Books with author James Percy Fitzpatrick

“Sonny, you kin reckon it dead sure, thar’s something wrong ’bout a thing that don’t explain itself.” That was Old Rocky’s advice, given three-and-twenty years ago—not forgotten yet, but, in this instance, respectfully ignored.It happened some years ago, and this was the way of it: the Fox of Ballybotherem having served three generations—in his native Tipperary, in Kaffraria, and in the Transvaal—seemed entitled to a rest; and when, in the half-hour before ‘lights out,’ which is the Little People’s particular own, the demand came from certain Autocrats of the Nightgown: “Now, tell us something else!” it occurred to the Puzzled One to tell of Jock’s fight with the table leg. And that is how the trouble began. Those with experience will know what followed; and, for those less fortunate, the modest demand of one, comfortably tucked up tailorwise, and emphasising his points by excited hand-shakes with his toes, will convey the idea: “It must be all true! and don’t leave out anything!”

The touching true story of an indefatigably loyal dog While James Percy FitzPatrick was working as a transport rider in South Africa, 1 of his companion dogs—a well-bred Staffordshire Bull Terrier—had a litter of 6 puppies. All of the newborn terriers were perfect, healthy specimens—except for the runt, “a poor, miserable little rat of a thing about half the size of the others.” This sickly pup caught FitzPatrick’s attention and unexpectedly grew up to become a paragon of loyalty and bravery, serving as the author’s canine companion for many years to come. Jock of the Bushveld is a must-read for any dog lover. This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices.

Jock of the Bushveld is the classic and much-loved story based on the true experiences of Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and his Staffordshire bull terrier, Jock. The story begins in the 1880s, at the time of the South African gold rush, when a young Fitzpatrick worked as an ox-wagon transport rider in the old Transvaal. There he came across a man who was in the process of drowning a puppy, the runt of the litter. He saved the dog and the story of his ever-faithful and loving companion was born.First published in 1907, Jock of the Bushveld has been reprinted many times since. Now, with a fresh and engaging cover, and in a new handy B-format, this timeless South African classic retains the charm of the original story along with the original illustrations by Edmund Caldwell.It will no doubt continue to be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Hunting stories, like traveller's tales, are proverbially dangerous to reputations, however literally true they may be ...' So wrote J Percy FitzPatrick of his perennial best-seller, never out of print in the century since its first publication. Here is the story of the 'Boy' who went to seek his fortune and of his bull-terrier, the plucky runt of the litter; of Marokela, the champion Zulu haulier; of Jantje, the Bushman with all his lore; and of pioneer types from previous goldrushes in California and Australia. A tribute to the life of the 1880s in the outposts of the agrarian Transvaal, this complete edition includes for the first time the author's 'Postscript' and 'The Creed of Jock'.

Jock of the Bushveld, published in 1907, has been read and enjoyed by millions of children and is now a classic among animal stories. It remains as fresh and exciting as it was when it was first written and is dedicated by Fitzpatrick to ‘…those keenest and kindest of critics, best of friends and most delightful of comrades’ the likkle people!’Jock’s owner was a young transport rider in the rugged and colourful days of the Transvaal gold rush. Those were the days when big game roamed the land and each sunrise brought a new adventure.The story of the bull terrier who shared his master’s life on the veld has been illustrated with lively sketches by Edmund Caldwell.

Jock of the Bushveld CHAPTER ONE. THE BACKGROUND. Of the people who live lonely lives, on the veld or elsewhere, few do so of their own free choice. Some there are shut off from all their kind-- souls sheathed in some film invisible, through which no thrill of sympathy may pass; some barred by their self-consciousness, heart hungry still, who never learned in childhood to make friends; some have a secret or a grief; some, thoughts too big or bad for comradeship. But most will charge to Fate the thoughtless choice, the chance, or hard necessity, that drew or drove them to the life apart; they know the lesson that was learned of old: "It is not good for man to be alone." Go out among them, ever moving on, whose white bones mark the way for others' feet--who shun the cities, living in the wilds, and move in silence, self-contained. Who knows what they think, or dream, or hope, or suffer? Who can know? For speech among that hard-schooled lot is but a half-remembered art.

I began to notice little things about him that no one else noticed, and got to be quite fond of the little beggar ... perhaps it was because he was always cheerful and plucky and it seemed as if there might be some good stuff in him after all.' Before the turn of the twentieth century, when the lure of gold was bringing men from all corners of the earth to the Transvaal, a young man from Cape Town goes to the Lydenburg goldfields to seek his fortune. On realising that a good hunting dog would be a great advantage in the Bushveld, he decides to find himself a puppy - but to all his companions' astonishment, it's not the prettiest or the strongest puppy that catches his eye. Instead, he chooses an ugly little bull-terrier called Jock, the runt of the litter, who eventually surprises everyone by growing up to become one of the most famous hunting dogs in South African history. With his master, Jock shares the excitement of a transport rider's life; they become close companions and all Jock's skill and intelligence are needed in many thrilling and dangerous encounters with big game. Through the story of Jock and his master, a vivid picture of the Bushveld unfolds, as together they discover its birds and beasts and men. Now regarded as a classic, Jock of the Bushveld is still as fresh and exciting as it was when it was first told.

‘Hunting stories, like traveller’s tales, are proverbially dangerous to reputations, however literally true they may be . . .’ So wrote J Percy FitzPatrick of his perennial best-seller, never out of print in the century since its first publication. Here is the story of the ‘Boy’ who went to seek his fortune and of his bull-terrier, the plucky runt of the litter; of Marokela, the champion Zulu haulier; of Jantje, the Bushman with all his lore; and of pioneer types from previous goldrushes in California and Australia. A tribute to the life of the 1880s in the outposts of the agrarian Transvaal, this complete edition includes for the first time the author’s ‘Postscript’ and ‘The Creed of Jock’.

“Sonny, you kin reckon it dead sure, thar’s something wrong ’bout a thing that don’t explain itself.” That was Old Rocky’s advice, given three-and-twenty years ago—not forgotten yet, but, in this instance, respectfully ignored. It happened some years ago, and this was the way of it: the Fox of Ballybotherem having served three generations—in his native Tipperary, in Kaffraria, and in the Transvaal—seemed entitled to a rest; and when, in the half-hour before ‘lights out,’ which is the Little People’s particular own, the demand came from certain Autocrats of the Nightgown: “Now, tell us something else!” it occurred to the Puzzled One to tell of Jock’s fight with the table leg. And that is how the trouble began.

‘Hunting stories, like traveller’s tales, are proverbially dangerous to reputations, however literally true they may be . . .’ So wrote J Percy FitzPatrick of his perennial best-seller, never out of print in the century since its first publication. Here is the story of the ‘Boy’ who went to seek his fortune and of his bull-terrier, the plucky runt of the litter; of Marokela, the champion Zulu haulier; of Jantje, the Bushman with all his lore; and of pioneer types from previous goldrushes in California and Australia. A tribute to the life of the 1880s in the outposts of the agrarian Transvaal, this complete edition includes for the first time the author’s ‘Postscript’ and ‘The Creed of Jock’.