Camp-Lore and Woodcraft

I recently discovered Daniel Beard's "Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties" and really enjoyed the ideas, illustrations, and personality of the book. My family and I take camping trips regularly and I have tried to provide many opportunities for them to enjoy and appreciate the outdoors. This particular book by Beard offers even more fun ideas such as various ways to start fires, building camp kitchens, choosing a tent site, and the final chapters close with traditional Native American lore/customs concerning council grounds and fires. Beard references people and stories all along the way who he has learned from and have offered advice as well. The book was originally published in 1920 and it certainly provides insight into a time long gone by. The information and ideas concerning camping and woodcraft is provided in such a way that it's almost like sitting on the front porch with your grandfather and he's passing down the wisdom of the old timers. One of my favorite chapters in the book is the one concerning "Camp Food". There are some very interesting sections in this chapter concerning beaver tail soup and muskrat. He actually offers a good idea of improvising a Dutch Oven with two cast iron frying pans. Simple...yet I never thought of that.There are some chapters concerning pack horses and dogs that I just kind of skimmed through but overall I found the book very interesting and as I said about "Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties", I wish these books could of dropped in my hands when I was a kid. I plan on taking both of these books with me on our next camping trip that is fast approaching. My son and I have already picked out a few things to try out, such as using one of Beard's methods on how to lay a good cooking fire. I've also read aloud to him (he's 6 years old) Beard's advice on how to prepare for a camping trip and have begun putting together a small pack for him to take. It's been a lot of fun and surely builds up the anticipation and excitement for journeying out in the great outdoors. I'll make sure this book makes it to his hands!It's a great book by one of the founders of the Boy Scouts. I was at the used book store the other day and found a 1929 Boy Scouts handbook (revised edition - 9th printing) and it has Beard listed as the National Scout Commissioner and a member of the Executive Board. You can definitely see Beard's influences in that handbook as well. Anyway, highly enjoyed the book and I do recommend this, as well as, "Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties".

Great read, even if you aren't planning on using the information immediately. If your idea of "camping" is the Hilton, then this book is not for you.This book was first published in 1920, by a man who knew the woodsmen that lived the life, during his lifetime. The author, an experienced woodsman, or woodcrafter, interjects a more than a few personal antidotes throughout the book. It is well written and illustrated, even though at times, finding the correct figure and illustration can be a little frustrating to some.Historically fascinating, as he comments on his talks with actual Civil War Veterans, and the wild men of the west. A lost art of actual surviving with what you have on your back...quite literally. I had to remind myself that when the author mentions "that back in the 60's" ...really meant, back in the 1860's, not the 1960's!The book is actual a precursor to one of the first U.S.B.S. scouting books. It has a very "scouting" feel to it. From building "cooking" fires to "warming" camp fires, shelters, and how to load-up packing horses. You will find the book entertaining to say the least, if not for the historical aspect. The writing style reflects language of the 1920's, both in context references and humor.I really enjoyed reading this and it's a good book to start on, for those interested in getting back to their frontiersman-like roots. This book will take you to a place before the industrial era. It's more of a starters guide and fairly basic. It will tell you the basics of gutting an animal, but not on how to hunt, trap or forage. There are more detailed books on these matters. It will tell you basics on shelter types, wood types, basic camp knots and such, and the author assumes you have a bit of common sense. He tells you of camp etiquette, where and how to set up a camp and breaking down camp. There is also Native American philosophy peppered throughout the book that reminds us that we are only here for a short period of time.This would make a great gift for the young adventurer in your family, or any adult that appreciates the wisdom and art of camping.

There are newer versions of this title that omit the casually racist comments. I believe this is one of them, though it was a gift for my granddaughter who thinks camping is normal, not houses. A good book for young adventurers, though they will need adult supervision with several of the projects because the tools and woods may not be handy to a modern back yard.

This classic from Dan Beard stands the test of time. While technology, culture, and tastes may change, the wilderness does not. His insights and wild wood ethos give me the urge to get back to camp. I felt like I was sitting by the fire with a mug of coffee listening to Dan tell tales and impart his wisdom. It's at once practical and nostalgic. Modern wilderness explorers may discount Dan's "outdated" wisdom but for those who can open their minds and take it all in there is a great feeling of connection with those who have walked the trails before them.

A amazing research item for the outdoor person. A trip down the days , before hi tech.Must for any boy or girl, for a birthday present.

This is a great book for readers looking for older camping techniques that is lost in today's high tech outdoor gear manfacturers. There are plenty of drawings that do a good job of showing you how to do things such as, different tent configurations. This would also make a good book for boyscouts to study.This is not for people looking for the newest and most high speed outdoor survival skills.

The book is a classic one, and will be of special knowledge in our time, or in any survival situation.The author "Daniel C. Beard" knows his subject. Jaime.

Livre en anglais.Peut compléter l'autre livre " Woodcraft and indian lore", si votre aventure ou votre imaginaire concerne les indiens. Bonnes idées très techniques sur les feux des camps, et la cuisine en plein air ( la moitié du livre). L'autre moitié va vous dire comment "charger" un cheval, un chien ou un homme, comment monter une tente,... Bref, un livre de trappeur américain, pas forcement ce que les français imaginent sous le terme woodcraft.

A great book full of interesting nuggets of information. Old school bushcrafting at its best.

to learn bush craft it is a great book to have to refer back on

Good book from an historical perspective. Well written. But would not recommend for anything beyond historical interest.