Elephants Books

George Garrett: Going to See the Elephant: Pieces of a Writing Life. Edited by Jeb Livingood. Huntsville: Texas Review Press, 2002. 195 pp. George Garrett, retired from the University of Virginia, earned status as a Practicing Prince of Southern Letters, crowned by awards for novels, stories, poems, and essays, and has influenced American Letters now for decades. While not a Texan, his second book The Sleeping Gypsy and Other Poems was published in 1958 by the University of Texas Press, before his 30th birthday. He continued his Texas associations. These essays on his life and other writers range from Caedmon to Fitzgerald, Welty, Dickey, Chappell, Capote and their ilk, and on to modern academic cowboy and Indian shoot-outs over the role of college writing programs. Readers will find compassion and a sharp tongue. Texans may first pause on his short memorial of William Goyen, "Brother to Anyone with Ears to Hear." Garrett warmly acknowledges Goyen's influence and personal graciousness. Prince Garrett describes that Goyen had "an honest and honorable East Texas face." Katherine Ann Porter once responded to R.H.W. Dillard's query "who was the best young American writer for me to read, the one writer whose work was of the highest quality and would teach me the most. She didn't even hesitate before giving her answer. `Read George Garrett,' she said ...." (Virginia Quarterly Review, Summer 1999). Garrett mentions to young writers that earlier writers, long dead ones even, live in the present. Did he mean like winged creatures reaching for the sky or fools sitting atop flagpoles?

George Garrett has made important contributions to American literature, both prominent (his memorable three novels on the Elizabethan period) and inconspicuous (his jaunty and fearless overviews of American fiction over the years for the annual Dictionary of Literary Biography). In this essay collection, Garrett is merciless about that world's pretensions, yet idealistic about the writer's vocation. Punches are not pulled. New York is censured for literary parochialism, and also, more subtly, for its editors promoting second-rate books as "palliatives" for their own metropolitan isolation. The grim self-interest that characterizes far too much of a writer's "mission" is fully revealed. An acute introduction by Jeb Livingood foreshadows Garrett's own point that his was the second generation of American modernists, which sought to emulate the work of Eliot, Hemingway, and Faulkner while living an academic life completely different from theirs. Garrett takes a bus from Vermont to Rhode Island to attend what he thinks is an elephant festival, desperately works up elephant jokes in preparation, only to find a beaming Ralph Ellison greeting him upon disembarkation-it was an Ellison festival! In "The Good Ghost of F. Scott Fitzgerald" Garrett comes to grips with the mystery still surrounding Fitzgerald's "impeccable and inimitable craft," and remembers how parlously his canonicity was achieved. And for other deserving writers canonicity may still be in the balance, as in the position of Fred Chappell, Madison Jones, and James Dickey, writers about whom Garrett writes affectionately and hilariously. These pieces, though, are not ceremonial éloges; they are honest, candid, and comprehending of the whimsicality of literary endeavor. Humor is also the manifest chord of two mock-essays by alter-ego "John Towne," whose undersong is a profound commitment to high standards.
-Nicholas Birns, Review of Contemporary Fiction, Summer 2002.

I bought this book to discover what would compel people from different backgrounds and points of origin to coverge on such out of the way places as Franklin, Tennessee to reenact battles fought over 140 years ago, and which at face value seem to have little to no importance in a world facing the looming threat of global terrorism.

Although "Greenhorn and The Elephant" recounts persons and places from the Civil War, it is not a Civil War book per se; instead it serves as a medium through which the author takes his audience along on a journey that transforms him from a "greenhorn" into a seasoned reenacting veteran who has "seen the elephant." (an analogy used by Civil War veterans to describe the enormity of the unleashed destruction they witnessed in combat.)

Within this books 205 pages, the reader will find 5 hand-drawn maps and 20 modern photographs taken by the author at reenactments he has participated in over the past 16 years. This, combined with the author's delightful, easy-to-read literary prose, makes for a wonderfully entertaining book that is well-worth the asking price.

If there is any negative to this book, it derives from the presence of several spelling errors which should have been discovered during the editing process; however, these errors do not detract the reader from the author's intended message.

In the end "Greenhorn and The Elephant" revealed to me that my jaded attitude toward reenactors as being nothing more than weekend warriors could not have been more wrong. After reading Mr. Zabava's book I have come to the conclusion that instead of ridicule reenactors are worthy of praise; as persons who sacrifice their time and money in order to keep alive the memory of the sacrifices made by a generation that is rapidly fading from our conscious thought. Well done, Mr. Zabava!

I have never been very interested in history, but this book was awesome! The author did an excellent job of describing every detail. I could see it as it happened. Great job! I was very impressed! You've done well!
k davidson

HALF OF AN ELEPHANT
by Gusti

This is a very clever children's book where the pictures are made from collages of various junkyard items such as used paint cans, rusty metal and wooden planks. The story involves a world where everything has been divided into two parts, including the world itself! The main character is an elephant who goes in search of his hind legs, but considers matching up with other animals. Meanwhile, his hind legs are trying to find the rest of his body as well. It reminded me a little of the book 'JUST SO STORIES' by Rudyard Kipling. My only complaint is that the ending is very very abrupt. It is a great book though, and worthwhile for the excellent illustrations alone! A high quality product all around.

An award-winning illustrator from Argentina, Gusti uses "digital images of numerous discarded objects 'to show children that art can be created from objects that usually end up in the garbage can.'" And uses him he does. The discarded object illustrations are dynamic and quite humorous in their composition.

The story begins with an unexplained catastrophe: "One night, all of a sudden the world split in two." An elephant, pictured on the cover, finds his back half is missing. In his search for the rest of him, he meets other animals missing a half. And they're all suffering from a sense that something is missing.

On the other side of the world, the other halves of the animals are having the exact same problem. And combining two halves of two different animals doesn't solve anything. Some animals talk too much, and when a monkey half and an elephant half join up, they're too heavy to climb a tree.

Fortunately, all ends well for the animals, but children will love the mess inbetween as the animals combine into strange elephant-monkey, duck-elephant, chameleon-elephant hybrids.

New from Kane/Miller, "Half of an Elephant" is lots of creative fun for kids ages 4-8 and is an excellent choice for an art lesson at school or at home. Read the book and inspire discarded-object art.

A little known fact, that Charlemagne was once gifted with an elephant, becomes the basis for Tarr's deft blend of historical fact and fantasy in this novel. When the elephant arrives in what is now Germany, one of Charlemagne's daughters, Rowan, is instantly captivated. In the excitement over the elephant's arrival at court, another gift, a necklace said to bear a sliver of the cross of Christ, is hardly noticed. Except by Charlemagne's enemies.

A headstrong and stubborn girl, Rowan often sneaks off to spend time in the city or to ride her pony. It is on one of these escapes that she begins to suspect that an ambassador to her father's court may not be all that he seems. Not just a spy, but a sorcerer. When her visits to the elephant bring her into contact with Werrec, the elephant's proud and prickly keeper, Rowan forms an unlikely alliance to foil the sorcerer's plans.

Deftly avoiding many of fantasy's cliches, Tarr creates a richly detailed world populated by intriguing characters. Of particular note is how she stays true to the historical time period and yet makes the magic she envisions, and the solution to the challenges faced by Rowan and Werrec, an integrated part of this world. With a plucky heroine who must overcome her own fear of magic in order to save her father's life, and a hero desperate to prove himself and win back his family's honor, readers of both sexes will find something to enjoy. A fast-paced, shorter read highly recommended for younger teens.

Reviewed by: Dena Landon

Judith Tarr has written an exotic and unusual fantasy in His Majesty's Elephant. The plot centers around one of Charlemagne's daughters, Rowan, the new elephant Abul Abbas given to Charlemagne, the elephant's caretaker Kerrec, and a talisman supposedly containing a splinter of wood from Christ's crucifix. When the talisman falls into the wrong hands, Charlemagne and his empire are threatened. A reluctant Rowan must recognize the magical powers given to her from her witch mother and combine them with Kerrec and Abul Abbas' to save the kingdom from destruction.

Quite an entertaining little fantasy with an intriguing backdrop and engaging characters. The interaction between Rowan and Kerrec is particularly amusing. However, it is on the slight side; one wishes Judith Tarr had put a bit more detail into the setting and clarified the climactic magical battle. Nevertheless, a definite contrast to the all too common generic sword-and-sorcery tale pervading the shelves; recommended for fans of YA fantasy, history, or elephants.

Ailanna

Stigand's book is one of the best and certainly one of the most intelligent and insightful books ever written about Africa and Africans. He was a careful and interested observer of game, human beings and nature in general. His chapters on the African, although politically incorrect by present day standards, are nevertheless accurate descriptions of people with no experience with the white man's ways and technologies.

His observations on insects are nothing less than brilliant. He is quite familiar with Darwin's theory of natural selection but, from his own observations, has problems with it. He recognizes that many insects--some of which birds eat--are by no means cryptically colored. How, he asks, can this be true if natural selective factors are paramount? If I could speak to him, I would tell him that natural selection is important but it is certainly not the only force pushing evolution.

Stigand, in fact, writes and thinks like a completely modern man. His insights and descriptions of hunting are wonderful but recognize, as a big game hunter myself, that Stigand's most important contribution is his general intelligence. He died like he lived and, quite amazingly, he predicts his own manner of death in the book. I'll paraphrase, "In punitive expeditions against rebellious Africans, they flee 99 out of 100 times. The one hundredth time is entirely otherwise. There's a rush in the bush, the flash of spears, and a small column is wiped out." Thus it was that Stigand died in a punitive expedition against the Dinka in the Sudan. Stigand was separated some yards from the column when it was struck by 1,000 armed Dinka tribesmen. Stigand died with a lance through his chest but not before he left 12 empty cartidge cases on the ground and...Stigand was one of the best shots in Africa."

Ron Braithwaite author of novels--"Skull Rack" and "Hummingbird God"--on the Conquest of Mexico

Like all of Stigand's books, this is good value. He obviously knew and understood the African well. From a hunters point of view, he also knew his stuff. Not big on bravado, Stigand will keep you involved from cover to cover. The only think I found lacking was that he doesn't go into any detail about his hunting rifles.

After reading the book, I was attracted by the funny and colourful dream adventure. The illustrator was not only using the attractive pictures to arouse children interest, but also introduced colour names and descriptions to children through the elephant trousers. Thus it is not a book for children leisure only.

This is a great book, a must have for children. Excellent illustrations and a great fun story. I bought it along with a bunch of great picture books for my kids when they're a bit older. But sick of our board books, I broke this one out for my 2 1/2 year old, and she loves it! I think it would be even better for kids a little older, maybe around 3-6, but even tiny ones can enjoy. And I know I enjoy it!

Such a shame the book is out of print. I was looking to get a new copy because my two boys wore ours out. Funny pictures, simple text, they love to read along and join in with the oh no!

This book (Is there an Elephant in Your Kitchen) is fun to read and fun to hear. The pictures are funny! The text moves right along. The kids in playgroup gather quickly when they see that I'm about to read this book. They interact with the story, shouting 'yes' and 'oh no!' at the appropriate places. I am saddened to see that this book is out of print.

When the remains of a man's head and an elephant's body are found, police detectives Simpson and Delilah are called to investigate. It seems like a strange, yet straight-forward, homicide. Until Vighnesvara appears, and he's a version of the Hindu god Ganesh who appears with the body of a man and the head of an elephant. He, along with the suspected murderer who has a tendency to grow extra arms and some witnesses who testify in random languages, create havoc in the courtroom of Judge McEchern, who just wants to go back home. With the help of Simpson's boyfriend Sandip, maybe they all can figure out what's going on. "Once upon an Elephant" is a brilliant and whimsical retelling of Ganesh's creation from Hindu mythology. Flittering among the viewpoints of the characters, the story charms the reader, enlightening and delighting as it progresses.

Author Ashok Mathur revisits the mythology surrounding the birth of Ganesh, the Hindu God portrayed as a human with an elephant head. The story is told in the guise of a contemporary mystery with Ganesh himself as both murderer and victim. As the tale unravels, the reader is continuously transported between the mythology and the current events that have lead to the investigation. Mathur's induction of the tale into contemporary time is what makes the story both fascinating and hilarious. His clever use of recent past events, namely the miracle of the milk-drinking Ganesh statues amongst indian communities all over the world, brings the reader even closer to the story than if we had not already been given a taste of such phenomena. The investigation of the alleged crime is a self-reflexive comical romp in which neither traditional social mores or cultural differences are spared. I enjoyed the author's manipulation of the tale immensely, laughed uproariously, and would recommend it to all readers.

More than 20 thousand prisoners of war, and uncounted slave labourers, died building the Thai Burma Railway during the final years of World War II. Ian Denys Peek was one of the survivors.

Thousands of Australian and British personnel were captured by the Japanese after the fall of Singapore in 1942. This book is Mr Peek's testimony to the suffering and bravery of those who lived and died building this infamous railway.

Recounted in the present tense, this is a deeply moving personal account of a daily struggle for survival. Set against a backdrop of excruciating brutality and inhumanity, are inspiring examples of great humanity and courage.

I recommend this memoir to those who are not familiar with the Asia/Pacific arena of World War II and who seek to understand the continuing impact of World War II on many in this region.

Governments may declare wars, but it is individuals who fight them.


Lest We Forget.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

But "One Fourteenth of an Elephant" is also a blistering condemnation of man's brutality to his fellow man even in the context of a war that encompassed the globe. When Singapore fell to the Japanese in 1942, author Ian Denys Peek, alongside countless thousands of Commonwealth soldiers, was incarcerated and forced to work to the glory of the Japanese Empire by helping the Japanese army to construct the Burma-Thailand railway.

Peek's present tense narration is at once simple, straightforward, brutally honest, compelling, astonishing and utterly heartbreaking. "We have absolutely no say in our lives. We live like animals kept for work and nobody cares if we live or die. Each man has to rely totally on his own personal resources, with the support of close friends when he needs it, to cope with conditions under which familiar things have all but disappeared, leaving him with almost nothing in a grinding struggle to survive not only physically, but to retain sanity and a sense of humour." Sickness and starvation is the norm. Escape across 100 kilometres of Siam's mountains and jungle is, of course, impossible and this realization makes the plight of these men all the more deplorable. Peek himself barely survived the ravages of malaria and beri-beri, one disease the result of his harsh environment, the other an entirely preventable illness due to mal-nutrition.

"One Fourteenth of an Elephant" is not an easy book to read but it is ultimately uplifting and unforgettable. Highly recommended.

Paul Weiss

This is a lovely story of a small girl's strength and weaknesses and her ability to overcome those weaknesses in order to care for those she loves. As always, Ms. Godden's storytelling and descriptive language are magical. Premlata's poverty is difficult and uncomfortable for privileged Western children, but an important part of the book's power. Premlata will be an annual read for my daughter and me during the holidays--it is a great companion to the Christmas story!

The story is about a young Indian girl who through the boldness of her heart undertakes a brave adventure on behalf of her struggling family. She encounters her own weaknesses and strengths, as well as those of others around her. Her character is delicately developed and you will simply fall in love with Premlata. The customs and cultural environment of her world are beautifully described for child and adult. It is a fanciful small story which appealed greatly to both my 9 year old daughter and me.