I have used this book to instruct boy scouts in Native American and early New England craft with great success. The broad range of projects can easily provide you with a year's worth of activities that fit perfectly within the scouting program. The sketches and instuctions are easy to follow and the required materials are not expensive.

This book describes many of the material goods made by Native Americans, and gives the reader an intimate understanding of their construction. Each item is described, with drawings of museum-piece examples. Wilbur then describes how Native Americans made the item (drawing from eye-witness memoirs where possible), and finally describes ways to make reproductions using modern techniques. Really gives one an appreciation for iron. Ideal for a youngster interested in Indians (and what youngster isn't?)

You will not be able to put this book down! The incredible richness of the information and the quality of both the pen and ink drawings and the narative are outstanding.

This book really brings together the why and how of early American architecture: It tells the story of how the richness of wood resources in early America affected the development of tool technology which in turn contributed to the evolution of building techniques that were uniquely American.

If you like Eric Sloan, or historical woodworking in general, you are going to love C. Keith Wilbur.

Graphic and Fact filled paperback is an excellent resource for sand-crabs and sea-dogs alike. Terrific historical references, accurate and well done sketches, and more provide a thorough review of the maritime side of the revolution here in the colonies. Everything from ship types, rigging, gear, weapons (personal and shipboard), maneuvering, signals, 'recruiting', berthing, and more are stuffed into this paperback. Want a recipe for hardtack? Need a pattern for that proper cover (hat)? Wonder what a sailor really did with all that hair at sea? My copy is well dogeared, as I'm reaching for it often when researching material for my theatrical or reenactment characters. For an expatriate Connecticut Yankee, this is also a trip through my own history!

Man, they say this book is for 9-12 year olds, the information in this book would turn a normal 9 year old into a puking ball (if they arn't already). I'm doing a report for my U.S. History class on medicines and practices of the American Revolution, and it turned my stomach (but tought me so much). Even if you don't like history I still think you need to get this book!

The book has a loose, flowing, chatty narrative style that makes it read like a work of fiction. The information is dispensed with clarity and often a sense of humor. The author's skill with language keeps the reading upbeat and there is never a lull or dull point. Whether you are interested in the warfare between neighboring tribes or the means of food preparation, the writing will mesmerize you.

If you are interested in learning to craft Indian objects, this is an excellent guidebook. It is detailed enough that you can create your own items by reading the description and looking at the pictures. I tested it by creating an atlatl and the description was super easy to follow. It worked out well.

This would be a great manual for any person works with youth groups.

Excerpt reprinted from Rambles.

If you think this is a new title, beware. It is a new title on an old text: Picture Book of the Continental Soldier (Stackpole Books, 1969). The contents are dated, i.e, the hunting shirt pattern bears no resemblance to the original at Newburgh, NY Washington's HQ, research shows the cooking gear was more like tin buckets than iron pots, the cartridge pouches became standardized during the war, enlisted mens tents are not as they are pictured, the Pickering musket tool was probably never made as none have ever been found, etc... For the 1960's this book was pretty good, but 30+ years of research contradicts much of what this book pictures as being typical Continental soldier equipment.

I first checked this book out five years back at the locallibrary. All books in Dr. Wilbur's series on early American life areimmensely enjoyable and a work of art in themselves, with painstakingcaligraphy and illustrations. It is plain to see that the author has created a series of books that have informed and entertained generations of Americans, young and old alike. I picked my hardback copy up at the Monticello Visitor Center. I aim to collect every single volume. Dr. Wilbur's books are a must for those interested in living history. END

I found this book to be a nice introduction to the topic of shipboard life. Overall, the book gives the feeling that you are sitting with an old salt discussing sailing. In many instances, drawings in the book have been made from photographs or museum pieces, I would have preferred to see the detail of the photograph rather than a simpler and less accurate drawing. It has some facts on ship life and fittings that I have found no where else, however, it left me wanting more than it could provide. For those interested in finding out a little about the topic (those looking for a primer) this is a nice book with interesting drawings and anecdotal references. For those of a more serious bent, the book will not entirely satisfy.