When I purchased this book, I went in with my eyes open knowing that it is a collection of campfire stories and old "best way" methods. I had hoped, though, that I would gain a little insight into some practical tips and suggestions for today's nature enthusiast. And though there were some, there were very few. The redundancy and laughable suggestions (use a 8'- 10' fishing pole for pike; the best fishing poles are bamboo) eroded the practical application of the remaining insights. So if you're looking for a lesson in firearms (35% of content) or entertainment of how things used to be done before technology entered the outdoor world, the book has real value. If you're looking for tips and suggestions on how to survive in the bush or to support a true roughing-it camping experience, look elsewhere.

Some people may say that the practical things in this book are out of date. I completely disagree. While the technology of camping and fishing has changed, the basic things haven't and that's where this book shines. One of my favorite books is Buzacott's "Sportsman's Encyclopedia" and there are plenty of selections in here from that book, along with bits and pieces from other old-timers' books I've never seen but wish I had! If you want all the latest on outdoors gadgetry, go someplace else. But if you want what really works and what's tried-and-true, then this is the book for you.

Everything's in this book, from two pages on how to predict the weather without a weatherman to how fast a duck flies to how to build a campfire. A worthy addition to a man's library.

I cannot imagine why this book went out of print and why there have been no more editions. With its diversity of topics (plumbing repair, dressing for success, ditching a beau) and its diversity of authors (hundreds of Modern Women, just like me!), this book has kept me entertained and informed for years. Some of the fashion advice is a bit old and the sexual health information could definately use an update, but the book has held up remarkably well over time. I guess plumbing technology and beau ditching just hasn't changed that much over the decade.