If you could only have one..

[Grimnir]

So, if you could only have one book on bushcraft, what would it be? Which do you think would offer you the most information, particularly for UK-type countryside?

I'm very limited on funds (and bookshelf space ) so I really want to get something to provide a good grounding of techniques to try and advice to follow. Not as good as a decent course but without transport they are hard to get to also

 

[Stuart]

only one book for the uk environment.......

well Ray's 'The survival handbook' is one of the best Britain specific books, unfortunate it is thin on the ground for pictures to assist with the text, it is also out of print and although not rare copies are now extremely expensive.

I would recommend Mors Kochanskis 'Bushcraft' it is specific to Canada rather than the UK but most of it crosses over, it is also the most comprehensive book on the foundation skills of Bushcraft with detailed illustrations throughout

 

[British Red]

Totally agree with Stuart - Mors Ks book is the best that I have read for nice straightforward explanations, line drawings and text. Hardly any "glossy photos" to pad it out. It actually reminds me of a grown up version of the old "scout handbook" from the 60s (which I still have and it still has a lot to teach - if you see an old one in a second hand book stall - have a look - everything from basic navigation to billy cranes in there)

Red

 

[Phil562]

I'll third that Mors K is probaly the best and shop around, IIRC Amazon were the cheapest but check

 

[moko]

In case you didnt know the downloads page on this site has shed loads of excellent 'how to' information. useful if your abit skint at the moment.

Happy reading

 

[fred gordon]

Mr Kochanski for me too. I read a review about the book a while ago, I think it was on Amazon, which said it was a waste of time. 'Spent 20+ pages talking about how to use a knife' said the reviewer. Is that all I cry.

 

[Grimnir]

Well, as it's my birthday I treated myself...

To a long wait I ordered the Mors Kochanski Bushcraft book from my local bookshop but I have to wait almost 2 weeks for it to arrive! Probably could have got it quicker from Amazon but I like to support the local bookshops when I can

 

[stovie]

I'm partial to Richard Graves 10 (but in one volume, therefore one) Bushcraft books. And you can get it online.bushcraft books

 

[tomtom]

Mors 's book it is my favorite with exception to a few plants and some focus on a slighly more snow enviroment than most of ours it nearly all crosses over.. other wise rays outdoor handbook (either the old or the current) would see you through nicely imo!

 

[leon-b]

yes i too have mors k's book and it is great i plan to read it again and instead of just reading it this time i will practice some of the things his book shows

leon

 

[JohnC]

I still have my old copy of "Survival for young people" : Anthony Greenbank.
It may be a bit dated now and there are better books, but it got me interested and out practicing back in the late 70's.
Pen survival kit etc. Even tried the baked bean tin test...
http://www.abebooks.com/servlet/Fra...es.abebooks.com/UNCLEPHILSBOOKS/751021730.jpg

 

[dommyracer]

One thing that I've thought is sorely missing in Mors' Bushcraft and Ray's 'hanbooks' is some basic knot instruction. I know there are other places to find the info, but I've always thought that some basic effective knots, binds and lashings would make the texts a bit more complete.