Published in the early 1900s, Concerning Animals and Other Matters collects the observations of Edward Hamilton Aitken, a British customs official who spent decades in India. Writing under the pseudonym 'Eha,' he turns his sharp yet affectionate eye on the creatures that shared his environment. The book has no single plot; instead, it's a series of short, vivid essays. Each one focuses on a different animal or natural phenomenon, from the common crow and the house gecko to snakes, jackals, and even the monsoon rains.

The Story

There isn't a traditional narrative. Think of it as a guided tour of India's everyday wildlife, led by a witty and knowledgeable companion. Aitken tells stories about watching a troop of monkeys cause chaos in a garden, muses on the philosophical lessons learned from patient spiders, and recounts close encounters with creatures both feared and admired. He mixes natural history with folklore, personal anecdote, and gentle satire. The 'story' is simply the unfolding of the natural world through the seasons and the author's daily life, revealing a deep, respectful fascination that often borders on friendship with his subjects.

Why You Should Read It

This book won me over with its voice. Aitken is never stuffy or academic. He's the guy pointing out the window saying, 'Look at that! Did you see what it just did?' His humor is dry and self-deprecating, often poking fun at human (especially British) assumptions in the face of nature's indifference. You get a real sense of a man who, despite his official role, was an eager student of his surroundings. The essays are perfect for reading one or two at a time. They're calming, insightful, and frequently laugh-out-loud funny. It’s nature writing that feels like a conversation.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect book for readers who love classic naturalists like Gerald Durrell or James Herriot, but with a unique Anglo-Indian flavor. It's for anyone curious about colonial India from an unexpected, ground-level perspective. If you enjoy short, essay-style writing full of character, or if you just need a charming, low-stakes book to dip into before bed, Concerning Animals and Other Matters is a wonderful choice. It’s a quiet celebration of paying attention, and a reminder that wonder is often found in our own backyards—or in this case, bungalows.