How to Camp Out Review
I picked up a first edition of this book many years ago, and its condition is evidence of how many times it has been read. (I had hoped to find reprints available that I could give as gifts, but I guess I'm out of luck. Rats!) Mr. Gould provides the prospective camper with valuable advice covering the logistical, psychological, and social aspects of camping. One of my favorite pages is a list of necessities (which, the author cautions, "is by no means exhaustive") that includes first-aid supplies, shingles (to be used as plates), beeswax, a bean-pot, and even a Bible! In a reflection of his military experience, he devotes part of the text to the importance of the division of labor in the camping party and the requirements of leadership in the person chosen as group captain. This is not merely an instruction manual for learning how to pitch a tent and build a fire (although it is certainly that), but also an eloquent treatise on the need for everyone to pull his own weight as part of a group that's living in somewhat spartan circumstances. It is also a primer on etiquette and civil behavior: there is a moving admonishment to the reader concerning the treatment of farmers: "Do not be saucy to the farmers, nor treat them as 'country greenhorns.' There is not a class of people in the country of more importance to you in your travels; and you are honor bound to be respectful to them. Avoid stealing their apples, or disturbing any thing; and when you wish to camp near a house, or on cultivated land, obtain permission from the owner, and do not make any unreasonable request, such as asking to camp in a man's front-yard, or to make a fire in dry grass within a hundred yards of his buildings...When you break camp in the morning, be sure to put out the fires wherever you are...see that the fences and gates are as you found them, and do not leave a mass of rubbish behind for the farmer to clear up." (Important rules even in the 21st century!) The author also advocates keeping a diary to remember the pleasures of the camping trip long after it has come to an end. In the same way, Mr. Gould's camping guide serves as a reminder of the attraction of "roughing it" in the 19th century. Even if you're not a camper, if you can find a copy, you'll get vicarious pleasure from this splendid book.
How to Camp Out Overview
The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Travel / General; Sports
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Customer Reviews
a great trip in time - Glen Dickinson -
a fantastic trip back in time when ideals were simple and needs simpler. trips and tips that would have aided me as a boy, and may aid me even now, many many decades later. even the view of the role and place of women (although very out of place in this modern era) provides comedy for those with the ability to laugh off the ridiculousness of days gone by.
Dated, But fun and Informative - Recommended - C. F. Hill - Blue Ridge Summit, PA USA
"How to Camp out" is exceptionally dated, but is a very fun read and still has some valuable information to impart. This was published long before a lot of the camping equipment advancements we take for granted and speaks in a tone that many would now now find condescending. With that in mind, it pays to remember that this comes from a different age with different values. Here are my observations:
The tone of the book is almost conversational and is somewhat folksy. This was a pleasure to read and sort of brought to mind advice that a friendly uncle or grandfather might pass along. This gem is worthwhile for any age, "Try to be civil and gentlemanly to everyone", but this one (from the "Tent" section) just isn't practical, "...you would do well to have a sailmaker... show you how the work is to be done."
As noted above a lot has changed since this was written, here is a random sampling:
- Sunblock had not been invented
- Buried wooden barrels were used in place of coolers
- Alcohol listed as a stimulant
- Women "must have a wagon, and do none of the heavy work."
One disappointing thing is that the illustrations on the (free) Kindle versions are missing, but it is a minor complaint considering the cost.
Recommended!
CFH
Ok for what it is - Boyd W. Miles - Bedford, VA
I was not happy to find this was not a facsimile edition but a text only version. I am sure the original illustrations would have greatly improved the book. A very small book but it is worth reading if you are interested in 19th century camping not a book for modern camping advice. The price is a bit high for what you get. A far better book if you can find it is the Horace Kephart Camping and Woodcraft, it dates form a few years later but has a lot more in it. Not like I am going to send it back but if I had looked at it in a store I would not have purchased.
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