One of the greatest books ever written on practical survival is back in print for the next generation of self-reliant citizens! Mel Tappan was the godfather of the modern preparedness movement, and this classic collection of his writings is an indispensable resource for information on how to develop a survival mind-set, identify the best survival locations, store food, maintain communications, select firearms and much more. A new foreword by Bruce Clayton, himself an important figure in the preparedness movement after the publication of his book Life After Doomsday in 1980, describes the unique appeal of Tappan's writings and personality, puts Tappan's role in the survivalist movement in historical perspective and explains why his work is still highly relevant today.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful
By S. Collins
Format:Paperback
Even with some of the material outdated, most of what Mel Tappan wrote still applies today, just that some of the threats have changed. I still go back and re-read this and Tappan's "Survival Guns", which also should be on the survival family's bookshelf.
For the family that has little knowledge of firearms, the advice he gives is still practical today. His advice on retreating is the best I have read, and once again, the most practical. His writing is entertaining and straghtforward, and he backs up his conclusions with sound facts.
If you want cold, hard, logic (and when it comes to the survival of yourself and your family, who doesn't?), then this is the book for you. It is not the end all to be all, but I consider it mandatory to the modern survival family.
For the family that has little knowledge of firearms, the advice he gives is still practical today. His advice on retreating is the best I have read, and once again, the most practical. His writing is entertaining and straghtforward, and he backs up his conclusions with sound facts.
If you want cold, hard, logic (and when it comes to the survival of yourself and your family, who doesn't?), then this is the book for you. It is not the end all to be all, but I consider it mandatory to the modern survival family.
18 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Mel Tappan's had a big influence on the survival movement with his newsletter Personal Survival Letter and a later column in various magazines, and his first book SURVIVAL GUNS offered up many practical firearm tips, so prior fans and newcomers alike are sure to eagerly anticipate the publication of Tappan on Survival. This comes back into print for a new generation with a new foreword by survivalist Bruce Clayton, and returns the ideas and practical applications of a man who before 1999 served up a series of recipes for survival in the event of any disaster, whether it be nuclear or caused by storms. An easy question/answer format supplements hard facts.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
18 of 22 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
"Tappen on Survival" is 5 stars. Written in the '70's by Mel Tappen. I first read "Survival Guns" and then sought out his second book. Both books are excellent!! Mel Tappen was the level headed expert on survival. He wrote on survival and weapons for several different magazines during the 1970's. Expert advice still today!!
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
A true classic of its period, this survival manual suffers from the advancement of survival technology.
It's old and much of the information offered is now outdated, but it's still worth reading, if only for its view of what the survival movement was all about in its infancy.
It's old and much of the information offered is now outdated, but it's still worth reading, if only for its view of what the survival movement was all about in its infancy.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Mel Tappan's books are a bit dated on a few things but his methodical way of looking at long term survival is still sound. The chapters on the reasons for living in a small town are still relevant as is the chart explaining the difference between working guns and guns for retreat defence.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
MORE THAN 30 YEARS OLD, BUT STILL CONTAINS "FOOD FOR THOUGHT" FOR SURVIVALISTS
February 9, 2012
Format:Paperback
Mel Tappan (1933-1980) was an influential leader of the Survivalist movement, the editor of the "Personal Survival" newsletter, and the author of the popular book, Survival Guns. This 1981 book was prepared posthumously by his wife from his articles and columns from magazines such as Guns & Ammo and Soldier of Fortune.
He argues ("Most emphatically, yes, I do") that the undesirable economic, military and social symptoms he outlines all arise from government economic interference. (Pg. 3) He cautions the reader, "Do not rely on the popular press, the authorities or other official sources to warn you... They are usually part of the problem... The sooner you recognize the threat and begin to prepare, the better your chances for survival." (Pg. 9)
He later states that "I'm not, here, predicting when an economic collapse will occur, but I AM saying that everything necessary to cause such a catastrophe is now in place." (Pg. 42)
He asserts that "the most important factor in the survival equation is you: your physical health and your case of mind---particularly the way you handle stress." (Pg. 20) Similarly, it is "utter foolishness" for any adult not to own a defensive firearm to protect himself and his family. (Pg. 33)
He frankly admits the difficulties with a survival retreat which depended on remaining undiscovered for an extended period of time; for example, "raising animals for food would be virtually impossible and even cultivating a garden conveniently near would be a hazard." (Pg. 41) But he nevertheless concludes that he sees "no viable alternative" to relocating to a small rural community, "if you believe as I do that we are on the verge of a catastrophic social upheaval." (Pg.... Read more ›
He argues ("Most emphatically, yes, I do") that the undesirable economic, military and social symptoms he outlines all arise from government economic interference. (Pg. 3) He cautions the reader, "Do not rely on the popular press, the authorities or other official sources to warn you... They are usually part of the problem... The sooner you recognize the threat and begin to prepare, the better your chances for survival." (Pg. 9)
He later states that "I'm not, here, predicting when an economic collapse will occur, but I AM saying that everything necessary to cause such a catastrophe is now in place." (Pg. 42)
He asserts that "the most important factor in the survival equation is you: your physical health and your case of mind---particularly the way you handle stress." (Pg. 20) Similarly, it is "utter foolishness" for any adult not to own a defensive firearm to protect himself and his family. (Pg. 33)
He frankly admits the difficulties with a survival retreat which depended on remaining undiscovered for an extended period of time; for example, "raising animals for food would be virtually impossible and even cultivating a garden conveniently near would be a hazard." (Pg. 41) But he nevertheless concludes that he sees "no viable alternative" to relocating to a small rural community, "if you believe as I do that we are on the verge of a catastrophic social upheaval." (Pg.... Read more ›
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Mw
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Tappan's book may have been originally published in the early 80's, but his concepts are still pertinent. This book is a compilation of his articles written in a gun magazine in the 70's, so some of the information is dated. However, this book is still en excellent introduction to preparedness, and some of his ideas still echo down into today's preparedness books. An excellent beginner's first book for their preparedness library.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By PM
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
A reprint of an old book purchased for my personal collection. Although the suppliers details listed in the book are no longer relevent the thought processes, theory and practical demonstrations are sound......I'm sure that there are more than few readers who will still feel the same about the Colt 1911 favoured by the author.
"An oldie, but a goodie!"
"An oldie, but a goodie!"
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
This Book Really Sucked
This might have been ground breaking stuff during the cold war, sure isnt now.
I thought i bought Tappan On Survival and NOT Tappan On Survival Guns.... Read more
I thought i bought Tappan On Survival and NOT Tappan On Survival Guns.... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Joshua L. Peterson
5.0 out of 5 stars
Good book!
I purchased this book after seeing many recommendations all over the net about it.
Although Mel is gone now, this book hits the nail on the head about so many things going on... Read more
Although Mel is gone now, this book hits the nail on the head about so many things going on... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Dragfan
4.0 out of 5 stars
One of several you should read.
Being new to the prepping-survival idea, a friend suggested that I read it before "How to survive the end of the world as we know it" by Rawls. I did. I have read both now. Read more
Published 13 months ago by CH
2.0 out of 5 stars
Not worth it.
This book was big on general thoughts and contains very little detail and I do mean very little detail. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Muddler
5.0 out of 5 stars
Must have for every prepper!
Great book a must have for any "prepper" or good fundamental information to help keep you and your family alive when the Schumer hits the fan.
Published on December 13, 2010 by Troy Clopton
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Classic must read
This text is truly a classic on the art of survival. It will prove valuable in the upcoming revolution.
Published on April 9, 2008 by William B. Betts
2.0 out of 5 stars
Outdated and light on useful survival information
While the content of this book is OK, it is very outdated. For example, a good portion of the book is devoted to guns and choosing a survival gun but there is no mention of the... Read more
Published on September 28, 2007 by Budro
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