I just found the above title listed on Amazon for£3.79 so I ordered a copy.
Apparently written in the 20's by an America wilderness writer.
Dave
Apparently written in the 20's by an America wilderness writer.
Dave
"Woodcraft" br Nessmuk
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Dave, you'll enjoy Nessmuk. The book was originally published in the 1880's. Here's a site with his bio and links to some of his other writings. It makes a nice addition to the book.
George Washington Sears ('Nessmuk') (1821-1890)
George Washington Sears ('Nessmuk') (1821-1890)
"Canoeing the Adirondacks with Nessmuk: The Adirondack Letters of George Washington Sears" is a good follow-up read, too. Nessmuk has an almost mythic status in the US, but if you're after solid outdoors advice from a similar period you're better off with Horace Kephart's "Camping & Woodcraft."
Incidentally, if it's the Dover edition of Nessmuk you are getting then you ought to know that it is abridged. However, it's the only one currently in print, and I have no idea how much has been edited. Unfortunately original copies are rare and fairly expensive (whereas most contemporary writings to Nessmuk are reasonably priced - check Abebooks.com) and I haven't added one to the library just yet.
Incidentally, if it's the Dover edition of Nessmuk you are getting then you ought to know that it is abridged. However, it's the only one currently in print, and I have no idea how much has been edited. Unfortunately original copies are rare and fairly expensive (whereas most contemporary writings to Nessmuk are reasonably priced - check Abebooks.com) and I haven't added one to the library just yet.
It's a good read. He laments the fact that the wilderness was becoming less wild. I note he advocates carrying a sheath knife (you can get them made to his pattern I think) and a folding knife.
Yup, Nessmuk cut quite a figure as a popular writer of the outdoors. And he definitely has his own ways of doing things. Truth is I don't think either Nessmuk or Kephart really traveled extensively on foot as some great explorers. For instance, neither traveled anywhere near as far on foot and with as little gear over enormous landscapes as John Muir. Yet they were definitely great outdoorsmen and both excellent writers. The fact that their books are still in print is a great testament to that. And great books they are! I sent several out this year as Christmas presents.
Of course, you can't talk about Nessmuk without mentioning his cutlery and his ultralight canoes.
His knives and small axe are legendary amoung Nessmuk fans:
His canoes built by Rushton were as light as a feather:
Here's a bit of a more modern version of his cutlery. An Ablett, Reeves, and Dozier.
And a Bell Bucktail, named after Nessmuk's Bucktail originally built by Rushton.
Of course, you can't talk about Nessmuk without mentioning his cutlery and his ultralight canoes.
His knives and small axe are legendary amoung Nessmuk fans:
His canoes built by Rushton were as light as a feather:
Here's a bit of a more modern version of his cutlery. An Ablett, Reeves, and Dozier.
And a Bell Bucktail, named after Nessmuk's Bucktail originally built by Rushton.
there's a lot more cold info in kepharts book. he even quotes nessmuk in places, kephart wrote a fair bit later. but nessmuk is just such an inspiration 
cheers, and.
cheers, and.
Great responses fellas!
I ordered Kephart & Kochanski too - moment of madness, or was it boredom at work! :-D
Hoodoo,
You've got way too many nice toys! I thinkI'd best make my way out there and confiscate them from you! Seriously great kit. Enjoy it.
Dave
I ordered Kephart & Kochanski too - moment of madness, or was it boredom at work! :-D
Hoodoo,
You've got way too many nice toys! I thinkI'd best make my way out there and confiscate them from you! Seriously great kit. Enjoy it.
Dave
Mors Kochanski's book is a good one, and strong on safety. (Lots of pics on how NOT to do it, showing the axe on a trajectory involving your head, with skull and crossbones motif for added emphasis!)
And written with the confidence of a man who's been there and done that. I like the intro where he says (somebody tell me the exact quote please) that there is no reason why a man cannot live comfortably in the northern forests with just an axe a knife and a pot. And then he adds that you might just about manage without them!
And written with the confidence of a man who's been there and done that. I like the intro where he says (somebody tell me the exact quote please) that there is no reason why a man cannot live comfortably in the northern forests with just an axe a knife and a pot. And then he adds that you might just about manage without them!
MartiniDave said:
Well, somebody has to buy this stuff. :rolmao:
I'm just doing what I can to support the economy. :-D
I've been reading both books over the last week and they are very good! Nessmuk gives a good broad overview, whilst kepharts is great for the specifics.
The section where Nessmuk describes a couple of young men on a fishing camp with an old woodsman has some wonderfully evocative writing.
The section where Nessmuk describes a couple of young men on a fishing camp with an old woodsman has some wonderfully evocative writing.
Nessmuk certainly is a great read- I agree entirely about the Old Bacwoodsman and young men story, a fantastic narration :-D , however I can't find a supplier for Horace Kephart's "Camping & Woodcraft" in the UK, if anyone knows where I can get a copy please let me know. Another book, if you have'nt already got it is Ernest Thompson Seton's "Two Little Savages". I have not read any of his (many) other books, again if anyone has what were your opinions?
Blue Sky, Jim.
Blue Sky, Jim.
I got my copy of Kephart from Amazon.co.uk
Both Kephart and Nessmuk have become firm favourites, along with Kochanski and of course Ray Mears.
Dave
Both Kephart and Nessmuk have become firm favourites, along with Kochanski and of course Ray Mears.
Dave
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