Product Description

In 2008, YouTube.com featured an extraordinary film clip that soon became an internet phenomenon. It showed the emotional reunion of two young men and their pet lion, Christian, after they had left him in Africa with Born Free's George Adamson, who would introduce him into his rightful home in the wild. "A Lion Called Christian" relates how Anthony 'Ace' Bourke and John Rendall visited London from Australia in 1969 and bought a boisterous lion cub in Harrods. For a while, the three of them lived together as flatmates on the King's Road, Chelsea, where Christian became a local celebrity. But he was growing up, fast, and even the church garden in which he exercised was becoming too small for him. How could Ace and John avoid incarcerating him in a zoo for the rest of his life? A chance meeting with Virginia McKenna and Bill Travers, stars of Born Free, led to Christian being flown to Kenya and placed under the expert care of Adamson. Ace and John did not return to see him for a year. Now, thanks to the internet age, their incredible reunion is again being enjoyed by millions. Originally published in 1971, "A Lion Called Christian" has been fully revised and updated, telling Christian's remarkable story in words as well as stunning photographs. It is a unique and extraordinary tale of its time that resonates again today with a worldwide audience, and is destined to become one of the great classics of animal literature.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4994 in Books
• Published on: 2009-03-26
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 208 pages

Review
`This fascinating story has a wonderful ending' --Daily Mail, March 21st 2009

Review
`The massive online popularity of the clip has taken the men agreeably by surprise and led them to revise and reissue their excellent 1971 book, A Lion Called Christian.'

Review
`Packed with photos and amusing anecdotes -- one time he walked in on someone showering! -- A Lion Called Christian is an unabashedly stirring tale of a rare bond formed between humans and an animal. It is not overly sentimental or cloying because it doesn't need to be. To read this book is to feel, for a while, that Christian never left.'

Customer Reviews

A Lions Tale
In 1969 two young Australians Anthony " Ace " Bourke and John Rendall visited London and on entering Harrods became enchanted with a young Lion cub, acting on impulse and with no previous Lion experience they immediately decided to buy him. They took possession of Christian some weeks later and moved him into their flat which had a basement under a shop, this was to become the lions home. Today this would be illegal not to mention unethical and would spark a public outcry. But we can't use today's morals to judge past decisions.

The lion from Worlds End soon grew both in size and popularity and his boisterousness caused quite a stir in the antique shop he called home. He also became an attraction and possibly boosted profits. But all good things must end and keeping a growing lion in the centre of London became untenable. Relief was at hand when George Adamson agreed to help Christian adapt to his new found home in Kenya and the relocation began.

I loved this story sure there are animal welfare issues and some severe naivete on the part of Ace and John, but one cannot doubt the genuine love and affection these guys had for this animal and vice versa. They stayed the course from cub stage right up to the release into the wild and continued to visit frequently thereafter. The reunion video on youtube is quite touching and indeed provided the spark for the reprinting and updating of this book. It's not an epic read by any stretch of the imagination but there is an honesty here that is truly touching and with an abundance of humour this tale will creep into your heart and spread warmth. Well thats what happened to me anyway ! If you're looking for a feelgood story this is definitely one to read..

The most heartwarming uplifting story
This story appeals on many levels, whether you're a general animal lover, a devoted pet lover, a conservationist, the You Tube clip made me cry so when I knew a book was out I got it. The book itself does read like a newspaper article as a previous reviewer said, and it would have been nice to have more description of Christian and his antics but there is no doubt that these 2 guys totally loved him and were dedicated to his welfare and the lengths they went to to secure his future. Plus the care that George Adamson gave to Christian in Africa. It makes one feel that thank God there are people who are prepared to care for animals like this. I have been totally and utterly moved by this story ane have cried a lot over it. Whether it's because I am a soppy animal lover I don't know, but it is just such an happy uplifting story. The fact that Christian remembered them and their love for him after a whole year was just wonderful and the tears I shed when they realised they would not see him again after the second meeting 2 years on! I think the 2 guys are fantastic for what they did, I will never forget this story.

Very special
Well I have to say that upon reading the review entitled 'bouf' I can only say that one would wonder what this reviewer had been reading, (and maybe also wonder what side of the bed that person had got out of on that particular day)

If you have been captured by this story, maybe by seeing John and Ace on tv, or listening to them on the radio, you will absolutely love this book. It is full of the sort of 'extra' bits of information that you would want to read. It gives a full and comprehensive account of the whole story, and even more. There are also some beautiful photographs included. I'm not sure what the other reviewer meant by 'documentary style' but the book is written in exactly the style I would expect it to be - it just reads like a normal story. I can't see anything documentary-like about it apart from the fact that what is being told is factual. I hope that a feature length film is under consideration, this is the most amazing lion story I have ever read.

I loved this book, it made me smile, laugh - and cry at times. All I can say is that it is a wonderful story and a very nicely produced book - if you are considering, just go ahead and buy it. You will love it. Happy reading :)

- and if you are out there Ace and John, maybe having a look at your book's reviews, love and best wishes to you both - and thank you xxxxx