Book of the Month
As featured in the May/June 2010 issue of Practically Seeking.
Samuel Thayer
Wow, all I can say is Samuel Thayer has done it again! Only this time,
he has done it even better.
I have spent a great deal of time over the last couple of decades learning
about plants and foraging, and yet due to Mr. Thayer's research I have
learned many new things about that place he so aptly names Nature's
Garden.
I guess that's one of the things I like about Sam Thayer's books — his
refusal to accept the established myths that are continuously purveyed
and constantly repeated throughout the survival and primitive skills industries.
(Such as the myth of the "Big 4", among others).
Thayer writes from HIS EXPERIENCES, unlike so many other plant "experts" and
authors who simply offer a re-writing of existing literature. He frequently
questions the prevailing wisdom of the Edible Plants community, to all
of our benefits!
Just like his previous book, The Forager's Harvest, Nature's Garden is both entertaining to read and informative. All of the information presented is extremely well-researched, and it is easy to see just how fully knowledgeable Thayer is in this well-documented guide. As an example, I had accepted the cautions of the "experts" all these years regarding solanum nigrum albiet — unnecessarily it turns out, and I am looking forward to a new edible experience very soon now.
Nature's Garden features extensive information on 46
edible plants (all different from those profiled in Forager's
Harvest),
including an outstanding section on one of my personal favorites, Acorn,
in which I was delighted to see that he offered scientific confirmation
on some theories I have held for many years. The color photos are outstanding,
vividly showing key identifying characteristics of those plants that are
discussed.
Lastly, I am happy to say that Sam Thayer and I have the same philosophy
about plants: The fact that a plant is technically "edible",
in that it has no toxic effects, is not a good enough reason for the plant
to be considered food.
It must also be available in quantity, and most of all it has to TASTE
GOOD! Many of you who have attended workshop have no doubt heard me repeat
Thayer's mantra that "Sand is not a food group". :-)
I was so impressed with this work that I immediately added it to the required
reading list for our World of the Hunter-Gatherer programs. I highly recommend
that you add it to your required reading list as well — you will not
be disappointed.
Big thanks to you Mr. Thayer, and Well Done!
Eddie's Bookshelf
Looking for a good book to help further your skills, or your understanding of our world and those who came before? Here are some of Eddie and Julie's favorite books from their own reference shelf.
When you find the one that's right for you, mouse over the book's link and click on the "Buy Now" icon to be taken straight to Amazon.com.
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Botany in a Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification Thomas J. Elpel |
A fast, easy and fun way to dentify plants. Discover the seven key patterns that will help you learn plants by the hundreds, instead of one at a time. A great method to help make sense of the vast amounts of information that can be so intimidating to a beginner. |
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Newcomb's Wildflower Guide Lawrence Newcomb |
Newcomb's five question identification system, based on easily visible features, will have you out and identifying flowers in no time! |
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Peterson Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants: Eastern and central North America Lee Allen Peterson |
This classic from the noted Peterson Guide series describes over 370 wild edible plants (and their poisonous look-alikes) found in the eastern and central United States and Canada. |
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A Field Guide to Venomous Animals and Poisonous Plants Roger Caras |
Another "must-have" from Petersons. With information on over 250 poisonous plants (& 90 venomous animals) this book will help keep you safe and sound as you explore the wonders of the plant kingdom. |
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Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs Of Eastern and Central North America James A. Duke |
Identification information on over 500 healing plants found in Eastern & Central North America, as well as the habitats in which they are found and their known medicinal uses. |
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A Field Guide to Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs Stephen Foster |
Identification information on over 500 species of common healing plants found west of the Mississippi River, as well as habitat ranges and known medicinal uses. |
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Stikky Trees Laurence Holt |
Learn to Recognize the 15 Most Common Trees in the United States—in Just One Hour, Guaranteed! A great book for kids & adults alike. (See Eddie's review in the June-07 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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The Tree Identification Book George W.D. Symonds |
A fantastic book for anyone in the Eastern half of the United States or Canada. The over 1500 photographs include trees, leaves, twigs, flowers, nuts & bark, making it easy to identify your trees in every season. (See Eddie's review in the March-08 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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The Complete Book of Edible Landscaping: Home Landscaping with Food-Bearing Plants and Resource-Saving Techniques Rosalind Creasy |
Ready to chuck the lawnmower and turn your yard into a beautiful habitat for edible wild plants? Then this is the book for you. |
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The Essential Wild Food Survival Guide Linda Runyon |
An excellent "How-to" book on identifying, harvesting, preparing, storing and preserving 50 plants common throughout the U.S. and Canada. Written from experience! (See Eddie's review in the April-08 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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Identifying and Harvesting Edible and Medicinal Plants in Wild (and Not So Wild) Places Steve Brill |
Anyone who has met "Wildman" Steve Brill will not soon forget him! This fun and informative book is a great resource for anyone intersted in wild edibles. |
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Weeds of the Northeast |
One of our favorite plant books! Unique in the fact that it has photos
of both the seedling and seed stages of over 200 plants so you can identify
them at any time of year! (See Eddie's review in the March-09 issue of Practically Seeing) |
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The Forager's Harvest Samuel Thayer |
A must-have for anyone interested in edible wild plants. Thayer brings
his decades of personal experience to bear in dispelling several current
plant myths, and provides great insights, to the benefit of us all. (See Eddie's review in the April-09 issue of Practically Seeing) |
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The Art of Flintknapping D.C. Waldorf |
Without a doubt, THE book on flintknapping!! If you only get one, this is the book you want. Valerie Waldorf's beautiful illustrations provide you with excellent visual guidance as you learn this ancient art. (Also check out D.C.'s new companion DVD!) (See Eddie's review in the September-07 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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Flintknapping: Making and Understanding Stone Tools John C. Whittaker |
This book contains detailed, practical information on flintknapping that will help you to not only make stone tools, but understand the archeological context in which they were originally used. |
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The Traditional Bowyer's Bible, Vol. 1 Jim Hamm |
The ultimate guide for anyone interested in bow building. From choosing the tree to creating your finished bow, learn from the experts. |
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The Traditional Bowyer's Bible, Vol. 2 Jim Hamm |
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The Traditional Bowyer's Bible, Vol. 3 Jim Hamm |
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The Traditional Bowyer's Bible, Volume 4 Jim Hamm |
What happens when true Masters of the craft collaborate! The revised section on bow design and performance constitute a GIANT step forward from the first book. Contains, without a doubt, the finest information available on building a self bow. (See Eddie's review in the June-08 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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Timeless Bowhunting: The Art, The Science, & The Spirit Roy S. Marlow |
More than just a book about hunting with a bow and arrow, this is a must-have for anyone interested in archery, whether traditional or modern, as a hunter or for recreation. Whether you're an experienced hunter or beginning archer, do yourself a favor and give this book a read. (See Eddie's review in the October-07 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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The Art of Making Selfbows Stim Wilcox |
A brand new book on making selfbows, this volume is like none you've
ever seen before. Master Bowyer Stim Wilcox lays out all of
his secrets to making the sweetest shooting selfbows I've EVER shot;
ones that equal and even surpass my laminated bows.
Don't hesitate on this one. Buy it. (See Eddie's review in the August-09 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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Deerskins Into Buckskins: How To Tan With Natural Materials Matt Richards |
Easy to follow, step-by-step instructions make this book the go-to guide for wet-scrape braintan.
(See Eddie's review in the January-09 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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Blue Mountain Buckskin: A Working Manual For Dry-scrape Braintan Jim Riggs |
A thorough and complete guide to the dry-scrape braintan method, written by one of the best braintanners of the modern era. |
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Desert Survival Skills David Alloway |
An excellent and fun-to-read book on how to survive in desert climates, the skills learned in this book can be transferred into a multitude of other tyes of situations. A must-have for any serious survival student.
(See Eddie's review in the August-07 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties: And How to Build Them D.C. Beard |
An oldie but goodie, this book has information on constructing all
types of shelter, from the easy & immediate all the way
up to a full-fledged log cabin, with nothing but the simplest of tools. (See Eddie's review in the February-09 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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Primitive Wilderness Living & Survival Skills: Naked into the Wilderness John McPherson |
Hundreds of photographs and line drawings make this a fantastic resource for all of the basics when it comes to primtive skills. |
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Primitive Technology David Wescott |
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Primitive Technology II: Ancestral Skill David Wescott |
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Survival Arts of the Primitive Paiutes Margaret M. Wheat |
A remarkable and unparalleled look at what life for the Northern Paiute tribes. The details make it possible to replicate the skills of a people who thrived in an area that most consider uninhabitable.
(See Eddie's review in the November/December-07 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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The FOXFIRE Book Volume 1 |
Originally an English class project in 1966 rural Georgia, the
Foxfire Project has spent 40 years preserving the stories and skills
of a "previously-dismissed culture of Southern
Appalachia". Passed on by the people who lived them
everyday, this entire series is a treasure trove of indespensible knowledge
for anyone who desires to live a more "off the grid" style of life. (See Eddie's review in the October-08 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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Back to Basics: |
Divided into six sections and containing basic information on hundreds
of different skills projects, this comprehensive guide to simple living
is worth having on any bookshelf. This book was Eddie's first introduction
to many of the skills he has gone on to perfect. (See Eddie's review in the May-09 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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The Soap Book: Simple Herbal Recipes Sandy Maine |
For anyone interested in making their own soaps this book will be an invaluable resource. Also has a great selection of recipies. (See Eddie's review in the December-08 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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The Herbal Home Remedy Book Joyce A. Wardwell |
Contains many simple recipes for tinctures, teas, salves, tonics and syrups — especially perfect for someone taking their first steps into the world of herbal remedies.
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It Will Live Forever: Traditional Yosemite Indian Acorn Preparation Beverly Oritz |
This book will answer all your questions on how to process acorns or make your own flour. More than just a "how to" on making this delicious and nutritious food, offers a unique insight into the complexity, beauty and integrity of a life well lived. (See Eddie's review in the January-08 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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Plenty: Eating Locally on the 100-Mile Diet |
What authors Alisa & James discover during a year of eating only
what could be found within 100 miles of their downtown Vancouver, B.C.
apartment transcends mere meal planning and will bring the reader a
new awareness of, and appreciation for, the world around them. "Distance
is the Enemy of Awareness" (See Julie's review in the April-10 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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Preserving Food without Freezing or Canning The Gardeners and Farmers of Centre Terre Vivante |
Shunning the common methods of freezing and canning, all of the preserving
in this book is done as naturally as possible to retain maximum
flavor and nutrition, using ingredients that are whole or minimally
processed, and all the methods have been tested and
are easy for "regular people" to try out. A wonderful resouce! (See Julie's review in the January-10 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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Alone
in the Wilderness
(DVD)Dick Proenneke |
In 1968 at the age of 51, Dick Proenneke headed into the Alaskan
wilderness with the intent of staying for a full year. He
stayed for over 30. And even better for all of us, he chronicled his
adventure both on film and in his journals! The wonderful DVD uses Proenneke's
own writings & beautifully shot home movies to create a legacy
that will endure, and can not help but inspire generations to come. (See Eddie's review in the March-10 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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Stikky Night Skies Laurence Holt |
The title says it all: Learn 6 Constellations, 4 Stars, A Planet, A Galaxy, And How To Navigate At Night—in One Hour, Guaranteed! (See Eddie's review in the June-07 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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1491: New Revelations of the Americas Before Columbus Charles C. Mann |
A fascinating look at what new archeological evidence tells us about life in the Americas before European contact. Heavily populated, with highly advanced civilizations — not the "primitive" world you learned about in school! (See Eddie's review in the May-07 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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Kinship with All Life J. Allen Boone |
This book will be your guide to relearning the seemingly lost universal language that will bring you back into kinship with all life. (See Eddie's review in the July-07 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals Michael Pollan |
This is one of those "Must Read" books. Pollan's journey through our
current food system is both eye-opening and at times frightening. At
the very least it will make you pause as you purchase on your next trip
to the grocery store or farmer's market. An excellent and informative
read. (See Eddie's review in the July-09 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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Warrior Woman: The Story of Lozen, Apache Warrior and Shaman Peter Aleshire |
Her name almost
forgotten and her story virtually untold, Lozen was a fierce Warrior
and powerful Shaman who fought alongside Geronimo and her brother Victorio
in the Apache wars. Aleshire pieces together all of the available information
on this amazing life and weaves a story of one of the great women of
history. Warrior, shaman, healer, leader & lethal adversary — I
encourage you discover her incredible story. (See Julie's review in the October-09 issue of Practically Seeking) |
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Making
Silent Stones Speak: Human Evolution & The Dawn Of Technology Nicholas Toth & Kathy Schick |
A fascinating history of and introduction to archeology
and the methods used to age the prehistoric sites. Interspersed with entertaining, & enlightening
tidbits about the authors' personal experiences and research projects, this is an easy and informative
read for anyone interested in Human Evolution and the Dawn of Technology. (See Guest Reviewer Kfir Mendel's review in the December-09 issue of Practically Seeking) |
