Outdoors Books

I was fortunate enough to win a copy of Graves' book 'The 10 Bushcraft Books' in 1976. It is in hardcopy and probably covers the same type of content that is included in this other bushcraft book; ropes & cords; huts & thatching; campcraft; food & water; firemaking; knots & lashings; tracks & lures; snares & traps; travel & gear; and, time & direction. It was printed by Hogbin, Poole (Printers) in Sydney, Australia (no printing or copyright dates). FYI, on the dust jacket it gives some background on Graves. He initiated and was the Commanding Officer of 'the Australian Jungle Rescue Detachment, assigned to the Far East American Air Force'. These were 60 specially selected soldiers who 'successfully effected more than 300 rescue missions, most of which were in enemy-held territory, without failure of a mission or loss of a man'. It goes on to say, 'An essential preliminary for rescue was survival, and it was for this purpose that the notes for these books were written. These notes were later revised and prepared for a School of Bushcraft which was conducted for 20 years'. And very accurately states that there 'is nothing quite like them, nor is any collection of bushcraft knowledge under one cover as comprehensive'. The ISBN was/is 0 909824 24. This book may be another option, though probably just as hard to find. Good luck!

I purchased this book back in 1983, and I referred to it frequently while I was in the US Army. This book is an excellent read for novice or expert alike, and Graves makes the message simple with straightforward instructions and illustrations. It is a shame that I cannot purchase this book again since I have just about worn out the copy I have!

Kenneth Smith

I bought this book way back in the mid 70's when I was in High School. I used it for a reference on my "Extreme" camping adventures. I then found it to be even more valuable and usefull while serving in the 82'd Airborne. I "Lent" this out to a friend and it was never returned. I know that info presented in this book has been used by my friend while assigned as a survival instuctor for a very elite unit in the U.S. Military. I would recommend this book to all who wish to have a practical guide to survival and I'm pleased to finally get a copy back in my hands.

I picked up a copy of Bushcraft in 1983 and it has been my constant companion. As an Instructor at the Marine Corps Jungle Survival School in Okinawa I used its lessons extensively and have never found a better manual of wilderness survival. Later, as an instructor for the National Outdoor Wilderness school, I taught my students some of the skills I learned from Bushcraft. If you can find a copy, buy it!

I bought this book 20 years ago, when I was a boy scout in the Pacific Northwest. It accompanied me during my Marine Corps enlistment -- and has been to more countries and climes than most people.

GRAVES writes in a straight forward and brief style that stays on message. Judging from GRAVES experiences and the few pics inside the book, it appears he was in the Aussie SAS -- although he never comes out and says so.

There are numerous sketches in the book that clearly demonstrate his ideas and methods.

I find it amazing that this book has not been reprinted. It is a shame...

I own many of the Better Homes and Garden books and have never been disappointed in their style.

This book, as the title states, is about "Garden Style. It is a hardback book filled with many colorful photos.

The book is divided into different areas regarding either living with the "garden style" or creating the "garden style" in your home.

There are a few BEFORE and AFTER photos included in the last chapters, but mostly, this is a pictorial book showing how to use garden accessories, and/or garden structures in your home , your porch, your shed, and/or your garden.

I have a single favorite place for soul restoring. It's a local plant nursery, but this one is more than that. The owners frequently change and update and relocate plants, garden items, things that hang on walls, in trees, nestle against fences, dangle from ceilings, embrace the earth, cozy in planters with fellow plants and dazzlingly different plants. The place has so many cubbyholes. After I wander this fairy world of greenery and flowery boudoirs, I leave refreshed, my mind ready for more of the knocking about that the world outside brings.

A second choice is a book like "BH&G Garden Style." I can sit with a book like this and imagine life in one of these pictures of garden comfort, inside and out. This is not plant gardening but the comfort of resting and entertaining and playing next to a garden, in a garden setting, just being outdoors or indoors with the ambience of outdoors. I have numerous books like this, but "Garden Style" is really special because it has such rich, imaginative, calming, creative rooms inside and out that are "garden style."

The important selling point for a book like this is how doable are the looks. There are actually affordable decorating tips here. Let me show you what I mean. Randomly opening to p. 38, I find a wicker chair with a side wooden stool, simple design, with a potted pink geranium and a colorful birdhouse. These items are available at local do-it-yourself stores or as is in others. Then surrounding the chair and stool are containers and containers of more potted pink geraniums, pink petunias, junipers, broadleaf plants--all in blue or white or clay pots, creating a calming scene to sip tea and read a book.

Here's another on p. 79. Take a small drop-leaf table, paint it white, put it in a nook or empty corner or wall, add matched botanical prints, two mismatched but coordinated chairs, and top the table with an assortment of plants for a quiet garden look in the midst of indoors.

One more: a mini-greenhouse in wrought iron filled with potted flowering plants set against a large window, anchored by two wicker chairs upholstered in green and white. A lovely garden look (p. 105).

I am currently creating a cottage garden outside my patio where I feed the birds. Some of my ideas come from this book. See you later outside for tea and Pennyroyal dumplings from my herb book, or maybe herb scones from a scone book.

This inspiring book is a wonderful guide for incorporating the pleasure of nature and garden accessories into a welcoming home decor. The author provides a wide range of possibilities to blend with the wishes and desires of any home decorator. Within the pages of this beautiful resource, the reader will uncover whimsical, country, cottage, mountain, old world, British Colonial, and a bounty of other styles that are adapted to the nature lovers vision of tranquility or fun. The interiors of the vistas that have been photographed are each the product of real people who have opened their homes to the author. The author also includes a visual display of home gardening boutiques and shops from around the country which present their lovely wares to assist this enchanting approach to home decorating.

This has quickly become one of my favorites. Every vignette has ideas popping off the page. I'm a designer in a small design firm and we have used it with clients. The other designers got excited about it as I did. Clinets are asking us to bring the outdoors in and indoors out. This book is loaded with ideas that are practical and don't break the pocketbook.

This book has inspired me to redo many of our rooms usingsimple and easy to find garden-style accessories. ............... the fabulous sequel to this book, Garden Style Projects. I may need a new house now so I can keep using all these ideas.

I was about to get rid of the book because I have not used it and stopped. beautiful pictures everywhere. Full descriptions. Not too weird. Good idea's.

Toulouse Sausages: Take bacon, run it through the food processor, add a few spices, stuff it in a casing, price with toothpicks and grill it? Looking at the big picture of Toulouse Sausage on the grill I decide to try it someday. Grilled Bacon Sausages. I bet this would go with char-grilled pineapple with sweet rum glaze. Bacon and rum glazed pineapple. Roasted Garlic Atoli (roasted garlic, mayonnaise from scratch and a bit of salt & pepper)

I have the hardcover book and decided it is worth keeping. The book is worth a second look.

This is a truly terrific cookbook, specifically about grilling. Excellent recipes, instructions, photographs.

This is a great cookbook for outdoor or indoor grilling. Special attention paid to sauces and prep, tells you how to do it. Graet book

Have tried half of the receipes. Not a bad one yet. In fact, most have been very good! Sauces, marinades, and seasoned/flavored butters are particularly good.

"All around the world people cook over open fire. It's how cooking began and it has stood the test of time."

Eric Treuille and Birgit Erath have created an entire world of globally inspired recipes for the grill. Birgit loves to travel and owns a spice store with over 1,800 culinary flavorings called The Spice Shop. Eric is a favorite author who started cooking in his uncle's boulangerie in France. Together they have created a feast for the eyes and a sense of nostalgia for cooking outdoors.

After going through a number of gas grills, I think I'm going back to charcoal for a while because cooking over charcoal seems to be much more of an art form. The authors give instructions for making a fire and checking the temperature of the coals.

An entire section is dedicated to spices and you might want to look for some smoked paprika or Pomegranate molasses. While most of the recipes use ingredients you may already have in your kitchen, there are some more exotic ideas. Annatto seeds are used in the achiote seasoning and this in turn is used in the Recado Rojo - a honey marinade for pork chops, shrimp or chicken. You are truly creating recipes from scratch and you can make up seasoning mixtures from the spices you already own.

Sample Recipes:

Chargrilled Sirloin Steak with Garlic Parsley Butter
Cilantro Beef Satays with Honey Tamarind Glaze
Lamb Tikka Masala
Spicy Masala Shrimp
Sweet Chili Chicken
Lemon Ginger Chicken Drumsticks with Mango and Mustard Seed Glaze
Chargrilled Corn on the Cob with Cilantro Chili Butter
Chargrilled Pineapple with Sweet Rum Glaze
Lemon Tahini Sauce
Avocado Mango Salsa
Honey Miso Sauce
Black Olive Butter

"Grilling" even has a recipe for Mayonnaise, Focaccia and Spicy Pita Chips. There are ideas for advance preparation and lists of grilling equipment.

~The Rebecca Review

Thius cookbook has so many great recipes even my boyfriend has started enjoying cooking!!!

This collection of cookbooks from Williams-Sonoma rocks! With over 40 recipes in this one book alone you're set for the casual backyard BBQ with friends or a more intimate dinner with the one you love! The pictures alone are reason enough to buy this book. From grilling vegetables to pears with raspberry-Grand Marnier sauce this book covers a wide spectrum of mouth-watering recipes. **The baby back ribs with honey-jalapeno marinade are to die for***.

Be sure to add this to your cookbook collection -- and don't stop here... there's nine more on this website and even more at Williams-Sonoma stores to make your collection complete!

Happy Grilling!!!!

This is a truely wonderful addition to any cookbook collection. Unlike most cookbooks that require you to spend a lot of money buying ingredients you most probably will only use once, these recipes mostly require olive oil, garlic, onions, peppers, the basic seasonings (e.g., oregano, salt, black or lemon pepper, etc.), and occasionally one more fancy addition (making the dishes MUCH less expensive, and allowing the true delicious taste of the meats and vegetables to come through). The book also offers a nice variety of dishes. It includes recipes for grilling chicken, fish, meat, mushrooms, AND deserts! (Did you know you can make a desert on the grill?) As a last point, these simple dishes can look fancy enough to impress anyone. I made a whole dinner for my husband on our two year wedding anniversary. I served the Shrimp with Lemon-Garlic Butter and Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Basil Oil over rice, the Grilled Red Pepper, Sweet Onion, and Tomato Salad on the side, and the Grilled Pears with Rasberry-Grand Manier Sauce for desert. It took me about 45 minutes to prepare all the rubs and sauces (just because it was my first time putting it all together), but about 10 minutes to cook everything at the same time, and 3 minutes to serve. The meal was such a hit that my husband wants to make a new grilling dish every Wednesday night! By the way, for the novice grillers, the book also offers a glossary and an instructional section discussing types of grills, preparing the grill, checking for doneness, etc. I hope you enjoy the book as much as we do!

This book makes me pumped for summer! The recipes for the marinades and sauces look and sound really good. They are also explained very easily. One thing that I really liked about this cookbook, among others, is that the variety of meats, vegetables and all that good stuff is pretty big. It's not your 'regular old down home grillin' guide'. It's got pizazz, and I like that. I would recommend this cook book to anyone who likes grilling. Or, if you don't like grilling, get it for someone who does.

Wow. what a find. I was hesitant to buy the Williams and Sonoma book because I thought that the recipes would be too complicated and require expensive ingredients and be too fancy for the way I like to cook, but the dishes are easy to prepare and extremely elegant - without being too time consuming. I love this book. Got this book in the mail two weeks ago and have used it half a dozen times so far.

I first read Hunter's book as a teenage boy and was transported by his stories of hunting dangerous game in the African bush. Hunter's influence was one of the reasons that I became a big game hunter, myself, hunting all over the world including much of Southern Africa and Ethiopia. Still, it is with regret that I couldn't see Africa in a more pristine age as did John Hunter.

It is pitiful that Kenya, the site of many of Hunter's adventures, subsequently banned big game hunting and the traditions of one of the greatest of all hunting nations have largely been lost. I keep hearing rumors that Kenya is "opening up", again. Let's hope so.

Ron Braithwaite author of novels--"Skull Rack" and "Hummingbird God"--on the Conquest of Mexico

This is the best book on African Dangerous Game Hunting that I have read to date. John Hunter (coincidence of name and profession) hunted in Africa (mostly Kenya) in the first half of the 20th century and with his 'cropping' activities for the Kenya Game Department shot staggering numbers of the 'big five'. His unassuming old world style is engaging and I found the book difficult to put down and was disappointed when I reached the end - I was left craving more. That he survived to write his books is testimony to his skill as a hunter.

A great book, one of the best on African hunting I have ever read. Hunter is right up there with Pondoro Taylor as knowledgeable yet entertaining as well.

This book is a timeless classic and definitely, definitely worth reading. If you are a big game hunter (or an aspiring big game hunter), this book is an essential addition to your library. This is quite possibly the best hunting book ever written. Better than Hemingway's accounts, in my opinion.

I first read "Hunter" when I was in college more than 40 years ago, and I can still remember J.A. Hunter's sadness and lament when he described his feelings upon the loss of his dog. In that instance he said "that you grow too fond of a dog. I sometimes wonder whether the pleasure in owning a dog is worth the misery caused by his death." An excellent book that I would recommend to all readers, but especially teenagers and young adults.

I truly enjoyed reading "Living the Gimmick" and have been
searching for other books by Mr. Peller. I am very anxious
to get my hands on his next book, The Pearls of Mohatama Beach.
Any way to get an AUTOGRAPHED copy? I want to be in
possession of one because we are going to be hearing more
from Ben Peller and I would love to have a book signed by him.

A few years have passed since I read Living the Gimmick. Even so, I've thought so much about it that I had to write a review! The adventures of the main character provide a lot of amusing insights into the wrestling industry. Admittedly, I'm not really into wrestling, yet I'm sure wrestling fans will enjoy this insider perspective and spin. This book is also excellent as a literary work due to it's well crafted plot and skillful writing style. Beyond wrestling, this novel is really a critique of pop culture and fame. I've read a lot of "classic" novels, but it's the scenes from Living the Gimmick have stayed with me after all this time.

Living the Gimmick is full of descriptions that are beautiful without being flowery, contains dialogue that consistently rings true, and moves at a remarkably fast pace without ever feeling frantic. Overall, it is one of the best novels I've read in a long time.

This is one of those rare gems written by an unknown author that most people will never discover. I have little interest in wrestling but became quickly engrossed into this roller coaster ride of a story. Quite the page turner.

I had low expectations for this when I downloaded it for my Palm eReader. I was hooked after the first chapter! The author is frank, the subject is fresh, and the pacing is zippy. I'd give it 5 stars, but after all, the subject is professional wrestling . . .

A MUST read for everyone. Anyone that would like to see what life was like for the people who built this country will enjoy this book. It does not matter which side of the fence you are on you will enjoy it and if you are like alot of people today and don't do much but sit on the fence you will enjoy it too. A book about people this country should be taking better care of now ie better healthcare and prescription drugs for our older Americans

I'm sure you get many letters and compliments on your book, but my husband has never commented on a book as much as he has after reading yours. He thoroughly enjoyed the copy loaned to him by his cousin, and I thought a copy of his own would be a nice Christmas present! I'm so glad that you wrote this book about your very interesting and adventurous life. So many stories are forgotten or lost to us, your book helps to preserve these tales for future generations to enjoy.

I would have given this book a good review. The stories were interesting and raw...just like I like them. That is until I got to the part where "Lusty Lloyd" writes a story about someone I love. It was unkind, ignorant, and just plain false. Had the names of these people been used, he could have been very easily sued for slander. I grew up in Ash Valley...I know these people. The title states that these are "His True Life Stories." 207 true stories? I think not. In fact, a great deal of these stories are embellishments. I bought this book as a Christmas present, but could not give it to anyone because it would have hurt them. Had it been true, I'd let it go. But I know it's not. I was very disappointed. But if you don't care about that, then you'll probably love this book.

Lloyd Keeland is an American Icon. He has been there done that. As a former Marine in WWII I can attest to his heroics in surviving Iwo Jima. He was one of the few that survived the entire campaign somewhat intact. His yarns about the logging industry brought back some great memories for me. Again, he knows his stuff. Some of the episodes at Loon Lake were indeed hilarious, they were also very believable. Some of those goofy happenings I have been through so I can vouch for their authenticity. Anyone who knows the Northwest or has an interest in our history should enjoy Lusty Lloyd, he is a classic.

LLoyd and Ellen, you have outdone yourself. The stories are funny , to the point, and written in down to earth fashion such as Mark Twain. The book may not be politically correct, but you will read it with a smile on your face and and a chuckle in your heart. It brings back many familiar adventures when I was a kid growing up in the back woods of Oregon. The Pen and Ink renderings of Ellen Keeland to illustrate the stories is impecable. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

I bought this book for my husband who was one of those rare men who can't grill! He has used several of the recipes in the book and hasn't failed yet! The book contains all the info that a novice needs to know about grilling, whether it be a charcoal grill, a gas grill, a smoker, or an indoor grill (like a George Foreman). The grilling recipes give instructions for both gas and charcoal- something you usually don't find. I would recommend this book to anyone who grills!

The friend I bought this for told me that the recipes she tried turned out to be succulently delicious.

Plastic spiral binding with spine lettering lends to both lay-flat handy use and easy location in a cookbook collection, enhancing the appeal of a new 2nd, updated edition packing in over 800 recipes and well over a hundred color photos to support them. This combination makes NEW GRILLING BOOK exceptional - as does the attention to different types of grills and methods, from charcoal and gas to smokers and indoor grills. From Lamb with Spinach Pesto or Gingered Tuna Kebabs to Raspberry-Sesame TriTip Roast, NEW GRILLING BOOK is a top pick any home griller must have - especially audiences seeking new recipes and innovative ideas.

I can't wait for grilling season. There are so many great recipes I want to try. This was a great purchase.

I bought this book for my Dad for Father's Day and he LOVES it! Of course, I wouldn't expect anything less from Better Homes and Gardens! I love my red plaid book!

A well presented book that outlines a breathing technique that is simple but extremely effective. I purchased this book after having purchased and read Opening the Energy Gates of Your Body. I have practiced TM meditation for 33 years and Tai Chi for 15 years. Bruce offers a new and freshing approach to these valuable techniques for self development.

this book was great for beginners or should be read by people interested in learning the internal arts. All people who begin learning an internal art have questions.This is a very deep subject and at times difficult to understand,Mr. Frantzis answers so many of these questions.when you begin your journey this book will be a good refence also. GLENN LITZAU

Bruce Kumar Frantzis is awesome, both as a teacher, and as a lucid writer. The Power of Internal Martial Arts and Chi is a well written tome that interlaces Frantzis' personal history with the history of a wide variety of the martial arts, from karate to bagua, and is an excellent introduction into the martial and healing arts. I highly recommend it for the novice as well as the seasoned martial artist. It is definitely a book that inspires and motivates.

This is an amazing book in my opinion and it goes into great detail about every aspect of the 3 main Internal Martial Arts of China.
Everyone with an interest in studying Tai Chi should read this book!
My review is based on an earlier version of the book which I purchased a few years ago.

I have been studying Yang Style Tai Chi for 6 years now in Northern Ireland and more recently, Wu Style Broadsword and I have found that good teachers are few and far between.
I have very been lucky to find 2 good teachers!

I have 5 of Bruce's books now, a video and some DVD's ~ I refer to them on a regular basis for tips, but mainly for inspiration, when the circumstances of life prevent me from practicing as regularly as I would like.
The book that this review is concerning is excellent in that respect ~ it demonstrates the immense possibilities of what one can achieve by training their own body and mind & this process ultimately gives one access to their spirit and to their higher spiritual qualities.

All of Bruce's work is so multi-faceted ~ you will get what you need depending on your level of experience and understanding ~ this is something that you feel after a lot of practice, rather than a mere intellectual understanding ~ next time you read, you will pick up something new and so on and so forth.

Just like regular practice of a form ~ if you are really focusing on what you are doing, you pick up on very subtle qualities each time you practice and that information can be used to improve your form & help you reach higher levels of perfection.

This book has developed in me, an interest in studying Ba Gua Chang, which I hope to get into in a few years time, after I perfect my current Tai Chi and Broadsword forms.

When I read Bruce's books, I feel myself "like a small baby" (in the words of the immortal T.T.Laing)
The amount of knowledge contained in this and his other books is phenomenal!!!

My advice? ... BUY IT ... it will become one of your best friends on your life-long journey of discovering your true potential.

This is a good book for overview and good for beginners to martial arts. But you will not find any practical hints. On the other hand although I found only one sentence useful in the book, it is worth to buy and read this book for this only sentence.

If you could buy only one book on sailing, have moderate experience and enough common sense not to do things that will obviously damage the hull or hurt the crew, this would probably be it.

It is not perfect, in the sense that there is no engineering math, but it's so good that, having lost my copy, I'm buying a replacement now.

A super book, great illustrations, very srtaightforward approach to explaining sails and rigging. Glossary could be bette but not much.

When it comes to sail & rig tuning I think it is important not to complicate things too much and write 3 exceptions for every rule. This book gives clear advice on the biggest issues in sail & rig trim and illustrates them as well.
Very good book to get the most out of your boat!

Good physics, good illustrations, good explanations mean that you will have the intellectual tools to maximize your sail power. That will mean minutes in a race, and hours or days on a passage...as well as the safety of a well tuned rig. A must read for anyone powered by sail.

I brought this book to check the rigging on a boat that I want to build.
The diagrams are very clear and the book is concise and easy to read.
While this book was helpful it was not really what I was after.
I see this book being great for those sailors who want to win races.