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 a fascinating book. I’ve recommended to many of my friends and they’ve all agreed. It’s not only a bit of history, it’s a wonderful story and a wonderful introduction to the intelligence and sensitivity of Asian elephants.
True story and if you are an elephant lover or like to read about World War II, I highly recommend.
Interesting and informative about elephants
Enlightening
This is very good read with a great deal of new insight into the how Burma was a stage of WWII
This is a really amazing book, very well written and extremely interesting. One thing, the story about how Bill Williams and his elephants saved lives doesn’t come up until the last third or fourth of the book. But every part of the book is great. I enjoyed the whole thing.
Loved it! Learned so much!
This book is a must read. Wonderfully written, with love for the amazing elephant.
I love WW2 history and animal stories. Great book!
A very special book about a man’s journey of learning and experience with the wise world of elephants and their historical contribution to humans. A humbling story of how people use beautiful animals to their own ends but how we can learn from animals and sensitize ourselves to nature and humble ourselves in this world together.
I love this book! Jim Williams was so brave and persevering as well as sensitive and tender hearted. His survival, care of people and elephants, was extraordinary.
Great read for those interested in history and animals.
This was a very well written book, covering a piece of history about which I knew little.
One of the best books I have read. I loved it!
A very interesting book about a topic that was completely new to me. Also describes an arena of WWII that I had not seen written about before. Definitely worth the time to read.
Fascinating story that stars elephants and their contribution to the war against Japan.
so interesting to read about the relationship of man with elephants
Enjoyed the descriptions about elephant characteristics and culture.
If you enjoy historical novels and elephants this is an amazing story
Very interesting in the beginning, but got bogged down with detail and predictability.