Customer Reviews

The Complete Wilderness Training Book

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a very readable and enjoyable book, but I found it lacking in some respects. It presents some very good information. Its organization is readable, though not always as logical as it could be; often the captions repeat information found in the main text. Lack of space prevents the book from having large databases of edible plants, venomous animals, etc., so it only displays photos of a few; this seems rather random and unhelpful, especially since edible plants really should be identified by more than the memory of a single photograph. A better method would be to have smaller, more precise illustrations and descriptions of each plant, focusing on those that are commonest, most easily identifiable, and best sources of bulk food. (By the way, I have reason to believe that the book's description of the mock strawberry, or _Duchesnea_, as a deathly poisonous berry is an incorrect piece of folklore; _Duchesnea_ isn't even the complete species name.) Sometimes the book just wastes space on insignificant topics -- like mushrooms, which are a bit dangerous and not of great nutritional value; how to make a Jell-O dessert out of carrageen seaweed (really!); and various animals and their survival adaptions. Occasionally I disagree with the author's chosen method of doing something, or happen to know that there are other ways he doesn't mention. (He could have included the debris hut in his section on shelter, and shown specifically how to twist fibers into cord.) The photos and illustrations are excellent, but sometimes show more than they need to.

I've spent a lot of space complaining about the book's shortcomings, but let me add that when I first got this book, towards the beginning of my interest in survival, I thoroughly enjoyed paging through it and learned quite a bit. It's good for beginners, who will be able to browse the book open-mindedly and learn many survival tips at their leisure.

You'll notice that other reviewers have described this book as a "good introduction" and I think that's probably an apt description. Yes, there are nice color photgraphs and drawings. The author's described background would indicate that he's qualified to comment at length on the subject. The editorial review states that the book is more international in scope, describing wilderness techniques in foreign lands. It's true that the book talks about survival on other continents, but I have to say that its treatment of those hostile (and likely even more unfamiliar to most of the book's readers)environments is more superficial than its treatment of general survival techniques. What this book does is give a very broad overview of the serious subject of survival. To be well learned and therefore genuinely useful, such techniques require in-depth, detailed study. This book, however, is sort of a coffee table book of survival. I am tempted to say that it is a survival book for people who might rather fantasize about wilderness ventures than actually go on them. I won't go so far as to say that it is a useless book; there is a fair bit of good information in it. But if I were to compile a list of survival books that I've read..which would number closer to 100 than 50...I would put this one near the bottom. It is most useful as a supplement to an established survival library. If you're looking for a good first book on survival I would recommend Wiseman's SAS Survival. I would also advise any novice contemplating a trip into remote areas to find a text dealing specifically with that environment, and to first get REAL experience with a seasoned group of outdoorsmen.

This book is very good in that it shows exactly how to survive in the wild with illustrations, not just words. In fact, the book is full of illustrations covering everything from lashing to building shelters to catching fish--and more, showing exactly how it's done with illustrations and photographs along the way.

Gives the reader a good place to start. This book is loaded with illustrations and pictures giving a broad range of topics to the reader. I would suggest reading in more detail and study of Wilderness Survival/Training with other books before venturing out into the vast remote wilderness areas. I still find myself reviewing the book periodically. It is a keeper.

The version I bought has a different book title, which is name 'Hugh McManners Outdoor Survival Guide'. I found the book title is misleading, since the content of the book is not much about 'survival'. The recent book title is much better. This is not a manual,I recommend it to all wilderness training beginner.

This is the best survival handbook for quick referance. If you want to take 5 minutes trying to look up one paragragh, The U.S. Army survival handbook is for you. Otherwise, this is an excellent training book. I plan to try to live in the woods for about a couple months. This really helped me prepare. I already tried when I was young. But I came back crying after a week and a half. Now I plan to stay longer, beacause of this.
This book includes all the basics of survival. I'm sure there are more detailed ones, but they don't have the basics. This is not really good for a reading book, but it is good for reaserch, as well as training. If you want a good book to live off of the land,this is for you.

This book is written by someone who really knows how to survive. McManners gives detailed information on the most basic survival techniques and shows the reader how to live in the wild. Being compact, it will remain in my pack as I travel.

Like hellcatty from Hong Kong, my version is also called a survival manual. While there is some information of use in the book, in most areas it is sadly lacking (although it has pretty pictures). For example, on page 63, it shows Mr. McManners doing a bow drill fire. I'd sure like to see him do it in person if this photo accurately portrays his technique. Unless he has arms like Lou Ferrigno, that top hand of his is going to be all over the place. Similarly, on the same page, his portrayal of hand drill fire making leaves a lot to be desired. He states that the hand drill fire technique 'only works effectively in hot climates, where the wood is really dry.'
It also works very effectively, at least in my area, in the winter, when it also can be quite dry. His drill also looks somewhat top heavy and unbalanced. Overall, as stated in my title, save your money for a much better book.

Great illustrations, instructions, etc... A must have for anyone learning survivalism, a great gift for boys and men, and of course Mom's who love to camp.

This book is magnificent. The author's credentials, always the most important factor, are excellent.The book is loaded with fascinating and indispensable survival techniques. It should be in the library of both beginning and advanced outdoorsmen