Subject
Hunting stories Books
Best books
Robert Smith Surtees
Jorrocks' Jaunts and Jollities
"Jorrocks' Jaunts and Jollities" by Robert Smith Surtees is a humorous novel written in the mid-19th century. This book follows the eccentric and boisterous exploits of Mr. Jorrocks, a city grocer and enthusiastic fox hunter, as he navigates the colorful world of hunting and the sportsman lifestyle in Surrey, England. The narrative is characterized by its rich, playful language and satirical observations of the society surrounding the hunt. The opening of the novel sets the stage for the whimsical adventures that await Mr. Jorrocks. It introduces readers to the vibrant atmosphere of fox hunting in Surrey, marked by the camaraderie of the sportsmen and the unique charm of their gatherings. As Mr. Jorrocks prepares for a day of hunting, he reflects on the thrill of the chase while showcasing his personality through humorous anecdotes and lively interactions with fellow hunters. Their antics, coupled with engaging descriptions of the hunting scene, strike a balance between sporting excitement and comedic misadventures, effectively drawing readers into the lively world of the Surrey hunt.
Robert Smith Surtees
Mr. Sponge's Sporting Tour
"Mr. Sponge's Sporting Tour" by Robert Smith Surtees is a humorous novel written in the mid-19th century. The story centers around the comically ambiguous character of Mr. Sponge, a man navigating the world of hunting and high society with dubious motives, particularly in his pursuits of fortune. Through the lens of Mr. Sponge's absurdities and the sporting culture of his time, the book offers an entertaining critique of social pretensions and the sporting class. The opening of the novel introduces Mr. Soapey Sponge as he strolls along Oxford Street, characterized by an air of self-importance and a keen interest in horses and the equestrian lifestyle. As he wanders through the bustling streets of London, it becomes evident that his existence is largely devoted to horse trading and fortune-hunting, though he is not very successful in either. In an amusingly self-aware tone, the author sets the stage for Sponge's adventures and misadventures in the sporting world, complete with a motley cast of characters that will likely accompany him as the tale unfolds. The narrative suggests that Sponge's ambitions will lead him into both absurd and enlightening situations as he engages with fellow enthusiasts and seekers of wealth.
James V. McConnell
Hunting License
"Hunting License" by James V. McConnell is a satirical science fiction story written in the early to mid-20th century. The narrative touches upon themes of crime and legality through a twisted version of hunting, where wealthy individuals hunt criminals as if they were game. The story reflects on society's attitudes toward punishment and justice in a darkly humorous manner. The plot centers around two characters, William Karsten III and Thomas Thurman, who embark on a hunting expedition for criminals, guided by Emmett Packer. As they prepare for their hunt, the characters engage in amusing banter that highlights their penchant for trophy hunting of human beings, treating their quarry as mere game. During the hunt, they discover a naked man hiding in the forest, whom they initially perceive as a subversive criminal. Following a chase, they realize that the man could be a familiar figure from Karsten's past—one of his former professors. Ultimately, Karsten chooses not to shoot him, illustrating a complex interplay of personal history, ethics, and the morbid thrill of the hunt in McConnell's chillingly comedic tale.
Jim Kjelgaard
Double Challenge
"Double Challenge" by Jim Kjelgaard is a novel written in the late 1950s. The book introduces readers to Ted Harkness, a young man passionate about the outdoors, whose aspirations revolve around hunting and potentially running a resort in the wilderness of Mahela. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Ted's struggles with his father's ideals and the looming threats from other inhabitants of their woodsy community, setting the stage for a compelling exploration of values, ambition, and the conflicts between personal integrity and societal pressures. At the start of the narrative, Ted Harkness, along with his loyal collie Tammie, embarks on an adventurous climb up Hawkbill Mountain, where he witnesses a group of young grouse and observes two magnificent bucks named Damon and Pythias. This opening scene vividly paints the serene yet competitive environment Ted inhabits, filled with wildlife and the dreams of a young man bent on proving himself as a skilled hunter. As the story progresses, Ted faces a moral dilemma when his employer, Carl Thornton, pressures him to illegally hunt the very deer he admires. This tension is further compounded by family dynamics, as Ted's father Al values adherence to the law and tradition. Through these opening sequences, readers are thrust into a world that balances the beauty of nature with the complexities of human ambition and ethics.
Charles Winslow Hall
Adrift in the Ice-Fields
"Adrift in the Ice-Fields" by Capt. Charles W. Hall is a fictional adventure novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds as a group of English sportsmen embark on a hunting expedition in the dangerous and unforgiving ice-fields of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, highlighting their exploits, mishaps, and camaraderie. The narrative weaves together the excitement of hunting sea-fowl, the challenges posed by the harsh environment, and moments of folklore, all while painting a vivid picture of life in the maritime provinces during winter. At the start of the book, we are introduced to the backdrop of St. Pierre Island, a remote setting where winter sportsmen gather in anticipation of spring hunting. The opening chapter presents the characters, including seasoned hunters and their sturdy host, Captain Lund, revealing their preparations for a season of adventure amidst the ice. As the party settles in for their expedition, they share anecdotes and experiences over dinner, further establishing the bonds among them. Captain Lund forebodes superstitions about dangers concerning the ice, hinting at impending challenges that lie ahead, setting a tone of suspense and adventure for the remainder of their journey.
Charles King
Rancho Del Muerto, and Other Stories of Adventure by Various Authors, from "Outing"
"Rancho Del Muerto" by Charles King is a collection of adventure stories written in the late 19th century. The narrative primarily centers around themes of danger, intrigue, and the complexities of relationships in the lawless landscape of Arizona, particularly involving a character named Lieutenant Adriance as he investigates the unsolved murder of Sergeant Dinsmore and navigates his feelings for Isabel, the daughter of the ranch owner, Pedro Ruiz. At the start of the story, the paymaster Major Sherrick and his clerk, Mr. Staines, arrive at Rancho Del Muerto under tense circumstances, as it bears a reputation linked to violence and crime. The narrative intensifies with the introduction of a sinister and mysterious atmosphere, where warnings of danger loom amidst the scenery of the desolate landscape. As Major Sherrick grapples with his suspicions about the ranch's proprietor, Pedro Ruiz, readers are drawn into the escalating tension involving a prior murder, the maiden's predicament, and the paymaster's unfolding narrative. The opening reveals a blend of adventure, romance, and a struggle for justice against the backdrop of the wild West.
Edward Sylvester Ellis
The Boy Hunters of Kentucky
"The Boy Hunters of Kentucky" by Edward Sylvester Ellis is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story centers on a young pioneer named Jack Gedney, who embarks on thrilling hunting adventures in the wilderness of Kentucky. As Jack navigates the challenges posed by wildlife and the potential threats of Indigenous peoples, readers are drawn into a vivid portrayal of frontier life, filled with excitement and danger. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to twelve-year-old Jack, who receives his first rifle as a birthday gift from his father. With the guidance of his parents, particularly his father, he learns the skills necessary for survival in the rugged terrain, including the importance of caution and preparation. The opening chapters lay the groundwork for Jack's character and his readiness for adventure as he sets off into the Kentucky woods, brimming with youthful enthusiasm and a sense of impending peril, particularly with the looming threat of encountering wild animals or Indigenous warriors.
George Manville Fenn
Off to the Wilds: Being the Adventures of Two Brothers
"Off to the Wilds: Being the Adventures of Two Brothers" by George Manville Fenn is a novel written in the late 19th century. It follows the story of two teenage brothers, Dick and Jack Rogers, as they embark on an adventurous trek through the wilds of South Africa with their father and a group of companions, including two Zulu boys and an Irish cook. The narrative is set against a backdrop of natural history exploration, where the siblings are eager to encounter wildlife and collect various specimens, all while grappling with personal loss and the challenges of their journey. At the start of the adventure, readers are introduced to the Rogers family, highlighting their recent struggles following the death of Mrs. Rogers. The brothers fervently discuss plans for a trek north into the wilderness, hoping to document flora and fauna. Their preparations are filled with youthful enthusiasm and excitement, including encounters with their Zulu companions who add a dynamic cultural aspect to the story. As the expedition progresses, various challenges like unexpected encounters with wildlife, the harshness of the landscape, and interpersonal conflicts arise, setting the stage for an engaging tale of resilience and adventure in an untouched land. The opening sets a tone of both adventure and personal growth, inviting readers into a world filled with exploration and the thrill of the unknown.
Mayne Reid
The Hunters' Feast: Conversations Around the Camp Fire
"The Hunters' Feast: Conversations Around the Camp Fire" by Captain Mayne Reid is a collection of adventure tales set in the American wilderness, reflecting themes of exploration and camaraderie, likely written in the mid-19th century. The narrative follows a diverse group of six men embarking on a hunting and camping expedition in the prairies, each contributing their stories and expertise around the campfire." "The opening of the book introduces the main characters and sets the scene in St. Louis as they prepare for their journey. The group, comprised of gentlemen, naturalists, and skilled hunters, decides to share tales during their nights in the wilderness. We learn about their individual backgrounds and personalities as they equip themselves for the expedition, establishing a mix of camaraderie and contrasts among the characters. They agree to recount stories of their hunting adventures, promising a blend of excitement, humor, and education as they venture into the untamed landscape."
Frederick Whishaw
The Romance of the Woods
"The Romance of the Woods" by Frederick Whishaw is a novel written in the late 19th century. The book explores themes of nature, hunting, and human reflection through the experiences of the narrator, intertwined with vivid descriptions of the Russian wilderness. The main character experiences a dream that leads him to reflect on his past and his yearning for a peaceful existence in nature, set against the stunning backdrop of Erinofka and other enchanting locales. At the start of the novel, the narrator recounts a vivid dream where he learns that his spiritual essence can choose a place to dwell among nature after death. He contemplates various locations but ultimately picks Erinofka, a place steeped in personal memories and natural beauty. The narrative then shifts to the character’s real-life experiences with a friend named Jemmie as they embark on a shooting expedition on the moors, resulting in a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and contemplation about nature's beauty and the ethics of hunting. The opening section deftly establishes the connection between the protagonist’s dreams and his pursuit of happiness in nature, setting the tone for the adventures to come.
Charles G. D. Roberts
Around the Camp-fire
"Around the Camp-fire" by Charles G. D. Roberts is a collection of outdoor adventure stories written in the late 19th century. The book focuses on a group of canoeists embarking on a journey into the wilderness of New Brunswick, where they encounter various wildlife and engage in story-telling around the campfire. The camaraderie of the main characters—Stranion, Magnus, Queerman, Sam, Ranolf, and the narrator—underscores the themes of friendship and adventure. The opening of the book introduces the six canoeists as they escape the summer heat of Fredericton in search of the wilderness. They prepare for their journey to the Squatooks with details of their canoeing gear and the route they plan to take. On their first night camping near the Madawaska River, the group shares stories, with Stranion recounting a particularly harrowing childhood encounter with a panther at the parsonage, showcasing the blend of humor, suspense, and the natural beauty that will permeate their adventures. As they settle in for the night, each character contributes to the storytelling tradition by sharing tales of their past experiences in the wild, setting the tone for the narratives that will follow in the subsequent chapters.
Edward Stratemeyer
The Rover Boys on a Hunt; or, The Mysterious House in the Woods
"The Rover Boys on a Hunt; or, The Mysterious House in the Woods" by Arthur M. Winfield (Edward Stratemeyer) is a children's adventure novel written in the early 20th century. This book is part of a series that follows the youthful escapades of the Rover boys as they explore new territories and tackle challenges. The story centers around the Rover brothers, Jack, Fred, and their cousins, who embark on a winter hunting trip, only to uncover mysteries in the woods that promise excitement and trouble. At the start of the story, the Rover boys are engaged in a spirited bobsled race down a hill, setting the stage for their competitive and adventurous spirit. The race creates a rivalry with Bill Glutts, a bully at their military academy, leading to tensions and conflicts. Following the race, the boys learn about a proposed hunting trip to Cedar Lodge, which serves as the backdrop for the adventures that will unfold. The opening chapters introduce the dynamics between the Rovers and their adversaries while hinting at the larger mysteries waiting in the woods, piquing the reader's interest in what lies ahead for the characters.
Recently surfaced classics