Blame it on the Lion

Qualifies for free delivery

R280.00

add to wishlist
add to wishlist
Weight 0.9 kg
ISBN Barcode
Overview
In this entertaining, insightful book, sprinkled with humour, Michael Gammon brings alive the story of his life in colonial Rhodesia, independent Zimbabwe and in South Africa pre and post 1994. The scene is set with an account of an attack on his missionary ancestor’s home by marauding, looting hordes during the Frontier Wars, followed by the story of his mother’s family trek to a remote lion-infested corner of Rhodesia.

In this entertaining, insightful book, sprinkled with humour, Michael Gammon brings alive the story of his life in colonial Rhodesia, independent Zimbabwe and in South Africa pre and post 1994. The scene is set with an account of an attack on his missionary ancestor’s home by marauding, looting hordes during the Frontier Wars, followed by the story of his mother’s family trek to a remote lion-infested corner of Rhodesia.

The development of a passion for the world of nature becomes evident during his upbringing on a farm in Matabeleland. His account of boarding school life is fascinating and provides ammunition for both punishment factions. His university career was well rewarded (BSc Agric cum laude, PhD, cricket, hockey) and full of interesting anecdotes.
His first job as a Conservation Officer, living among and serving a large community of farmers – with their crop of lovely daughters –and other activities such as fishing trips to the Zambezi and playing international hockey, will interest rural and urban dwellers. Later, as a cattle and veld management specialist, he gives the reader an insight into the world of agricultural research and overseas study tours.

With UDI came the Rhodesian war, in which his experiences ranged from hilarious to frightening. The reader then becomes aware of the agonising decision — whether to leave or stay. Having left for the greener grass of Natal, the later decision to return to an ailing Zimbabwe was against all advice. But it proved that it is possible to live a quality life in a degraded country.
At various stages the writer moves to philosophical mode, discussing the ethics of hunting, the blessings and down side of being a naturalist and his finding that the popular notion of retirement is an illusion.
In the final chapter, he places himself, his contemporaries and earlier generations of Rhodesians in the dock, on charges of racism and harm done to the indigenous inhabitants. He attempts to make an unbiased assessment and calls in the most qualified judge to be the final adjudicator.

Michael Gammon

Michael Gammon grew up on a cattle ranch and was schooled at Whitestone and Plumtree Schools in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe). He obtained a BSc (Agric) cum laude from the University of Natal and took up employment with the Department of Conservation and Extension in Zimbabwe in 1958. Starting as a Conservation Officer, he became an Animal and Pasture Extension Specialist and was finally Chief of the Branch of Veld and Pastures. During his time as an Extension Specialist, he undertook research into the patterns of grazing of cattle, during continuous and rotational grazing on Matopos Research Station, for which he was awarded a PhD.
In 1985, he and his family emigrated to South Africa where he took up the position of Beef Extension Specialist for Natal in the Department of Agriculture, based at Cedara. Drawn by a strong attachment to Zimbabwe, he returned there in 1990 to fill the position of Research and Development Manager with Agrifoods Animal Feed Company, until retirement at the end of 2003.

He has written numerous scientific papers and advisory notes and articles on beef production and veld management. He was awarded the gold medal and the silver medal of, respectively, the Zimbabwe and South African Societies for Animal Production for services to beef production in Zimbabwe and Natal. He received similar awards from the Zimbabwe Grassland Society and the Grassland Society of Southern Africa.
A keen sportsman, he represented his schools’ cricket 1st X1s, the Natal University 1st X1, the Combined South African Universities Hockey Team and the Rhodesian International Hockey Team.
A profound interest in and love of nature, in the broadest sense, has had a significant influence on his life.
He married Nel du Plessis, a national hockey player and athlete. They have three children, seven grandchildren and have retired in Port Alfred, South Africa.

Additional information

Weight 0.9 kg
Publisher Publication Date

Best Sellers