[OKMatt]

Before you remind me about the search function, I searched Survival Books on this forum and came up with a lot of fiction.
I am interested in the non-fiction, how-to type.
any recommendations?

 

[bowl443]

It'd have to be the only one I have, the

.

 

[Groo]

I bet some of the boy scout books would be a good basic place to start.

really, you need a small library, book for everything.

plants identification, folk remedies, leather working, building with old style tools, first aid, it goes on and on. you wont find a book that does a good job with everything.

 

[iCreek]

You need to check this book out, I really like it, an old wise Scoutmaster gave it to me one year. Expert tips from The American Red Cross, The U.S. Army, The Boy Scouts of America, The Girl Scouts of the USA. Very complete, colored chapter tabs, great list and how to(s). How to Navigate by the sun, build a fire without matches, Find Water, Signal for Help, Preparation, Shelter, First Aid, Food Pantry info, etc, etc,

Amazon.com: National Geographic Complete Survival Manual (9781426203893): Michael Sweeney, Mireya Mayor, Michele Kayal, Betsy Levine: Books

 

[AZXD]

When Technology Fails is a book worth reading.

IMO there is no one single survival book worth carrying around, so ... I'll settle for a good natural/alternative medicine book, if I can only have one book.

Total Resistance: Swiss Army Guide to Guerrilla Warfare and Underground Operations
By Major H. Von Dach Bern
The Swiss long planned to be overrun in the next major European conflict. This was the manual they came up with, a guide for citizens to continue the fight against a totalitarian occupying force. It has a lot of stuff you will have a hard time finding elsewhere. Including a lot of stuff on tactics and logistics specific to resistance movements, supplies and setting up a secure resistance organization. 25 MB expands to 100 MB


The Ranger Handbook
2006 Edition
Free Download ! 7MB

I bought the following and can recommend it as a solid reference and thought builder toward future real World scenario's and the occasional zombie attack.

When Technology Fails (Revised & Expanded):
A Manual for Self-Reliance, Sustainability, and Surviving the Long Emergency by Matthew I. Stein (Paperback - Aug. 18, 200
​

 

[saltair]

Try the FOXFIRE BOOKS. probably 10-15 volumes. The Short version (my opinion) is about school children interviewing oldtime mountain people of the Carolinas on how to do EVERYTHING from " soaping making to gutting hogs, setting traps and building a cabin...even how to make a moonshine still". Weeks of steady reading. Anchor book edition: 1972 by ELIOT WIGGINTON (this is the book i'm looking at in my hand) I gave some of these books to my father in the 1970's to read. He grew up hard times during the depression and picked apples for 1 1/2 cents per bushel. Living on a farm his family had it better then most. Check the library about Foxfire Books...lots of folklure.

 

[AZXD]

OKM,
If you can have more than one ... Start here - Knowledge Database

 

[saltair]

As you can read there is not ONE SURVIVAL BOOK to keep you safe and survival fit for you or your family. My father had a lifetime of knowledge (volumes) in his head to survive and feed his family. Multiple 1st hand knowledge books in your bug-out-house will be a great reference during times of desperation. Read, Prepare, and and get the family involved while times are allowing you to do so at a somewhat leisurely time in our lives.

 

[saltair]

OKM,
If you can have more than one ... Start here - Knowledge Database

AZXD, Lots of Good Reads Here and You have done an exceptional job doing your home work..Hats off to you!

 

[Thefatgunner]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say:

 

[ID_ford_boy]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say:

AMEN!!! That is the one book I have in my go bag and every vehicle...

 

[PolsVoice]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say:

meh. read it a couple of times already. Got it memorized.

 

[AZXD]

AZXD, Lots of Good Reads Here and You have done an exceptional job doing your home work..Hats off to you!

Thanks, I need to add some more stuff and bring it back to the front page.

 

[Diesel75]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say:

This is the only book you need.

 

[jasonl6]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say:

+100

 

[Reverenddel]

I agree with Groo. You need a small library! You cannot do everything from one book, and also, keep in mind, some books are SPECIFIC!

A book on vegetation for the East Coast is kinda worthless on the West Coast. I have no idea what desert plants are edible, or poisonous... but I ain't in a desert either.

 

[theg33k]

I would choose a reference guide for edible/medicinal plants based on the fact that that's my big weakness. I can make simple shelter quite quickly and build up to elaborate shelter if time allows. I can find water, hunt and fish with "natural" supplies, make fire, etc.

 

[Mudinyeri]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say:

I was thinking the same thing. All the other stuff is irrelevant without it.