Wildwood Wisdom by Ellsworth Jaeger (2000, Paperback)

Ellsworth Jaeger's 1945 classic "Wildwood Wisdom" is a wonderful book of the 1920-1945 style northren camping and woodcraft. The illustrations every half dozen pages make it a wonderful book for the Cub Scout or Boy Scout. (I first read it in the 1960's and am now making a gift of it to a 12 year old cousin.)

Every book has its weaknesses: "Wildwood Wisdom" has nothing on cougars or jaguars and is mostly about Canada and the Northren United States. Also I would like to see it back in hard cover.

As a former Buck Skinner and woodsman myself, I have not only read many titles about woodcraft, woodlore, and Native American Lore, but I have experienced many of the activities that Mr, Jeager describes. Considering that some of the subjects that Mr.Jeager covers would require an entire volume to cover adequately and many years of living them to master, he has done an excellent job of presenting a storehouse of information that is accurate both historically and factually. The many drawings and sketches clarify the text to the point that even the most inexperienced green horn should be able to use the information successfully. One cannot become a woodsman by sitting in an easy chair and reading books, but one could become knowledgeable about woodlore and Native American lore by reading Mr Jeager's book. He has included most every subject that one would need to "start over" off the grid. Whether you are the head of a household or the leader of a troop of young people, I believe that you would benefit from the information the Mr Jeager has put into this book.

On the down side it was first printed in 1945 and lacks glitzy, full color pictures of the edible and non-edible plants. As mentioned earlier some of the subjects are covered only briefly. To Mr Jeager's defense, subjects such as compass work and map reading require a whole volume to do justice.

The best testimony that I can give is that if, when man's foolhardiness and arrogance finally come full circle and threaten our extinction, this book, along with a Bible, a blank journal, and my bug-out-bag will go with me to my retreat. It is the most comprehensive and practical work on its subject that I have read to date.

If you have ever wondered how they did things before the internet and cell phones, when craftsmanship still meant handmade. Back when everything was built by hand, and usually by the end user, is where this book will take you. There is more information in this book than I would have ever imagined. If you like the outdoors this book is a MUST. The knowledge contained in these pages will feed you, clothe you, house you, and make you a self-sufficient person dependent upon no one.