Man-Eaters of Kumaon: Corbett’s Love and Passion for Nature

Abstract

Jim Corbett’s first book, Man-Eaters of Kumaon, was published in 1944, featuring a preface by Lord Linlithgow, the then Viceroy of India. The book achieved widespread acclaim and was selected by prominent book clubs in both England and the United States. It was translated into fourteen European languages, eleven Indian languages, as well as African and Japanese. Additionally, it was adapted into a ‘Talking Book for the Blind.’ In this work, Corbett narrates real-life encounters with man-eating tigers from the forests of Kumaon, where these animals roamed freely. He dedicated the book to the courageous soldiers, sailors, and airmen of the United Nations who had lost their sight while serving their nations during the Second World War. Corbett also emphasizes that he never sustained any injuries during his perilous pursuits. He clarifies that his primary motivation was the protection of human lives, and his deep sense of compassion and commitment to humanity is evident throughout the book.