Jock of the Bushveld

Description

Sir James Percy FitzPatrick was a notable South African writer as well as a reputable politician, fruit industry pioneer as well as mining entrepreneur. His popular book “Jock of the Bushvekd” was published in 1907 and quickly became a best seller. Translated in over 100 languages, this book contains the stories of FitzPatrick and his adopted brave dog Jock before he made his fortune and settled down.

The stories are actually tales the author used to tell his children at bedtime. These stories are about his younger years when he was working as a prospector assistant, storeman, journalist as well as transport rider on an ox wagon, years during which he was accompanied by his loyal canine friend Jock.

Jock was born to a respected yet unattractive bull terrier trailer dog and a pedigree Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Out of a litter of 6, 5 were living up to the pedigree of their parents, while the 6th was weak and frail, not to mention unattractive. The female and the litter belonged to one companion of FitzPatrick who was considering drowning the 6th pup in order to keep the others unspoiled. The author considers adopting the puppy, but at the last moment his is offered the best pick of the litter. He spends a night contemplating, but eventually goes for the unwanted pup.

Thus Jock of the Bushveld is born. He is loyal and follows his owner from the first moment. He accompanies him across many adventures and protects him from harm. Jock was eventually given to a friend, and FitzPatrick only started writing these tales after his children and good friend Rudyard Kipling urged him to. Jock of the Bushveld is a collection of light-hearted stories about a loyal dog who managed to succeed despite all odds against it.
[amz_corss_sell asin=”1775427048″]