Hunter of Harter Fell by Joseph E Chipperfield Find!
Anyone who likes dogs and the fells will enjoy this regardless of their age. The book was written in 1976 by Joseph Chipperfield who obviously loved Alsatian dogs and the Cumbrian hills.
The main character is Hunter, a much loved Alsatian who gets lost and injured on Harter Fell. He is rescued by a teenage brother and sister, and together they go through many adventures before Hunter is reunited with his master.
The tale is written in a very simple and what would be regarded now as an old fashioned style, comparable to Enid Blyton, but although aimed at children of about 8 - 10 years, it could well appeal to older people too.
Joseph Chipperfield wrote many animal books, ranging from horses, wolves, eagles and dogs, set in places as far apart as the Oregon Trail and Ireland. Unfortunately I haven't been able to discover if he had any close connections to Cumbria or whether he used Harter Fell as the setting for the book after a fleeting visit or even maybe just through research. Either way it is a great story and a hidden gem for children!
If anyone knows more about the author please get in touch!
(The Alsatian dog in the picture is Ellie pictured looking down the Duddon valley from the summit rocks of Harter Fell while on a walk this September!)
1 October 2009 from Janet
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Joseph E. Chipperfield (1912-1976)
Full name Joseph Eugene Chipperfield. Born in St Austell, Cornwall in 1912. Died in 1976. Also wrote under the name John Eland Craig. As well as a writer he worked as an editor and scriptwriter of documentaries.
He was brought up on a farm where he developed his love of countryside and animals, both of which feature in all his books. He travelled around Europe making notes on wildlife and researched many of the locations of his books first hand. His novel Storm of Dancerwood is based on his experiences travelling the west country with his Alsation Max.
As well as his horse stories he wrote many books about dogs which are probably considered his best works, also other animals, usually in the wild, such as eagles, foxes and stags. His pony books were all about wild horses set in America.
see also www.theweeweb.co.uk/public/author_profile