Billy and Hans, My Squirrel Friends: A True History

"Billy and Hans, My Squirrel Friends: A True History" by William James Stillman is a heartfelt account written in the late 19th century. This autobiographical narrative recounts the author's experiences with two pet squirrels, Billy and Hans, emphasizing themes of companionship and the moral responsibilities of humans towards animals. The book also serves as a reflection on the intelligence and emotional capacity of these creatures, advocating for a deeper understanding and appreciation of them in the human realm. In this engaging story, Stillman vividly describes how he came to adopt Billy, a playful and affectionate squirrel, and Hans, a more reserved and reluctant companion. The narrative chronicles their daily interactions, showcasing the distinct personalities of each squirrel and their evolving bond. As Billy leans on Stillman for affection and care, Hans ultimately transforms through their relationship, echoing the intense love and companionship that exists between humans and animals. The tale takes a poignant turn as it explores the realities of their lives, the inevitable passage of time, and the emotional depth of love, loss, and connection with these remarkable creatures. Ultimately, this book invites readers to reflect on the nature of affection and the responsibilities that come with companionship. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

William James Stillman was an American journalist, diplomat, author, historian, and photographer. Educated as an artist, Stillman subsequently converted to the profession of journalism, working primarily as a war correspondent in Crete and the Balkans, where he served as his own photographer. For a time, he also served as United States consul in Rome, and afterward in Crete during the Cretan insurrections. He helped to train the young Arthur Evans as a war correspondent in the Balkans, and remained a lifelong friend and confidant of Evans. Later in life, he seriously considered taking over the excavation at Knossos from Minos Kalokairinos, who had been stopped from further excavation by the Cretan Assembly; he was, however, prevented from pursuing that goal further by a failure to obtain a firman, or permission, to excavate. Stillman wrote several books, one of which, his Autobiography of a Journalist, suggests that he viewed himself primarily as a writer.