[.ca] How to Stay Alive in the Woods: A Complete Guide to ... (ISBN 1579122213)

From Amazon.com:
Rosehips, rich in vitamin C, will remedy scurvy. Poplar, red cedar, elm, and willow are preferable for friction fires. If stuck on a flat, shelterless desert, dig a shallow pit (east-west) to lie in; even a few feet can result in a 100-degree temperature change. This is the sort of information outdoor enthusiasts will find in Bradford Angier's classic guide to survival in the wilderness. Divided into four parts (sustenance, warmth, orientation, safety), How To Stay Alive in the Woods is packed with woodcraft tips and age-old tricks--and it's packable as well, so don't leave home without it.

Some good ideas, but a bit outdated...:
Although there is a good deal of information to be gained from this book, some of the information is a tad outdated. I have read through several similar books and in my opinion the US Army Survival manual as well as Wilderness Survival by Gregory Davenport does a much better job in helping a camper/hiker feel comfortable in knowing how to take care of themselves or others should the situation arise. The initial copyright on the book is 1956; the writing style and information show their age... The discussion of wool being the best bet for cold weather seems a bit outdated. The writing style is unique and not the easiest to read. I wouldn't be comfortable if the only survival information I had were Angiers instructions and illustrations. I found that many of the other "survival" books do a much better job in explaining how to do a given task with step by step information. The illustrations leave much to be desired as I couldn't tell most of the edible plant illustrations from the poisonous ones, and I doubt I could match an illustration to an actual plant if my life depended on it... In my opinion your best bet would be the two other books I mentioned before you considered this one...

Tips for Survival:
You are stranded in the woods, alone and scared. Bradford Angier's "How to Stay Alive in the Woods: A Complete Guide to Food, Shelter and Self-Preservation Anywhere" very well may save your life. Throughout the book, Angier gives important information which is also quite interesting. He covers main topics which are the focal point if each chapter. Most ideas and tactics are generally understandable, although the illustrations are downright ridiculous at times. The moments that leave you thinking "that was a brilliant idea" are often interrupted with common sense tips that make you wonder what age group the book is intended for. Detailed explanations of practical knowledge draw attention from several parts of the book, which results in numerous low points. In conclusion, this book makes for a decent read, but lacks the qualities which would make it a book that you would like to own.

Know the basics.:
Changes are inevitable, and you may find yourself in a position to know how to survive in unfamiliar terrain. This books provides a heads-up for the woods. Know the principles so that you can apply them.

I've read better survival books:
I've read all his survival books, and they are all pretty much the same. Besides being redundant, he's a poor writer, so his writing is often difficult to understand. Aside from that, the book has some merit. It contains many tidbits of valuable information, as the author does know his stuff. However, I would highly recommend that one browse through the book before buying it.

Good Book:
I have never had to use any of the information contained in this book in a susrvival situation but as a kid I did use the information about trapping and snares to catch rabbits in Alaska as a kid (I'm using the third printing 1966 version.) I also built snow shelters to play in. Everything I tried from this book worked.