NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A NEW YORK TIMES NOTABLE BOOKThe remarkable story of James Howard “Billy†Williams; whose uncanny rapport with the world’s largest land animals transformed him from a carefree young man into the charismatic war hero known as Elephant Bill Billy Williams came to colonial Burma in 1920; fresh from service in World War I; to a job as a “forest man†for a British teak company. Mesmerized by the intelligence; character; and even humor of the great animals who hauled logs through the remote jungles; he became a gifted “elephant wallah.†Increasingly skilled at treating their illnesses and injuries; he also championed more humane treatment for them; even establishing an elephant “school†and “hospital.†In return; he said; the elephants made him a better man. The friendship of one magnificent tusker in particular; Bandoola; would be revelatory. In Elephant Company; Vicki Constantine Croke chronicles Williams’s growing love for elephants as the animals provide him lessons in courage; trust; and gratitude. But Elephant Company is also a tale of war and daring. When Imperial Japanese forces invaded Burma in 1942; Williams joined the elite Force 136; the British dirty tricks department; operating behind enemy lines. His war elephants would carry supplies; build bridges; and transport the sick and elderly over treacherous mountain terrain. Now well versed in the ways of the jungle; an older; wiser Williams even added to his stable by smuggling more elephants out of Japanese-held territory. As the occupying authorities put a price on his head; Williams and his elephants faced his most perilous test. In a Hollywood-worthy climax; Elephant Company; cornered by the enemy; attempted a desperate escape: a risky trek over the mountainous border to India; with a bedraggled group of refugees in tow. Elephant Bill’s exploits would earn him top military honors and the praise of famed Field Marshal Sir William Slim. Part biography; part war epic; and part wildlife adventure; Elephant Company is an inspirational narrative that illuminates a little-known chapter in the annals of wartime heroism.Praise for Elephant Company “This book is about far more than just the war; or even elephants. This is the story of friendship; loyalty and breathtaking bravery that transcends species. . . . Elephant Company is nothing less than a sweeping tale; masterfully written.â€â€”Sara Gruen; The New York Times Book Review“Splendid . . . Blending biography; history; and wildlife biology; [Vicki Constantine] Croke’s story is an often moving account of [Billy] Williams; who earned the sobriquet ‘Elephant Bill;’ and his unusual bond with the largest land mammals on earth.â€â€”The Boston Globe “Some of the biggest heroes of World War II were even bigger than you thought. . . . You may never call the lion the king of the jungle again.â€â€”New York Post“Elephant Company is as powerful and big-hearted as the animals of its title. Billy Williams is an extraordinary character; a real-life reverse Tarzan raised in civilization who finds wisdom and his true self living among jungle beasts. Vicki Constantine Croke delivers an exciting tale of this elephant whisperer–cum–war hero; while beautifully reminding us of the enduring bonds between animals and humans.â€â€”Mitchell Zuckoff; author of Lost in Shangri-La and Frozen in Time
#28446 in Books Random House 2008-05-13 2008-05-13Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.20 x 1.90 x 6.10l; 1.96 #File Name: 0812970497880 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Bravest Man I've Ever SeenBy R.L.I read this bio of FDR a few months ago. I had previously read Jean Smith's two excellent bios on Grant and Eisenhower.It is generally thought our two greatest Presidents are Lincoln and FDR--principally because they led the country through its two greatest crises--the Civil War and preserving the Union; in the case of Lincoln; the Great Depression and WWII in the case of Roosevelt. After reading this book; I wonder if FDR wasn't the greater President--considering his extraordinary length of office--4 terms--and the fact that he was handicapped--a cripple with heavy leg braces who could not walk. And yet he lived his life as though he had no braces. A man of such amazing courage and determination as I have never seen. And it carried to his sons as well; who were highly decorated in WWII with two Navy Crosses and other medals.FDR is a very important man in American history. Without him; there would be no Social Security; which is a lifeline for most retired people these days. Interesting he had to fight some of the same Congressional battles as we have seen recently to get his Depression legislation passed. The difference is that unemployment in the 30s was 25%--not the 8% observed in our recent financial crisis. It was a much tougher battle. And then there was the great battle of WWII; in which FDR organized the greatest war machine in history to defeat the forces of evil.FDR was an outstanding leader; and I believe his experience in his college days as Editor of the Harvard Crimson; for three years--staying on an extra year beyond graduation; as I recall--may have contributed to his leadership skills. I say that as a former Editorial Board member of my college newspaper many years ago.On a more personal note; I recently saw the movie "Hyde Park On Hudson;" which dealt with his personal relationship with his cousin Daisy Suckley. The movie suggests the relationship had a romantic element to it; which was not covered in Smith's book. It was based on her personal letters found after her death. It is clear that his relationship with his wife; Eleanor; was platonic for a good deal of their lives. And so it is not surprising that Franklin turned elsewhere for romance--to Lucy; Missy; Daisy and perhaps other women. From a male standpoint; it is not difficult to fathom. Indeed; his mother; an admirer and friend of Eleanor; was also aware of his relationships.Some have written that in our times; FDR's handicap and his extramarital relationships would have prevented him from becoming President; because of media exposure of private lives. I wonder what leaders we have lost since then because of it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Not to be missedBy Reading RooAs a person long interested; though not fanatic; about the US presidency; this is a standout. Smith is a superb writer and the period is evoked as well as the role FDR played in shaping it. A wonderful read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The Comprehensive Work You Seek.By robert bruhlHistory is his story. A la works by other noted historians like McCullough and Morris; Smith dives deep into the what made the character of arguably the greatest American president of the 20th century. Best of all; he gives his reader not just a report; but also piece by delicious piece an absorbable experience as to why that character was who he was and did what he did with flaws and all; like us all. Clearly; Smith scaled the US historian's literary Everest to transform the most casual reader into a thorough authority on FDR.
