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Book Review :
Wild Life
They’ve been at it again, but this time as a pair, rather than
individually.
Francois d’Elbee is well known for his photographic, coffee table
books – Waterfalls of Zambia, Visages, The Bush And Eye, Busanga.
Vic is known not only for his paintings but also for his book, The
Trouble With Africa. But now they have got together, combined their
talents and we have another coffee table book with Francois’ amazing
photos and Vic’s stories. And all based in the Luangwa Valley.
 Neither
of them are strangers to The Valley as it is fondly called,
but Vic, especially, knows it very well having lived there for a
number of years, 20 plus. And this is what is covered in the text of
this book – some of his memories; stories of the ‘old timers’, those
still there fighting the fight to preserve the wildlife in this
valley and those who have passed on who fought the same fight;
stories of the newcomers to the Valley and stories of the people
native to the surrounding area and the trials and tribulations of
their lives and businesses. And the issues which affect all these
people: mostly the issues of preservation of the wild life for
future generations, but also the failure to save the Rhino is the
80’s despite the hard work and dedication of many of these people.
On
Francois’ photos, what can I say? If you have seen any of Francois’
previous books, this one is of the same calibre and standard. And
the subject matter is not only wild life, but also portraits of the
characters in the book. I always wonder when looking at his photos
how he has the patience because good wildlife photography takes
patience together with a lot of luck and an enormous amount of
skill. I guess it also takes knowing the animals, the places they
frequent, their habits. But whatever it is, Francois seems to have
it.
I
don’t know what else to say about this book except go out and buy
one so that you can see for yourself. It certainly is one of those
‘must have’ books on Zambia.
And while we are talking about it, it’s a wonderful idea for a gift
for Christmas. Vic and Francois have timed it impeccably.
Publication of this book was made possible through the sponsorship
of Chilanga Cement, Conservation Foundation, Celtel, Total and
Standard Chartered Bank Zambia Ltd and I am grateful to them as
well. Publishing a book of this nature in Zambia is definitely not a
money making proposition and without their support, we would not
have books such as these available for our own pleasure but also as
a promotional tool for our country.
Wild Life is available from Book Cellar at Manda Hill and Planet
Books at Arcades in Lusaka.
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November
2006