Woodcraft and Camping: The Great American Classic of Camping

This book most definitely exceeded my expectations. A quick note to some, however...if you are looking for a fun book to mostly page through to look at illustrations, and to just read a bit here and there, this isn’t the book for you. This book is a joy to read, funny at times, and on the whole entertaining, but to be appreciated, it requires you to sit down and read its pages. While this book is over one hundred years old, it is amazing how so much of it is so directly applicable to today. Yes, many of the things discussed in the book are outdated, but the heart and soul of the work are as fresh today as when it was written. In this literary treasure, George W. Sears, aka “Nessmuk”, grants us modern readers a window into a bygone age of our American heritage. He describes some of his outdoor adventures which took place in a part of America which no longer exists as it did for him in the late nineteenth century. This aspect of the book reminds me in a way of Edward Abbey’s Desert Solitaire. At the same time, the conservationist in Sears speaks to us of a fish and game conservation ethic which easily pairs with the writings of Aldo Leopold. Perhaps one of the more surprising aspects of this book is Sears’ treating of the subject of go-light wilderness gear principles, which feels to be quite ahead of its time. As an aside, many years ago, a dear mentor of mine in the ways of the outdoors made a humorous reference to something he had once read in a book regarding a lightweight canoe outfit. For twenty-some years I wondered where that reference came from, and if I’d ever be able to find it. When I read this book, I finally discovered that passage!

The book looks extremely interesting and I am looking forward to reading it. I wish the print was a little larger but that may be my old eyes.

Nessmuk was a dude that knew what he was doing. It takes a bit to get used to his writing style (old people back in the day talk way different than we do in contemporary settings), but once you get past that and the very occasional mild racism (I don’t recall seeing the N word with the hard R; I think there is like two occurrences of some racist remarks tops) this book has a ton of useful information that still applies to “roughing it” today.

Great price. Very informational. Lots of knowledge.

Out of all the antique camping/outdoors books (like Kephart and similar), I liked this one the most. I only wish it was a longer book because it had me hooked and I could read it for hours. This is more is a “story” book (for lack of better words) than a modern how-to style book (though he does mention how to do stuff and what to pack). It’s like listening to a great great grandfather tell amazing stories of camping in remote lands with minimal, but quality gear. Makes you realize how skilled these men were and they were able to thrive on n their knowledge and experience instead of fancy gadgets. Nessmuk was a true woodsman, and this book is worth its weight in gold.

It’s the first. It’s a classic. If you’re an Olander or a backpacker or just for an interesting read, it’s so worth the money.

I loved the book. Could I find info elsewhere that would fit today's available equipment better? Definitely. Would this book tell me what I need to know in a grid down you're stuck with what you have or what you can make yourself situation? Definitely. I liked the style and the old wood lore. Some of it looked like my old Boy Scout Handbook, which I wish I could get my hands on. I am so glad I bought it. It has made me rethink just what I need for a wilderness adventure. His 20 pounds for an adventure hits the mark for today's go-bag goal. Ultra-light backpackers could learn a lot from Mr. Nessmuk. His tales about campfire making brought back fond memories of counseling at some church camps in the redwoods where everything was dripping wet in the mornings. I taught city kids how to build a decent fire with one match and keep it at a safe, usable level so we didn't need a redwood tree to keep it going, and how we needed to put it out cold before we left camp or hit the sack at night. Nessmuk shared some good stuff in a way I can relate to. I enjoyed it immensely.

This is a great book- a gem, really. For those looking to extend their understanding on bushcraft and related subjects, it does have a good amount of info. I enjoy the style of writing and it's helpful in how it goes beyond the technical to speak simply and seamlessly of the philosophies without getting lost in a tangent. My being also from the Adirondacks, he is speaking in a language I understand and shares beliefs I very much agree with. For anyone else, I think it's still going to be a fairly quick, enjoyable read and can be highly relatable. I would hope more people could go into the woods and be able to come out not depleted, but instead revived.

... I really enjoyed this book, not simply for it's instruction, but also for the historical relevance of it's publishing. It was this book that helped create the fashion of wilderness travel and ultralight camping. Bravo George Washington Sears. The outdoor industry today can thank writing like this for what it has become. Not only is it a quaint and intelligent snapshot of an era passed, but I can think of no better introduction to the woods for a young person starting out.

Prazo de entrega USA-Brasil, muito rápido. Leitura obrigatória para praticantes de atividades mateiras.

Just wanted to discover why this book has been in continuous print since the 19 th century. Have not read it yet as I have been on holiday but first impressions are good.

Intressant att läsa om en föregångare till lättviktscamping

Piacevole lettura. Ottima per riportare lo spirito di chi pratica bushcraft ai selvaggi fasti di inizio ‘900