1910 founded the Boy Scouts of America
three years after Baden-Powell held the first scout camp, and two years after the published his book "scouting for boys"
Wilderness philosophers/writers
- Thread starter w00dsmoke
- Start date
three years after Baden-Powell held the first scout camp, and two years after the published his book "scouting for boys"
Alastair Dunnett - Quest by canoe/The canoe boys.
While primarily a trip report it's full of stories of life on the western isles, the lasting effects of the clearances, the death of the herring trade, etc.
It's written with a great passion for the outdoors and I'd have enjoyed reading it even if it wasn't based in the area I camp most often.
....which is another reason I thought I'd mention it. Think you'd like it W00dsmoke.
I read this a while ago and currently it's on a passaround with some pals of mine. A true snapshot of life/politics in the west and wonderfully written by a couple of very brave adventurous guys with the most basic of kit compared to our standards.
The names of writers etc coming up are as diverse as us all and I'm impressed by the depth and range of them from various fields and corners of the world, I'll certainly be looking with some detail into some of them! When I get time I'll break the list down to make it easier to use as a point of referance for those who want to explore further.
Yup these guys are all good. My personal favourites are John Gierach and Bob Wyatt. Gierach is a gifted writer, a little sentimental, but gifted. You can really see the hard work put into his books. To write that thriftily require a lot of dedication and the final product is all the more quality for the effort.
My personal favourite is Bob Wyatt, not such a popular guy as Gierach, but everything you should look for in a contemporary outdoor writer. If you fly fish and have not read ‘Trout hunting’, then you may be one of the guys Mike seems to have a problem with. If we only had a living outdoors man with the same enquiring mind coupled with his non-pretention, a classic and entertaining book of wood lore would result.
You can read some of his articles here...
http://www.trouthunting.com/
My personal favourite is Bob Wyatt, not such a popular guy as Gierach, but everything you should look for in a contemporary outdoor writer. If you fly fish and have not read ‘Trout hunting’, then you may be one of the guys Mike seems to have a problem with. If we only had a living outdoors man with the same enquiring mind coupled with his non-pretention, a classic and entertaining book of wood lore would result.
You can read some of his articles here...
http://www.trouthunting.com/
All my favourites have already been mentioned, so the following aren't specifically wilderness philosophers...
But, as Steve van Matre has been mentioned, how about his old partner in environmental education Joseph Cornell. Joseph unlike Steve seems to feel that teaching environmental activities should be free flowing and less prescriptive.
I haven't met either but have read work from both of them.
In fact on Sunday I was out for a walk withthe kids and I taught them how to do Cornells bird call, within a few seconds my daughter had a great tit trying to land on her head and a treecreeper less than 3 mtrs away, along with dozens of other small birds crowing round for a look.
One writer, that Cornell draws on for inspiration is George Washington Carver http://www.nps.gov/archive/gwca/expanded/gwc.htm who commented that people looked at plants but did not See them. He certainly had a very interesting life.
Another worthy of a read is Charles Darwin's Origin of Species, which I read for the first time recently and was actually amazed by how much insight he had into the importance of wilderness and unchanged environmental dynamism.
But, as Steve van Matre has been mentioned, how about his old partner in environmental education Joseph Cornell. Joseph unlike Steve seems to feel that teaching environmental activities should be free flowing and less prescriptive.
I haven't met either but have read work from both of them.
In fact on Sunday I was out for a walk withthe kids and I taught them how to do Cornells bird call, within a few seconds my daughter had a great tit trying to land on her head and a treecreeper less than 3 mtrs away, along with dozens of other small birds crowing round for a look.
One writer, that Cornell draws on for inspiration is George Washington Carver http://www.nps.gov/archive/gwca/expanded/gwc.htm who commented that people looked at plants but did not See them. He certainly had a very interesting life.
Another worthy of a read is Charles Darwin's Origin of Species, which I read for the first time recently and was actually amazed by how much insight he had into the importance of wilderness and unchanged environmental dynamism.
I'm trying to read my way through as many of these that take my fancy that I'm not familiar with and I really must say Olsen's "Notes From The North Country" is absolutley wonderful to read.
I'm half way through and must say it is one of the most beautifully written books I've read. It's easy to read and explores the human condition and it's need for a relationship with wild spaces in a changing world. I would urge anyone with an interest in wild places (and canoeing) to have a read and enjoy. Perfect inspiration for these long dark evenings.
I'm half way through and must say it is one of the most beautifully written books I've read. It's easy to read and explores the human condition and it's need for a relationship with wild spaces in a changing world. I would urge anyone with an interest in wild places (and canoeing) to have a read and enjoy.
Perfect inspiration for these long dark evenings.
Well I love Roger Deakin's writing but I guess he is not really a wilderness writer, more just general countryside.
Arne Næss, norweigan philosopher, partly responsible for the ecosophy movement.
Derrick Jensen, american author and anarcho-primitivist. Read the classical Endgame.
John Zerzan, american author and primitivist philospher. Future primitive is an interesting read.
I think that the concept of anarcho-primitivism is quite interesting. Not as an actual political movement or as a solution to todays civilisations problems but some of the questions they ask are interesting. Ecosophism is something I feel everybody should read.
Derrick Jensen, american author and anarcho-primitivist. Read the classical Endgame.
John Zerzan, american author and primitivist philospher. Future primitive is an interesting read.
I think that the concept of anarcho-primitivism is quite interesting. Not as an actual political movement or as a solution to todays civilisations problems but some of the questions they ask are interesting. Ecosophism is something I feel everybody should read.
Calvin Rutstrum wrote some wonderful contemplative pieces as well as superb practical guides. Back Country is one that's worth hunting for.
You might also try Stewart Edward White, perhaps a bit less philosophical but splendidly evocative. The Forest is one of those "must read" books for the outdoorsman (and it's conveniently available to download from Project Gutenberg, if you don't mind reading it on the screen. I have a delightful pocket-sized edition, though, perfect for the rucksack).
You might also try Stewart Edward White, perhaps a bit less philosophical but splendidly evocative. The Forest is one of those "must read" books for the outdoorsman (and it's conveniently available to download from Project Gutenberg, if you don't mind reading it on the screen. I have a delightful pocket-sized edition, though, perfect for the rucksack).
Craig Childs
In particular "The Way Out"
Check out some of his shorter works here. http://www.houseofrain.com/
In particular "The Way Out"
Check out some of his shorter works here. http://www.houseofrain.com/
M
Mike Denner
Guest
Has anyone else read John Haines book The Stars, the snow. The fire, Its a great book written by a poet from alaska .about his time spent as a trapper in a cabin.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stars-Snow-...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228512878&sr=1-1
One of my favorite books.
Mike
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stars-Snow-...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228512878&sr=1-1
One of my favorite books.
Mike
In reading this thread I was a little saddened by an undertone I detected.
These clueless yuppies who come out into our world, trying to reinvent themselves, and annoying everyone with their expensive kits, they just might be the reason we are out here.
We, who are so skilled and so well educated and so in tune with the wild woods, could reach out with patience and with compassion and with humility, and nurture the fragile spark of the human soul within those clueless yuppies. And our reward would be the joy of watching someone reinvent themselves, changing from being a problem to being part of the solution.
After all, most of us were not born in the wilderness. We were once clueless ourselves. I am still clueless in many fields, clumsy in some. But I was inspired by books and by films; inspired enough to reinvent myself.
And I was nourished in my first feeble attempts, protected from the worst of my delusions, and lead gently along the path, by those who had gone before.
In the eyes of my friends I see what I may become.
Look kindly on the clueless yuppies.
These clueless yuppies who come out into our world, trying to reinvent themselves, and annoying everyone with their expensive kits, they just might be the reason we are out here.
We, who are so skilled and so well educated and so in tune with the wild woods, could reach out with patience and with compassion and with humility, and nurture the fragile spark of the human soul within those clueless yuppies. And our reward would be the joy of watching someone reinvent themselves, changing from being a problem to being part of the solution.
After all, most of us were not born in the wilderness. We were once clueless ourselves. I am still clueless in many fields, clumsy in some. But I was inspired by books and by films; inspired enough to reinvent myself.
And I was nourished in my first feeble attempts, protected from the worst of my delusions, and lead gently along the path, by those who had gone before.
In the eyes of my friends I see what I may become.
Look kindly on the clueless yuppies.
Sorry Im finding this threads tone offensive and discriminatory. Nobody has the right to catagorise somebody from the city as clueless, a yuppie or alike. They have as much right to be in the wilderness as anybody else, it does not belong to any paticular people no more than a city does. people are born where they are and have to work with what they have got.
true. this is a good thread and the links are great. well done w00dsmoke for the effort :You_Rock_
Its just that I was raised in a town and people forget that it is intimidating to branch out of your comfort zone into an area you were not raised to know anything about, and to have other people think that becaus you werent born there, you have less off a connection. I believe often the opposite is true - visiting places and doing things you don't normally do can awaken you to beauty that the locals can miss because they see it everyday.
I know its the wrong continent, but:
Dick Proenneke. I am young but still have some stresses in life. But when I read One Mans Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey, "Real"life melts away and it is a truly inspirational moment. Its one of the best and most enlightening books I have ever read. Heart warming no matter where you live.
Dick Proenneke. I am young but still have some stresses in life. But when I read One Mans Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey, "Real"life melts away and it is a truly inspirational moment. Its one of the best and most enlightening books I have ever read. Heart warming no matter where you live.
Finally got around to updating the list and back on track
Feel free to print out and keep a copy for future reference for your expanding inspiration and library! Enjoy
Roger Deakin-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Deakin
Alastair Dunnet-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alastair_Dunnett
While primarily a trip report it's full of stories of life on the western isles, the lasting effects of the clearances, the death of the herring trade, etc.
It's written with a great passion for the outdoors and I'd have enjoyed reading it even if it wasn't based in the area I camp most often.
Charles Darwin- Biologist and Founder of evolutionism
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Darwin
Seton Gordon-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seton_Gordon
famous writer/naturalist, concentrated on the wildlife/culture within the Highlands of Scotland
Richard Mabey-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roger_Deakin
Author, Naturalist
Baden Powell-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baden_Powell
Founder of Scouting movement
Tom Weir-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Weir
Glasgow born climber, naturalist, author and broadcaster, concentrated on Scottish rural/wilderness culture and landscape. A great advocate of wilderness for people and wildlife.
David Stephens- was central belt based Scottish wildlife writer and promoter of wilderness for the sake of wildlife-Uk subject
Mike Tomkies-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Tomkies
ex London journalist turned wilderness/wildlife writer, lived as a hermit in two separate locations in Mhoidart for much of his life and wrote about living with and about wildlife in Spain, Canada and Scotland all while living in the wildest, remotest place he could find with just the most basic of needs met and no more. A modern day hermit, struggling with city life/modern cultural values and finding solace within wild places and wildlife.
Jim Crumley- ex journalist, current author, Trossachs based, broadcaster and wilderness philosopher/poet, advocate of wilderness and writes deeply about the relationship we have with it, a little about the man here;
http://www.treesforlife.org.uk/ilove...eleb_more.html
and further down the page
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yell,_Shetland
Arthur Ransome -author
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Ransome
Abroad
D C Beard -
he founded the Boy Scouts program in the early 1900's. And he also wrote a number of books, including Shelters Shacks and Shanties.
Archibald Belaney-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archibald_Belaney
John Muir-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Muir
a Dunbar boy made good, the man behind national parks in the USA, a wilderness advocate for wilderness sake.
Horace Kephart-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Horace_Kephart
US writer, campaigner
Aldo Leopold-
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aldo_Leopold
US advocate for wilderness conservation,wildlife surveyor, author, founder of wilderness society.
Gene Logsdon - he wrote for Rodale Press/Organic Gardening for years. He also wrote a book called Practical Skills: A revival of forgotten Crafts, Techniques, and Traditions. It is all from a "small farmer" perspective, but you can learn a lot from it.
Joseph Cornell- Educator
(He)seems to feel that teaching environmental activities should be free flowing and less prescriptive.
George Washington Carver-US
http://www.nps.gov/archive/gwca/expanded/gwc.htm
Joseph Cornell- US Educator
(He)seems to feel that teaching environmental activities should be free flowing and less prescriptive.
Henry David Thoreau-US philosopher, pacifist and naturalist
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_David_Thoreau
Guy Grieve- Edinburgh journalist who went to Alaska to build a cabin and write about it and to escape from his personal angst with his lifestyle and values.
Edward Paul Abbey-Campaigner, Author, advocate of wild land, very interesting essays and fantastic novels.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Abbey
Sigurd F. Olson- advocate for widlerness, author, scientist and environmentalist
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sigurd_Olson
Jack London- Author who speaks for himself...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_London
Christopher McCandless-young romantic philosopher made famous from the film "Into the wild", controversial placing him here, however, his convictions were admirable whether you agreed with them or not.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_McCandless
Hehaka Sapa or Black Elk-sad historical account of native american values through his life account
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Elk
Steven Van Matre-founder of Earth Education, author and advocator of a specific style of environmental education
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steve_Van_Matre
Grey Owl (Archibald Belaney) who "..perpetrated one of the 20th Century's most convincing hoaxes..."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_Owl
Nessmuk-needs no introduction for most on here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nessmuk
Jim dale Vickery (also known as Jim Huot-Vickery)
An ex-ranger from the 'North Woods' of the US. He wrote an excellent book 'Wilderness Visionaries' about Thoreau, Olsen, Rutsrum. Muir and Leopold. He also wrote 'Winter Sign' and 'Open Spaces'.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Winter-Sign-.../dp/0816629692
Robert MacFarlane-British author He wrote the worthy bestseller 'The Wild Places'.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Macfarlane
Bill Mason. Canadian canoeman who wrote Path of the Paddle and Song of the Paddle. These are supposedly technical guides, but his love of the wilderness shines through every page.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Mason
Ryokan-Japanese 18th century zen monk who wrote amazing poetry about the relationship between himself and nature
http://falcon.tamucc.edu/~sencerz/ryokan.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ryōkan
Bernard Montessier French yachtsman, environmentalist etc
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernard_Moitessier
Norman Mclean-US author and scholar
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Mclean
John Gierach-US author and fly fisherman
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gierach
Gierach is a gifted writer, a little sentimental, but gifted. You can really see the hard work put into his books. To write that thriftily require a lot of dedication and the final product is all the more quality for the effort.
Arne Næss-, norweigan philosopher, partly responsible for the ecosophy movement.
Derrick Jensen-, american author and anarcho-primitivist. Read the classical Endgame.
John Zerzan-, american author and primitivist philospher. Future primitive is an interesting read.
Jim Vickory-
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wilderness-...=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1228648672&sr=1-1
Writer, story teller
Bob Wyatt- fly fisherman and author
www.trouthunting.com
If you fly fish and have not read Trout hunting, then you may be one of the guys Mike seems to have a problem with. If we only had a living outdoors man with the same enquiring mind coupled with his non-pretention, a classic and entertaining book of wood lore would result.
You can read some of his articles here...(in above link)
Stewart Edward White-US travel author
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stewart_Edward_White
Calvin Rutstrum-US
http://people.mnhs.org/authors/biog_detail.cfm?PersonID=Ruts338
Calvin Rutstrum wrote some wonderful contemplative pieces as well as superb practical guides. Back Country is one that's worth hunting for
Craig Childs-
In particular "The Way Out"
Check out some of his shorter works here. http://www.houseofrain.com/
John Haines-
The Stars, the snow. The fire, Its a great book written by a poet from alaska .about his time spent as a trapper in a cabin.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Stars-Snow-F...8512878&sr=1-1
Dick Proenneke-needs no introduction...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Proenneke
Martin Heidegger has a lot to say on man's place in the environment. Heidegger spent a lot of time in the german forests in order to produce his thoughts... he required solitude and seclusion when developing his ideas.
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