This nostalgic text brims with gentle philosophies and descriptions of how we used to live — self-sufficiently — on land, in homes, and among things built by hand. The author's charming illustrations celebrate our heritage and the spirit that nurtured it, but also recall the vanished joys of America's pioneer past. 44 line illustrations.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
43 of 44 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
How can I possibly be the first person to review a book this magnificent? I love this book, and anyone with an ounce of curiosity about the past will as well. In here, Mr. Sloane, an antiquarian with a talent for making his love of the past infectious, tells us all about how Americans used to be hard working, efficient and self sustaining, how they made almost everything by hand and from scratch, and how the knowledge of arts and crafts from tool-making to house building, were passed down by word of mouth. On every page the reader learns some delightfully amazing new fact and by the book's end, a sense of enthusiasm and appreciation for our forebears is firmly established. Great illustrations are also a nice plus and the patient reverence Sloane has for this nation as it was two centuries ago bespeaks of sincerity, not empty lip-service. A fine book to read to a child, to look at for its pictures, or one that can teach almost any "grown-up" a thing or two about the ways things were. If you own this book and haven't read it in a while, take a quiet night off and reacquaint yourself with all it has to offer.
6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I enjoy Eric Sloane's works immensely. I haven't come close to reading all of his books but this one was a touch disappointing. I believe that the concept for the book is fine and there are several fascinating sections as well as excellent art work. But as the other reviewers pointed out, I felt as though I was doing something wrong by being born in the 20th century. More than any thing else I respect farmers, hardwork and craftsmanship. Being an aspiring carpenter, I also have a great respect for nature and trees and wood. Unlike Sloane I believe that many people also feel the same way.
Sloane paints a picture of pristeen early America and in many ways I think that he was/is right. But he fails to point out that modern Americans didn't bring about the end of rural America. Those changes were brought about many generations ago. Still, it is my hope that Americans will still read books like this and hope to keep those memories alive, and even restore some of them.
Sloane paints a picture of pristeen early America and in many ways I think that he was/is right. But he fails to point out that modern Americans didn't bring about the end of rural America. Those changes were brought about many generations ago. Still, it is my hope that Americans will still read books like this and hope to keep those memories alive, and even restore some of them.
15 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Once Upon a Time is a lament of the loss of the old ways. While it does have Sloane's trademark illustrations and observations, it constantly compares the old to the inferior modern ways. Written in 1982, not all the complaints still apply, and they detract from his usual, loving description of early America.
I grew up with A Reverance for Wood and A Museum of Early American Tools, which I always loved. This book is not up to the standard that Sloane set with his earlier work.
I grew up with A Reverance for Wood and A Museum of Early American Tools, which I always loved. This book is not up to the standard that Sloane set with his earlier work.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent take on America gone by.
Distinctly libertarian bent by the author. Beautiful illustrations and informative history throughout. Anything by Eric Sloane is recommended for your pleasure.
Published 1 month ago by KIERAN M TAYLOR
4.0 out of 5 stars
Eric Sloane - Once Upon a Time
This book is a jewel, as are all of Sloane's books, if you enjoy the study of American 18th and 19th century hand crafts and nostalgia. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Bruce D. Burleigh
5.0 out of 5 stars
For my Dad, also
Ordered this for my dad for Christmas and he was so very delighted with the old things he remembered. b
Published 4 months ago by slyremarcs
5.0 out of 5 stars
Americana
This book is wonderful . Eric Sloane books are great to read and to go back to read many times over.
Published 5 months ago by Abbey
5.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT Drawings!
The artist is amazing. He caught my interest as a kid in some illustrated books my mom gave me at age 10... and they still impress me! Worth having as art!
Published 7 months ago by Paul
5.0 out of 5 stars
GREAT REFERENCE BOOK
Now that I'm retired I want to build wooden miniatures of covered bridges and barns. This has been a good reference book for making my own plans plus I enjoy learning the history... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Gerald
5.0 out of 5 stars
Nice US History
I have not read Eric Sloane's books in the past. This book is a light read and very entertaining, perfect after a stressful day. Read more
Published 12 months ago by M. Delauro
5.0 out of 5 stars
Take Me Back
This is a wonderfully written book on the way people lived long ago. What is different from those times of manual powered tools and oil lamps than those of today? Read more
Published on November 1, 2010 by Norsehorse
4.0 out of 5 stars
I love this book! But, a couple of items are missing...
I love this book. I used to get the hard cover version from our library and savor times gone by. I purchased Once Upon a Time, obviously, to have my own copy and keep it by me. Read more
Published on June 12, 2010 by Puck
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fabulous Book, Iconic
Eric Sloane is an American Icon. He captures New England lore and exposes how the roots of today's culture in rural areas is still deeply rooted in the resourceful traditions of... Read more
Published on February 12, 2010 by D. Mcnamara
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