| Thought you might be interested in these photographs. They are from Hans Brick's book, "The Nature of the Beast" published in1960. May I take this opportunity to wish you a happy New Year. |
Friday, January 09, 2009
"The Nature of the Beast" #1 (From Donovan Glyn)
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4 comments:
For many years I have admired, re-read, and recommended this book by Hans Brick. The reader will find his only concern was for the individual animal at hand, and Brick's slim volume cuts through the woefully anticipated ego-trip of animal trainer books, focusing on the sole substantial element that matters--the animal and its well-being, told in straightforward fashion by an animal man gifted with insight never so well expressed. Brick was known as an Old School exemplary, whose rather stern attitude, reflected by many Old School masters in this country, was, in summary, "You don't deserve to know what I know unless you prove dedication to learning it the hard way as a lifetime devotion." Brick himself met this atitude when he sought to study the sequestered, hand-made model of an elephant, which, when touched in key places, demonstrated how elephants are trained by knowing specific sections to touch on live specimens. He was allowed only so much knowledge, but was denied permission to see the model, a decision he finally understood. One insider long ago observed it was all persistent publishers could do to get this book out of Brick. Find this out-of-print book and hold it close for reference.
Roger S.
Well said Mr. Smith. I have enjoyed this book for quite some time. In fact I bought and gave a couple of copies as gifts to a couple of promising young handlers. I have heard some say that Brick wrote about someone else's adventures, who ever wrote it is a damn good book.
Totallly off topic.
Readers of this blog in San Diego or nearby should be informed that the
San Diego, California Circus Luncheon Club meets the 2nd Monday of each month
Country Waffles Restaurant
2323 Midway St. San Diego
I see comments on this blog from at least one person who wasn't eaten with us yet. Come join us Monday.
Mark B. Horton
This book [published in Australia as "Jungle, be Gentle] should be required reading for all aspiring animal trainers.
Mr Smith has summed it up perfectly.
Even my "argumentative" friend Wade would approve of Hans Brick, I'm sure!
Mr Ratliff - it was co-written with Brick by noted circophile and journalist, Eddie Campbell, and I doubt that it is anything but an authentic account of Brick's experiences.
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