Customer Reviews

Woodcraft and Camping

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

At the close of the 19th Century, long before the advent of ultralight gear, synthetics, and freeze dried food, Nessmuck was an advoacate of minimalist camping, his own load equalling about 26 pounds including his canoe, a 10 pound cedar strip wonder made by legendary wooden canoe maker J. H. Rushton. Nessmuk (the nom de plume of George Washington Sears) was 65 years old, weighed about 105 pounds and was probably suffering from tuberculosis when he decided to solo canoe the Adirondack Lakes. While much of his camping techniques are outdated, there is much in both his methods and philosophy from which even the most modern backpacker and canoeist can learn, and it is an excellent read besides.

I have been buying multiple copies of Nessuk's two books to give away since I was a kid (I'm 71 on 15 Aug 05). I was stimulated to return to the book by a plague of horseflies and mosquitoes, recalling that Nessmuk had a repellant that actually seemed to be a skin tonic. Three parts pine tar, two parts castor oil, and one part pennyroyal oil, simmer gently. Rub on. It works like a charm. In context you can see that Nessmuk rubbed it on and then didn't wash for six weeks or so, but that's real men in the real woods. If you are a father and haven't given Two Little Savages (Ernest Thomas Seton) and Nessmuk's books to your
son, you just really aren't ready to Advance Into The Woods. Its also an enjoyable read. Its encouraging to me that "Nessmuk" gets you >5,000 hits on google. Go explore.
Thank God for Dover Books.

George von Hilsheimer, Ph.D., occasional woodsman and swamp creature

' We do not go to the green woods and crystal waters to rough it we go to smooth it. We have it rough enough at home...'

' The temptation is to buy this or that bit of indispensable camp kit has been too strong and we have gone to the blessed woods handicapped with a load fit for a pack mule. That is not how to do it.

Go light, and the lighter the better so that you have the simplest material for health comfort and enjoyment. '

Nessmuk

Nessmuk is the pen name of George Washington Sears. In 1884 he wrote the book Woodcraft and Camping and it has been in print ever since. His approach to camping is satisfyingly philosophical and completely practical. Worthy reading for anyone who wants to take to the woods.

In this book, "Nessmuk" (a pseudonym for George W. Sears) provides a moderately entertaining read. He writes during, and was an active participant in, the "back to nature movement" during the Victorian period. He writes about the glory and romance of camping, woodcraft, woods travel, and flyfishing using minimalist methods. The info on reflector fire-building, hatchets, fishing with worms/grubs is good, basic lore that everyone needs to learn; however, the book lacks detail on many other basic aspects of woodcraft and Northwoods style camping and outdoor survival, especially collecting and storing food and winter living. If the reader follows the author's recommendations during a lengthy outing in the Northwoods or boreal forest, they'd likely get into major trouble. More info is needed than presented here by Nessmuk if one plans their own 10-day adventure crossing a big stretch of woods. In summary, yes, it's a quaint and entertaining read, but if you want less romanticizing/glorification and more detail, check out "Camp and Trail Methods" by E. Kreps and "Northern Bushcraft" by Mors Kochanski. (Note: This review written by a primitive survival expert and former fur trapper. I gave this book 2 stars to make a point regarding safety. Many a person has died or nearly died in the outdoors by following the ways of romantics/mystics rather than seeking knowledge from and following the ways of realists -- the practitioners. Although Nessmuk teaches solid methods, he leaves too many important things unsaid for students of the outdoors. If you just want to be entertained, then buy the book.

I've owned a copy of this book for a number of years. I read it at least once every year. This is one of the best books around, albeit a very slim little book. a) The writing style is interesting, much more so than the styles of modern day writers. He ruminates about why he is outdoors, about philosophy, not just gear and "how-to's". b) Every time I read him, I get a new idea for reducing my pack weight. I go backpacking nowadays with a pack weight of about 20-25 pounds (including food and water). This is largely due to Nessmuk (and Horace Kephart). This little book is one of the best investments you can make.

I had heard that this was at one time considered the bible of camping guides. I ordered it and it came in looking suprisingly short. I started reading it skeptically and found it to be really entertaining and full of good info. "Nessmuck" packs alot of plain, easy to understand, and best of all sound knowledge. I enjoyed the read and learned alot. It's small and light enough to pack. It should probably be in every camper and outdoorsman's library.

Great old school camping/survival book. However, it may not be for everyone. If you want a hard core survival book, or something to help you choose gear, this isn't the right book. This book is around 100 years old, so its not exactly up-to-date on gear and supplies. It is a great book that covers the basics and philosophy of hiking and camping. This isn't the only book I would buy, but it is a must for a collection.

Talk about a look back in time; this little book makes you appreciate the times Sears was living. It's amazing how much some things have changed, yet so much has remained the same. Nothing really profound here, just a great expression of the ways things were in that period of time. The writing style of that period is refreshing, as well.

This book is a laudable achievement for any avid outdoorsman; I can only thank Nessmuk for giving it to us. From reading it you can tell he knows what he's talking about. I've read it once and plan to do so again.
For any camper/outdoorsman this book is a must. It holds a wealth of information and once you read it you'll be ready to campout yourself! Sadly there is one negative about the book...its not long enough! I encourage you to buy it and spend an evening reading a delightful book on woodcraft!

I have read "Woodcraft and Camping" four times. Each time I read it I learn more. It is for those who love nature in her "undress", as Nessmuk would say.