Woodcraft and Camping

This slim volume is written with surprising erudition and humility and is frequently humorous and full of the wisdom and confidence that is the fruit of direct experience.

Nessmuk's diagnosis of our propensity to over-work and the failure to balance this with restorative recreation (rather than frenzied consumer-driven "vacations"), along with his casual but clear-eyed criticism of wasteful practices (taking more than one needs - be it wood or game) gives the book a subtle moral stance. He advises certain techniques or materials to ensure that camp is safe and comfortable and that campers maximize their leisure in and enjoyment of their surroundings - but it is easy to conclude that the general push towards simplicity builds a sort of ethics in those who practice it (at least, during their stay in the woods) as well.

Some of the things he talks about seem amusingly or wistfully outdated (e.g. going "frogging" with a piece of red felt on a fishing line) since it is nearly 90 years on from the time of his writing (and many of his woodland treks that he describes were taken 40 years before that).

While clever, some of his cooking methods may seem outmoded, and some of his shelters may seem overly-elaborate since we have lost the need or knowledge for many of the skills a person would likely have had in his generation (waterproofing your own cotton using lye?). He also seems to go back and forth either providing excessive detail, or more often insufficient detail depending on the task.

That said, there isn't anything described that seems foolish or unworkable, and the majority of his advice remains just as helpful and true as it was when he first published it. He also provides plenty of wry anecdotes to explain why you might want to heed his suggestions (usually by highlighting the humorous folly of other campers, hunters, etc. in contrast) which alone make this book a simple pleasure to read. ( )

A non-fiction account from one of the most noted Adirondack guides of the late 19th Century. Originally published is 1920, Sears colorfully describes skills and tools he found essential while spending most of his life out of doors. His recollections provide insight to what the environment and life was like in the Upstate New York wilderness around the turn of the last century. Original illustrations reproduced give the reader detail and an understanding of techniques described. I would recommend this book to secondary social science students studying New York and the Northeast. Additionally, this would be a great read for high school Earth Science students as Sears continually stresses the need for conservation and preservation of all natural resources. ( )