The Definitive Jim Corbett: A Legacy of the Wild

"A tiger is a large-hearted gentleman with boundless courage, and that when he is exterminated—as exterminated he will be, unless public opinion rallies to his support—India will be poorer by having lost the finest of her fauna." – Jim Corbett

This comprehensive volume brings together some of Jim Corbett’s most profound and compelling works, showcasing not only his legendary encounters with man-eating tigers and leopards but also his deep love for the people, landscapes, and wildlife of India and Africa.

In My India, Corbett steps away from his reputation as a hunter and shares a heartfelt memoir of his time among the villagers of northern India—people he deeply respected and whose lives he sought to protect from the dangers of the wild. His stories paint a vivid picture of rural India in the early 20th century, filled with warmth, hardship, and the simple yet resilient spirit of its people.

In Jungle Lore, Corbett moves beyond tales of the hunt to reflect on the fragility of nature and his growing despair over humanity’s increasing alienation from the natural world. This book serves as his testament to the intricate balance of the wilderness and a plea for conservation, urging readers to reconnect with the forests and wildlife that sustain life on earth.

Tree Tops, his final book, takes readers on a journey beyond India’s jungles to the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya, where Corbett spent his last years in the game reserves. Here, he recounts his experiences in the African wild, including his observations of Queen Elizabeth II’s visit to the famous Treetops Hotel, where she unknowingly ascended the throne. These reminiscences offer a poignant and contemplative look at his life’s journey, from hunter to ardent protector of wildlife.

Written in Corbett’s signature lucid and evocative style, The Definitive Jim Corbett is more than just a collection of adventure stories—it is a tribute to a man who dedicated his life to understanding, protecting, and preserving the natural world. Enlivened by his keen observations of jungle sights and sounds, as well as his deep understanding of village life, this volume is an essential read for anyone passionate about wildlife, conservation, and the extraordinary bond between humans and nature.

Step into the untamed forests, walk alongside Corbett on his thrilling and reflective journeys, and witness the evolution of a hunter who became one of the world’s greatest champions of conservation.