Books have played a big part in bushcraft through passing on knowledge and wisdom from the tombs of Camping and Woodcraft by Horace Kephart to the volumes by Mors Kochanski. Not forgetting all the related books on topics that expand and craft your bushcraft skills (too many to mention).

There is no better way of learning that going outside and practicing your skills, but sometimes as the nights draw in and the weather worsens there is nothing better than sitting reading and building your knowledge ready for the next opportunity to get to practice.

Finding a good book to read can be both easy and hard. Typing “Bushcraft Books” into the internet will provide a plethora of results from which to purchase. For me though visiting a second hand book shop to browse the shelves on a voyage of literature discovery is an opportunity not to be passed up.

Why? because you may just find something that you hand not considered and will take you down a route to expand your knowledge that bit wider and further. As an example here are my two latest finds. Both these books combined cost £12. Certainly cheaper than the internet (in some cases) and I had the pleasure of perusing these whilst standing near a roaring fire in the corner of the shop (no books were harmed!).

The first book is Woodlands by Oliver Rackham and is from the New Naturalist Library (NN). I have found the books from NN to be good and informative, sometimes a bit heavy, by still good.

The second book is on Archaeology. Why did this peak my interest? It has a whole chapter on tools and lithics with good illustrations and was £2 out of the £12 spent. I hadn’t really considered looking at any Archaeology books for bushcraft inspiration before, but now I will.

So if you spot a second hand bookshop, go and have a look. You may be surprised at what you find.

Bushcraft is the art of living in and thriving in the wilderness, using only the natural resources available. It’s a skill that can be learned and mastered, and there are plenty of books available on the subject. Here are a few:

1. “Bushcraft 101: A Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival” by Dave Canterbury This book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning the basics of bushcraft. It covers everything from building a shelter and starting a fire to finding water and navigating in the wilderness.
2. “The SAS Survival Handbook” by John “Lofty” Wiseman Written by a former SAS soldier, this book is considered one of the most comprehensive guides to survival. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic survival skills to advanced techniques such as navigation, self-defense, and first aid.
3. “Wilderness Living and Survival Skills” by John McPherson This book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn practical bushcraft skills. It covers topics such as shelter building, fire-making, water purification, and foraging for food.
4. “The Complete Guide to Hunting, Butchering, and Cooking Wild Game” by Steven Rinella Knowing how to hunt, butcher, and cook wild game is an important part of bushcraft. This book provides a comprehensive guide to the subject, including tips on field dressing, meat processing, and preparing game for the table.
5. “Advanced Bushcraft: An Expert Field Guide to the Art of Wilderness Survival” by Dave Canterbury This book is the follow-up to Canterbury’s “Bushcraft 101” and provides more in-depth information on advanced bushcraft skills. It covers topics such as trap building, bow making, and advanced fire-making techniques.
6. “The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping, Gathering, and Cooking in the Wild” by Dave Canterbury In this book, Canterbury provides practical advice on trapping and gathering food in the wild. It covers topics such as snaring, fishing, and foraging, as well as tips on cooking and preserving food in the bush.
7. “Edible Wild Plants: A North American Field Guide” by Thomas Elias and Peter Dykeman Knowing how to identify and use wild plants is an essential part of bushcraft. This field guide provides information on over 200 species of edible plants, including descriptions, photographs, and tips on preparation and use.
8. “The Forager’s Harvest: A Guide to Identifying, Harvesting, and Preparing Edible Wild Plants” by Samuel Thayer This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in foraging for food in the wild. It covers topics such as plant identification, harvesting techniques, and preparation and cooking methods.
9. “Bushcraft First Aid: A Field Guide to Wilderness Emergency Care” by Dave Canterbury and Jason A. Hunt In this book, Canterbury and Hunt provide practical advice on first aid and emergency care in the wilderness. It covers topics such as wound care, sprains and strains, and environmental emergencies.
10. “The Outdoor Survival Handbook: A Guide to the Resources and Materials Available in the Wild and How to Use Them for Food, Shelter, Warmth, and Navigation” by Raymond Mears This book is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about the resources available in the wild and how to use them. It covers topics such as shelter building, fire-making, water purification, and navigation.

In conclusion, these 10 bushcraft books cover a range of topics, from basic survival skills to advanced techniques. There are lots of other books available. What are you reading?