರುತ್ತಾನೆ. ಈ ಮಚಾನಿನ ಮೂಲಕ ಅಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಪ್ರಾಣಿಗಳನ್ನು/ಪಕ್ಷಿಗಳನ್ನು ಕಾಣುವ ಆಶೆಯಿಂದ ರಾಜಕುವರಿ ಎಲಿಜಬೆತ್-II ಮತ್ತು ಆಕೆಯ ಗಂಡ ಒಂದು ರಾತ್ರಿ ಅಲ್ಲಿ ಜಿಮ್ ಜೊತೆಯಾಗಿ ತಂಗುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಅವರ ಆ 20 ಗಂಟೆಗಳ ಅನುಭವಗಳ ಚಿತ್ರಣವೇ ಈ ಪುಸ್ತಕ.
ಎಲಿಜಬೆತ್ ರಾಣಿಯ ತಂದೆ ಅದೇ ರಾತ್ರಿಯೇ ಸಾವನಪ್ಪಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ, ವಿಶೇಷವೆಂದರೆ ರಾಜಕುವರಿಯಾಗಿ ಮಚಾನನ್ನು ಏರುವ ಎಲಿಜಬೆತ್, ಇಳಿಯುವ ಹೊತ್ತಿಗೆ ರಾಣಿಯಾಗಿರುತ್ತಾಳೆ. ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ಜಿಮ್ ತನ್ನ ಮಚಾನಿನ ದಾಖಲು ಪುಸ್ತಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಹೀಗೆ ಬರೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಾನೆ -
"For the first time in the history of the world a young girl climbed into a tree one day a princess, and after having what she described as her most thrilling experience she climbed down from the tree the next day a Queen - God bless her." - Jim Corbett"
ಎಲಿಜಬೆತ್ ರಾಣಿಯ ತಂದೆ ಅದೇ ರಾತ್ರಿಯೇ ಸಾವನಪ್ಪಿರುತ್ತಾರೆ, ವಿಶೇಷವೆಂದರೆ ರಾಜಕುವರಿಯಾಗಿ ಮಚಾನನ್ನು ಏರುವ ಎಲಿಜಬೆತ್, ಇಳಿಯುವ ಹೊತ್ತಿಗೆ ರಾಣಿಯಾಗಿರುತ್ತಾಳೆ. ಹಾಗಾಗಿ ಜಿಮ್ ತನ್ನ ಮಚಾನಿನ ದಾಖಲು ಪುಸ್ತಕದಲ್ಲಿ ಹೀಗೆ ಬರೆದುಕೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತಾನೆ -
"For the first time in the history of the world a young girl climbed into a tree one day a princess, and after having what she described as her most thrilling experience she climbed down from the tree the next day a Queen - God bless her." - Jim Corbett"
February 25, 2020
This is partly a nature book describing an evening of animal-watching from a tree house in Kenya.
This is partly a history book about a young woman whose father died during the night; she was Princess Elizabeth when she climbed up the tree and Queen Elizabeth when she came back down.
This is partly a memoir from someone who describes the great honor he felt in passing the evening with the Royal Party.
My compliments to the library catalogers; this one must have been difficult to place.
The book is quite short but also very compelling. The introduction by Lord Hailey describes the author and his accomplishments, which is wonderful for the readers because it helps us understand Mr. Corbett. I don’t know if I’ve ever read a memoir in which the author talked less about himself. It’s only through the introduction that I know of full life Corbett had lived—and such knowledge helps ground the rest of the book. In many ways, he was ahead of his time. When other big-game hunters were shooting animals with rifles, he was shooting tigers with a camera.
As for the rest of the book, it doesn’t disappoint. He describes, in great detail, the different animals and their behavior. Illustrations enhance the experience. Parts of it are funny and sweet, but he does describe one of the animals killing another, and I found this part very difficult to read (no pictures of THAT, thank goodness). He also describes the actions of the people staying in the tree house. I was especially moved reading about Corbett’s impressions of the Princess. She was charming and kind, but she was also brave—he describes how calmly she walked past a herd of angry elephants to reach the ladder. He also describes how, when the rest of the group spent the night in the tree house bedrooms, he was perched at the top of the ladder, 30 feet off the ground. He writes that this “was no hardship; in fact it was on this occasion a pleasure. A pleasure to feel that I would have the honour of guarding for one night the life of a very gracious lady who, in God’s good time, would sit on the throne of England.” His joy is palpable. He was in total darkness, with wild animals passing beneath him, and he took it in stride, and with remarkable dignity. This book is delightful in many ways, not the least of which is the insight it offers into a public figure and the lives she’s touched. I would recommend it for nature lovers and for anyone interested in European history and the UK’s rulers.
This is partly a history book about a young woman whose father died during the night; she was Princess Elizabeth when she climbed up the tree and Queen Elizabeth when she came back down.
This is partly a memoir from someone who describes the great honor he felt in passing the evening with the Royal Party.
My compliments to the library catalogers; this one must have been difficult to place.
The book is quite short but also very compelling. The introduction by Lord Hailey describes the author and his accomplishments, which is wonderful for the readers because it helps us understand Mr. Corbett. I don’t know if I’ve ever read a memoir in which the author talked less about himself. It’s only through the introduction that I know of full life Corbett had lived—and such knowledge helps ground the rest of the book. In many ways, he was ahead of his time. When other big-game hunters were shooting animals with rifles, he was shooting tigers with a camera.
As for the rest of the book, it doesn’t disappoint. He describes, in great detail, the different animals and their behavior. Illustrations enhance the experience. Parts of it are funny and sweet, but he does describe one of the animals killing another, and I found this part very difficult to read (no pictures of THAT, thank goodness). He also describes the actions of the people staying in the tree house. I was especially moved reading about Corbett’s impressions of the Princess. She was charming and kind, but she was also brave—he describes how calmly she walked past a herd of angry elephants to reach the ladder. He also describes how, when the rest of the group spent the night in the tree house bedrooms, he was perched at the top of the ladder, 30 feet off the ground. He writes that this “was no hardship; in fact it was on this occasion a pleasure. A pleasure to feel that I would have the honour of guarding for one night the life of a very gracious lady who, in God’s good time, would sit on the throne of England.” His joy is palpable. He was in total darkness, with wild animals passing beneath him, and he took it in stride, and with remarkable dignity. This book is delightful in many ways, not the least of which is the insight it offers into a public figure and the lives she’s touched. I would recommend it for nature lovers and for anyone interested in European history and the UK’s rulers.
April 26, 2021
This rather short book about the animals visible from the Tree Tops lodging still packs in a lot of interesting facts in its few pages. Princess Elizabeth, along with the Duke of Edinburgh, visit to observe and photograph the animals. Showing no fear of huge elephants, fighting waterbucks, and warring rhinos, she is quite fascinated by all of it. She deftly climbs the ladder to Tree Tops, and spends the night there. And though she arrives a Princess, she departs the next day as Queen, her father the King having passed during the night. This book clearly depicts the high regard the author had for the Princess and her respect for the environment. His love for the jungle animals and the life there is also evident in this memoir. The many illustrations add to the enjoyment of the book.
January 21, 2023
"Tree Tops" by Jim Corbett is a collection of short stories that explores the themes of nature, wildlife, and the human relationship with the natural world. The stories are set in the Indian subcontinent, and they are based on the author's real-life experiences as a hunter, naturalist, and conservationist.
The collection of stories is divided into two parts: the first part is about the big cats and their hunting and the second part is about the other wild animals and their behaviors. Each story is a gripping and thrilling account of the author's encounters with some of the most dangerous and elusive animals in the region, including tigers, leopards, and elephants!
One of the most striking aspect of the stories is the way Corbett captures the beauty and wonder of the natural world. His descriptions of the Indian landscape and the animals that inhabit it are vivid and evocative. He provides an in-depth understanding of the behavior, habitat and habits of the animals he writes about, which makes the stories even more compelling.
Corbett also explores the themes of conservation and the human relationship with nature. He writes about the importance of preserving the natural world and the animals that inhabit it, and how the actions of humans can have a profound impact on the environment. He also writes about the impact of modernization and industrialization on the natural world, and the need to balance human progress with the protection of the earth's resources.
The author's writing is elegant and evocative, and his stories are a testament to his deep understanding and love of nature. The collection is a must-read for anyone interested in wildlife, conservation and natural history. Tree Tops is a fascinating collection of stories that takes the reader on a journey into the heart of the Indian wilderness and provides an insight into the natural world and the human impact on it.
Overall, "Tree Tops" is a collection of beautifully written stories that are both thrilling and thought-provoking. It is a MUST READ for anyone interested in wildlife, conservation, and the natural world. The stories not only entertain but also educate the reader, and it gives an understanding of the importance of protecting the natural world for the future generations!
The collection of stories is divided into two parts: the first part is about the big cats and their hunting and the second part is about the other wild animals and their behaviors. Each story is a gripping and thrilling account of the author's encounters with some of the most dangerous and elusive animals in the region, including tigers, leopards, and elephants!
One of the most striking aspect of the stories is the way Corbett captures the beauty and wonder of the natural world. His descriptions of the Indian landscape and the animals that inhabit it are vivid and evocative. He provides an in-depth understanding of the behavior, habitat and habits of the animals he writes about, which makes the stories even more compelling.
Corbett also explores the themes of conservation and the human relationship with nature. He writes about the importance of preserving the natural world and the animals that inhabit it, and how the actions of humans can have a profound impact on the environment. He also writes about the impact of modernization and industrialization on the natural world, and the need to balance human progress with the protection of the earth's resources.
The author's writing is elegant and evocative, and his stories are a testament to his deep understanding and love of nature. The collection is a must-read for anyone interested in wildlife, conservation and natural history. Tree Tops is a fascinating collection of stories that takes the reader on a journey into the heart of the Indian wilderness and provides an insight into the natural world and the human impact on it.
Overall, "Tree Tops" is a collection of beautifully written stories that are both thrilling and thought-provoking. It is a MUST READ for anyone interested in wildlife, conservation, and the natural world. The stories not only entertain but also educate the reader, and it gives an understanding of the importance of protecting the natural world for the future generations!
May 10, 2019
Tree tops is the last book of Jim Corbett contains a short events happened while he was in Kenya living on tree top. The story is about the Royal visit to jungle of Kenya.
In this single and short event reader will experience Elephants, Water bucks, Rhinos, Baboon and various activities of wild.
The book I read was published by Oxford India Paper back with introduction by Lord Hailey and Illustrations by Raymond Sheppard.
In this single and short event reader will experience Elephants, Water bucks, Rhinos, Baboon and various activities of wild.
The book I read was published by Oxford India Paper back with introduction by Lord Hailey and Illustrations by Raymond Sheppard.
May 30, 2024
A very small narrative by the author of the time he spent in jungle of Kenya. Vivid description of animals and their habits is impressive.
July 9, 2009
he misses India, he does
December 20, 2016
Great writing, an entertaing view into a time passed.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews