Images are given 2 pages that could better be kept on a single page or half page; who wants to see an image with a page crease in the middle anyway -- it totally ruins it. I would rather have seen more, smaller images, I expected much more detail on the actual techniques used. I expected an authoratitive reference on survival -- but perhaps Ray has already covered much of this in one of his earlier books(?). This is typical BBC publishing dross, they really should stick to TV. This book is pretty worthless -- much better to buy the DVD of the series, which has more detail and better images. Don't get me wrong though -- Ray is "the man", the best thing on TV.


I wish I was 21 again .......   September 4, 2005
 23 out of 26 found this review helpful

For those who enjoyed the BBC series by the same name, this will be a welcome addition to their library.

While the book cannot really compete with the impact, immediacy, entertainment and atmosphere of that provided by the TV series, it is surely the next best thing.

Revealing an enormous depth of knowledge, Ray Mears shows how to construct shelters from the elements suitable for virtually any time of the year amid a variety of locations and environments.

He approaches such elementary tasks such as how to light a good fire in all types of weathers, using the materials readily available in the wild, together with many other essential everyday skills needed to survive in the great outdoors. Skills which Ray ably shows can be used almost anywhere in the world.

Applying essential Bushcraft skills, Ray demonstrates their application throughout a variety of differing situations and locations.

Providing a somewhat different approach to Ray's earlier works, the expertise and experience of a number of others are also brought into the context of this excellent study providing an added interest during Ray's travels.

Ray continues to live the dream of so many in an excellent book which is replete with excellent photographs and tips throughout. I wish I was 21 again ......