61 pages • 2 hours read
Elephant Company: The Inspiring Story of an Unlikely Hero and the Animals Who Helped Him Save Lives in World War II
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
368
Biography • Nonfiction
Burma • 1930s
2014
Adult
13+ years
Super Short Summary
Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke follows the life of James Howard "Elephant Bill" Williams, from his early 20s working in the Burmese teak logging industry to becoming a hero during World War II, where his skills in navigating the jungle and communicating with elephants, particularly his beloved tusker Bandoola, play a crucial role in the Allied fight against the Japanese, including saving countless lives.
Adventurous
Inspirational
Emotional
Informative
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
16,541 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke has received praise for its engrossing narrative and well-researched historical details, particularly around World War II. Reviewers commend the vivid portrayal of elephants and their unique bond with humans. However, some critics note the pacing can be uneven. Overall, it is a compelling mix of biography, adventure, and history.
Who Should Read Elephant Company?
Readers who enjoy elephant conservation stories and historical biographies will find Elephant Company captivating. Fans of Water for Elephants and The Elephant Whisperer will appreciate its blend of adventure, animal behavior, and World War II history. This book suits those intrigued by the human-animal bond and 20th-century British colonialism.
16,541 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
James Howard Williams
James Howard Williams
Known as "Elephant Bill," he is an Englishman renowned for his deep connection with elephants in Burma, ultimately shaping a legendary career with the Bombay Burmah Trading Company.
Bandoola the Elephant
Bandoola the Elephant
A remarkable tusker known for his intelligence and strength, he shares a profound bond with Williams and plays a pivotal role in his life and work with elephants.
Susan Williams (neé Rowland)
Susan Williams (neé Rowland)
Originally from a well-connected English family, she becomes an integral part of Williams’s life in Burma, fostering a loving and adventurous partnership that extends into their shared memoirs.
368
Biography • Nonfiction
Burma • 1930s
2014
Adult
13+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.