“Pain forms the Character: Doc Bester, Cat hunters & Sealers” compiled and edited by Nico de Bruyn & Chris Oosthuizen and the third book to published by the Antarctic Legacy of South Africa is a journey through decades of extraordinary sub -Antarctic wilderness adventure. Through first-hand accounts, it captures the nostalgia, blood, sweat and tears of the “cat hunters” and “sealers” of Marion Island – the stories of those who worked within the sphere of influence of the colourful and enormously influential “Doc” Marthán Bester – cat hunter, sealer and long-time professor at the University of Pretoria. On this far-flung island midway between South Africa and Antarctica, feral cats once wreaked havoc on the millions of native seabirds. But then, a great conservation triumph was attained: the largest island cat eradication feat in history. Today, a globally recognised seal research programme which commenced during the cat-hunting days continues to flourish. This book captures what the generous scientific output and conservation benefits does not: how the lives of many were perpetually influenced through participation in the endeavours at Marion and at several other Southern Ocean islands, including Gough.
Nico de Bruyn, past student of Marthán Bester, wanted to dedicate a book to the work achieved and the legacy that has been built by Marthán. What started as a small personalised book project with a few thank-you notes from cat hunters and sealers escalated into an enormous project encapsulating the legacy of all involved. A book of nearly 500 pages, combining factual background with anecdotes, fit for public readership was the end product. Nico de Bruyn and Chris Oosthuizen compiled and edited all this material and produced this book as a dedication to Marthán and all who worked within these unique programmes.
The title of the book “Pain forms the Character” come from a saying used by Marthán himself through the years to motivate and inspire both cat hunters and sealers on Marion Island.
ALSA attended the book launch in Pretoria late last month. It was a great party as the photographs here suggest.
Reference:
de Bruyn, P.J.J. & Oosthuizen, C. 2017. Pain forms the Character: Doc Bester, Cat Hunters & Sealers. Stellenbosch: Antarctic Legacy of South Africa. ISBN 9780620749121. South African Rands 650; www.marionseals.com/shop/.
John Cooper, Principal Investigator, Antarctic Legacy of South Africa, Department of Botany and Zoology, Stellenbosch University, 03 April 2017