Nefarious warlords, ostentatious popes, powerful emperors and shrewd traders have long had a special fascination with imposing elephants. Not surprising, because these exotic pachyderms can be used as a weapon of war, showpiece or money machine.
Using old documents and works of art, the life story of twelve elephants is told for the first time, ranging from Hannibal's favorite to the unfortunate Topsy who dies in the electric chair. This non-fiction is richly illustrated.
Robert Capiot (1947) was foreign editor for 42 years at 'Het Belang van Limburg' with a special interest in Central Africa and the Arab world. Now his main interest is in the role of animals in politics and history.
