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 BillIn 1920, Billy Williams came to colonial Burma as a “forest man” for a British teak company. Mesmerized by the intelligence and … Mesmerized by the intelligence and character of the great animals who hauled logs through the jungle, he became a gifted “elephant wallah.” In Elephant Company, Vicki Constantine Croke chronicles Williams’s growing love for elephants as the animals provide him lessons in courage, trust, and gratitude.
Elephant Company is also a tale of war and daring. When Japanese forces invaded Burma in 1942, Williams joined the elite British Force 136 and operated behind enemy lines. His war elephants carried supplies, helped build bridges, and transported the sick and elderly over treacherous mountain terrain. As the occupying authorities put a price on his head, Williams and his elephants faced their most perilous test. 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. Part biography, part war epic, 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.”—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.”—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.”—New York Post
“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.”—Mitchell Zuckoff, author of Lost in Shangri-La and Frozen in Time
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This is an amazing story…an account of the role elephants and Englishmen played in World War II in Asia. It reads like an exciting adventure story rather than a history book, complete with romance, derring-do, murder, treachery, and incredible bravery.
I could not put this book down. I had no idea that elephants are such complex and interesting creatures or that they were used in WW II. The life of Jim Williams in Burma is absolutely fascinating.
This was very educational for me. I wasn’t aware of the vast area that was involved in the war and how important the elephants were. The love story and understanding between the elephant man and his elephants was amazing. There were some really funny parts and some real tear-jerker parts, and I just wanted to keep reading until it was finished. And this wasn’t fiction! It takes a very unique person to live the way he did for so many years.
A great read about the relationship between man and elephants. What smart animals they are.
I. Loved this book.It gave me a great new way to think of all animals. Thanks
I learned a lot about the wonderfulness of elephants, as the hero pointed out–they are much better than some of the humans in the world. I learned much of the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for freedom. A wonderful read.
I liked everything about this book and wanted to read it slower so that it would not end.
Highly recommend. From 1920 into WWII, Jim Williams was a forest manager harvesting teak in the Burmese jungles. Not at all dry, but a fascinating description of the people who faced the dangers/joys of jungle life, the contrast of the British lifestyle versus that of the Burmese uzi (elephant drivers), and the rapport Williams built with the people working for him. Williams was one of those special people who was born for this time, place, and mission. He advocated for positive changes. And then there are the many interesting facets of elephants. They are truly amazing, and these gigantic animals are shown to be real heroes in this book. Go read it!
Interesting book about elephants and their relationship with humans in Asia. A few well made points. Lovers of elephants will finish the book. I like them but did not finish.
An incredible story of Billy Williams and his life among the people and elephants of Burma especially during WWII. It was amazing how the elephants helped save so many lives!
An Englishman decides to live in (then) Burma and work with the elephant herds used in the teak logging operations of the time. The book describes how he learned training, veterinarian practices, etc. While teak logging nowadays uses equipment, the descriptions of elephant health, behaviors, and so on are fascinating. Well worth reading.
This true story drew me in and kept me fascinated through the end. The photos helped remind me of the amazing times that were unfolding.
It made me think not just of a victim’s family, but of the perpetrator family.
The book is less about the elephants in the war and more about working with elephants in teak logging. Very interesting information about the characteristics, intelligence, and quirks of elephants and their attitudes toward people.
I love this book! I learned many things about elephants, whom I already loved. What wonderful, intelligent, intuitive and caring creatures they are! I learned more about Burma (Myanmar), the extent of WWII, and people in general. The book was written so well and pulled me along at a great pace. The characters were well-rounded and I gained great respect for Billy (Jim) Williams and his sweet, strong wife. I very much recommend this book! I hope to read more by Ms. Croke, who did a great job in her research and putting this story together!
Elephants are such regal animals. Now I love them more.
Much information learned about the role of domesticated elephants.
Learned alot from this book about elephants, their relationships with people and how they were really needed in this element.
Interesting. Some insight into the British colonial era; much information about useful domesticated elephants
Delightful tale of one man’s extraordinary life and experience in Burma. Deeply interesting if you like elephants and people.