Man-Eaters of Kumaon

In this classic work, Man-Eaters of Kumaon, Jim Corbett chronicles his most legendary hunts for man-eating tigers and leopards that terrorized the villages of the Kumaon region in northern India. A master storyteller, Corbett recounts his firsthand experiences with a variety of infamous beasts that turned from hunters to human predators, often due to injury, old age, or loss of their natural prey. The stories are chilling yet fascinating, as Corbett describes his meticulous methods of tracking, his strategies to confront these dangerous animals, and the emotional toll these hunts took on him. Yet, through it all, Corbett’s profound respect for the creatures he pursued is clear. He sees these animals not as monsters, but as victims of circumstance, often driven to kill humans out of necessity or desperation. Beyond the thrilling hunts, Man-Eaters of Kumaon also provides valuable insights into human-wildlife conflict, and the balance that must be struck between conservation and safety. Rich with adventure, suspense, and Corbett’s unique understanding of both the predators and the people of Kumaon, this book remains a seminal work in wildlife literature and a testament to Corbett’s legacy as both a hunter and a protector of the wild. JIM CORBETT