The Grizzly King Author:James Oliver Curwood James Oliver Curwood was an early 20th century writer who lived in Michigan, where he published several novels a year. Curwood loved the outdoors and is known for his conservation efforts. On a hunting trip Curwood was about to kill a bear when he was almost attacked by the bear. The bear for some reason let him live. After this experience Cur... more »wood stopped hunting. In the preface to The Grizzly King Curwood says that the true thrill of the hunt in not in the killing but in letting the animal live. By writing this romantic tale of life in the wild Curwood felt he was in some way repaying the debt he feels for the 4 bears he once killed.« less