One Man's Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey

Read how Richard Proenneke built his cabin by hand and thrived (mostly alone) in the bush. What This Book Is: - An important introduction to Richard Proenneke's story - Heavily edited (I would even say rewritten) - A pleasant, easy read (goes great with the 2-part documentary that airs on PBS) - Easy to get your hands on very quickly What This Book Is Not: - Richard Proenneke's authentic journals, in his OWN words - Proenneke's story told in his own voice I was captivated after watching the 2-part PBS documentary, "Alone in the Wilderness". So, I got hold of this book ("One Man's Wilderness"), as soon as possible. On reading, I was prepared to award a 5 stars. That is, until I read "The Early Years (The Journals of Richard L. Proenneke, 1967-1973)". Because then I realized how different "One's Man Wilderness" is from Proenneke's own writings. We get a much better sense of who Proenneke was by reading his own words in "The Early Years". We get a broader picture over several years (558 pages), versus a little more than one year (224 pages). The downside with "The Early Years" is that it seems to be available only from Alaska Geographic. Sure, you won't get "The Early Years" with free Prime shipping. I received mine in about 10 days and it was well worth the wait. "One Man's Wilderness" was still intriguing after seeing the 2-part documentary on PBS. It's just that "The Early Years" authentic and true to the man. Bottom Line: - I would rate this book ("One Man's Wilderness") 3.5 stars if I could - I would rate "The Early Years" 5 stars, hands down - I recommend this book as an easier, quicker read. Many folks are more comfortable with 200+ pages than 500+ - I recommend "The Early Years" for a more authentic, deeper telling of the story - Proenneke's story is a classic Alaskan/American/man-vs-nature tale of independence and ingenuity. Don't miss it.

I first learned of Richard Proenneke by watching a PBS program. Desiring to learn more of his adventure I purchased this book which I read in one sitting. As a retired wildlife biologist, I share with Mr. Proenneke the love of wildlife, being in the woods and all that goes along with it. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to take on such an adventure then come along and share his journey. Having read this book now twice, I feel like Mr. Proenneke is an old friend. I intend to visit him often - for me, reading of his adventure is like comfort food for my soul. Money well spent and I recommend this book to anyone who loves the out-of-doors.

Seeing pictures of Richard Proenneke reminds me of my late father as they look alike in some shots. My dad was a man’s man, didn’t say much, but knew how to do a lot. He wasn’t as enterprising as Proenneke but I can tell that he had some of the same spirit. I think that my dad would have loved to have done what Proenneke did as he ventured up into the Alaskan wilderness with few supplies and trusted on his grit, his building acumen, and his mental and physical muscles to create his own cabin and living area and trek the surrounding lakes and mountains and marvel at God’s country and wilderness. He journals over a year about the building of his cabin and ???, about the temperature and weather, about some of his adventures, about Babe blowing in on the plane and delivering occasional goods and kind interactions. How much does Sam Keith mold Proenneke’s words, thoughts, and style I don’t know but the effect of reading the journal entries as sifted through Keith is like listening to Proenneke, a man in admiration of the wilds, give report and naturalize with keen insight animals and the seasonal changes, ice buildings and budgings and flowers and berries bursting and curling. It gave me hope that I could do even a fraction of what he has done. It’s really inspiring. “One Man’s Wilderness” ends with a Reflections section and Proenneke hits several nails on their proverbial heads, with his insights perhaps being even more true today than they were back when he ventured out. I wanted to share a bit of one as I conclude my review: “Needs? I guess that is what bothers so many folks. They keep expanding their needs until they are dependent on too many things and too many other people. I don’t understand economics, and I suppose the country would be in a real mess if people suddenly cut out a lot of things they don’t need. I wonder how many things in the average American home could be eliminated if the question were asked, “Must I really have this?” I guess most of the extras are chalked up to comfort or saving time.” And “I’ve seen grown men pick at food. They can’t be hungry in the first place. Or maybe their food has been too fancy and with all the choices they’ve had, they don’t really know what they enjoy anymore.” As brief as his reflections are at the end of the book they ring with the clarity and cleanness of the wilderness to which Proenneke gave his heart and so supplied us with a different art.

A must read for those who dream of living off the grid in the great outdoors. The book is 224 pages long and contains over 50 photographs by Proenneke himself that he took during his year in the bush. It starts off with a Preface by Sam Keith, along with a poem by Robert W. Service that fits in well with what the book maintains. Proenneke is a great story-teller, and I even delight in hearing the little things that he speaks of. For example, there is one day's entry where he mentions how he was ice-fishing and caught a beautiful-looking trout in the lake. He took it home, was ready to fry it up, but as he looked at the creature struggling to swim in the small basin of water he kept it in before the fry, he finally decided that such a magnificent creature belonged at the bottom of the lake, not "browning" in a skillet.

After bumping into the documentary on PBS recently, and being fascinated, my wife got me this book for Christmas to learn more. She was fascinated as well. This is an easy to read, little book that is a good introduction to the Dick Proenneke story. I think it does what it intended, which was to tell you the story, gives you a flavor for the man who undertook this adventure and recount some of the things he saw and experienced. It only covers the building of the cabin and living the first full year in it. He came back year after year from what I understand for a 30 year period, but none of that is covered in this book. I guess there is some heavy editing that was done from his journals in creating this book, causing him to not consent to the use of them again unless there was no editing, so that is where the three other books: Journals of Richard Proenneke; come from. For what it is worth, the NPS doesn't have this book on their site about him, but it does have the others. The journal entries can get somewhat repetitive (what can you say on another 30 below Dec day) and the very detailed building instructions for everything can be head spinning at times, but it still is a quick, enjoyable read that gives you a sense of what it is like to live in such a raw, rugged land. I chose to order The Early Years The Journals of Richard Proenneke 1967-1973; to get the unedited story of this time frame and beyond but this book was a great appetizer. I recommend it for the curious and casual fan.

I loved this book because of the wilderness setting and the amazing story this man tells. His skill set is unknown by today's generations, his passion for the wilderness and it's wild inhabitants is deep and abiding. The writing style is spare, humorous, and often eloquent. Descriptions of the animals and his sojourn s to watch, photograph, and film then often take him many miles from his self built cabin to the wilderness. This is such a worthwhile read; I hope I have convinced you to pick it up!

In his 'reflections' chapter, Proennekke writes, "I do think a man has missed a very deep feeling of satisfaction if he has never created something with his own hands." I can wholeheartedly agree with this statement out of personal achievement and yet I haven't (yet) moved to the Alaskan wild and lived the life illustrated by Mr. Proennekke. I have a sort of fascination with Proennekke and others like him who have survived off the land (even with their self-labeled "cheats") and learned to adapt to the unique challenges they each experience. I find myself living vicariously through Pronnekke as I read through his journal entries and imagined what each may must have been like. I laughed and even lost my breath and some of his accounts of his wild adventure. Just like the movie, I'm left wanting MORE after completing the book. I would have enjoyed sitting down with Dick and hearing first-hand about the unwritten accounts of life in Alaska!

Had me right there with him in the Alaskan wilderness! Really enjoyed the book, I listened to the Audible version of it. It really drew me into what it must have been like to build your own cabin in the wilderness of Lake Clark, Alaska. I wish the book was longer, as I became very interested in each day of the story.

I loooooved this book!!! I'm a nature lover and love reading stories about survival and living off of the land. I think I'm a hippie at heart. I'm also a birder, so all of the bird references in this book were awesome. I also enjoy many of the Alaska based shows that are popular on TV these days, although this was much better. This man didn't kill anything that he didn't need for food, which is not the case with some of those shows. The only parts of the book that didn't have me wanting more were the technical parts about the building of the cabin. I was getting kind of sad when I got close to the end of the book and was delighted to see that there was another book that come directly from his journals. I just received it and am eager to get into it.

I am usually very hesitant to try to write reviews on books. They are just too subjective a thing, like music and movies. So I will simply say this. I believe that if you have seen the PBS special about Mr. Proenneke, you may well find this book to be a nice addition to the information contained therein. I certainly do. I am admittedly predjudiced, having a deep admiration and respect for him. Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading

Read how Richard Proenneke built his cabin by hand and thrived (mostly alone) in the bush. What This Book Is: - An important introduction to Richard Proenneke's story - Heavily edited (I would even say rewritten) - A pleasant, easy read (goes great with the 2-part documentary that airs on PBS) - Easy to get your hands on very quickly What This Book Is Not: - Richard Proenneke's authentic journals, in his OWN words - Proenneke's story told in his own voice I was captivated after watching the 2-part PBS documentary, "Alone in the Wilderness". So, I got hold of this book ("One Man's Wilderness"), as soon as possible. On reading, I was prepared to award a 5 stars. That is, until I read "The Early Years (The Journals of Richard L. Proenneke, 1967-1973)". Because then I realized how different "One's Man Wilderness" is from Proenneke's own writings. We get a much better sense of who Proenneke was by reading his own words in "The Early Years". We get a broader picture over several years (558 pages), versus a little more than one year (224 pages). The downside with "The Early Years" is that it seems to be available only from Alaska Geographic. Sure, you won't get "The Early Years" with free Prime shipping. I received mine in about 10 days and it was well worth the wait. "One Man's Wilderness" was still intriguing after seeing the 2-part documentary on PBS. It's just that "The Early Years" authentic and true to the man. Bottom Line: - I would rate this book ("One Man's Wilderness") 3.5 stars if I could - I would rate "The Early Years" 5 stars, hands down - I recommend this book as an easier, quicker read. Many folks are more comfortable with 200+ pages than 500+ - I recommend "The Early Years" for a more authentic, deeper telling of the story - Proenneke's story is a classic Alaskan/American/man-vs-nature tale of independence and ingenuity. Don't miss it.

I first learned of Richard Proenneke by watching a PBS program. Desiring to learn more of his adventure I purchased this book which I read in one sitting. As a retired wildlife biologist, I share with Mr. Proenneke the love of wildlife, being in the woods and all that goes along with it. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to take on such an adventure then come along and share his journey. Having read this book now twice, I feel like Mr. Proenneke is an old friend. I intend to visit him often - for me, reading of his adventure is like comfort food for my soul. Money well spent and I recommend this book to anyone who loves the out-of-doors.

Seeing pictures of Richard Proenneke reminds me of my late father as they look alike in some shots. My dad was a man’s man, didn’t say much, but knew how to do a lot. He wasn’t as enterprising as Proenneke but I can tell that he had some of the same spirit. I think that my dad would have loved to have done what Proenneke did as he ventured up into the Alaskan wilderness with few supplies and trusted on his grit, his building acumen, and his mental and physical muscles to create his own cabin and living area and trek the surrounding lakes and mountains and marvel at God’s country and wilderness. He journals over a year about the building of his cabin and ???, about the temperature and weather, about some of his adventures, about Babe blowing in on the plane and delivering occasional goods and kind interactions. How much does Sam Keith mold Proenneke’s words, thoughts, and style I don’t know but the effect of reading the journal entries as sifted through Keith is like listening to Proenneke, a man in admiration of the wilds, give report and naturalize with keen insight animals and the seasonal changes, ice buildings and budgings and flowers and berries bursting and curling. It gave me hope that I could do even a fraction of what he has done. It’s really inspiring. “One Man’s Wilderness” ends with a Reflections section and Proenneke hits several nails on their proverbial heads, with his insights perhaps being even more true today than they were back when he ventured out. I wanted to share a bit of one as I conclude my review: “Needs? I guess that is what bothers so many folks. They keep expanding their needs until they are dependent on too many things and too many other people. I don’t understand economics, and I suppose the country would be in a real mess if people suddenly cut out a lot of things they don’t need. I wonder how many things in the average American home could be eliminated if the question were asked, “Must I really have this?” I guess most of the extras are chalked up to comfort or saving time.” And “I’ve seen grown men pick at food. They can’t be hungry in the first place. Or maybe their food has been too fancy and with all the choices they’ve had, they don’t really know what they enjoy anymore.” As brief as his reflections are at the end of the book they ring with the clarity and cleanness of the wilderness to which Proenneke gave his heart and so supplied us with a different art.

A must read for those who dream of living off the grid in the great outdoors. The book is 224 pages long and contains over 50 photographs by Proenneke himself that he took during his year in the bush. It starts off with a Preface by Sam Keith, along with a poem by Robert W. Service that fits in well with what the book maintains. Proenneke is a great story-teller, and I even delight in hearing the little things that he speaks of. For example, there is one day's entry where he mentions how he was ice-fishing and caught a beautiful-looking trout in the lake. He took it home, was ready to fry it up, but as he looked at the creature struggling to swim in the small basin of water he kept it in before the fry, he finally decided that such a magnificent creature belonged at the bottom of the lake, not "browning" in a skillet.

After bumping into the documentary on PBS recently, and being fascinated, my wife got me this book for Christmas to learn more. She was fascinated as well. This is an easy to read, little book that is a good introduction to the Dick Proenneke story. I think it does what it intended, which was to tell you the story, gives you a flavor for the man who undertook this adventure and recount some of the things he saw and experienced. It only covers the building of the cabin and living the first full year in it. He came back year after year from what I understand for a 30 year period, but none of that is covered in this book. I guess there is some heavy editing that was done from his journals in creating this book, causing him to not consent to the use of them again unless there was no editing, so that is where the three other books: Journals of Richard Proenneke; come from. For what it is worth, the NPS doesn't have this book on their site about him, but it does have the others. The journal entries can get somewhat repetitive (what can you say on another 30 below Dec day) and the very detailed building instructions for everything can be head spinning at times, but it still is a quick, enjoyable read that gives you a sense of what it is like to live in such a raw, rugged land. I chose to order The Early Years The Journals of Richard Proenneke 1967-1973; to get the unedited story of this time frame and beyond but this book was a great appetizer. I recommend it for the curious and casual fan.

I loved this book because of the wilderness setting and the amazing story this man tells. His skill set is unknown by today's generations, his passion for the wilderness and it's wild inhabitants is deep and abiding. The writing style is spare, humorous, and often eloquent. Descriptions of the animals and his sojourn s to watch, photograph, and film then often take him many miles from his self built cabin to the wilderness. This is such a worthwhile read; I hope I have convinced you to pick it up!

In his 'reflections' chapter, Proennekke writes, "I do think a man has missed a very deep feeling of satisfaction if he has never created something with his own hands." I can wholeheartedly agree with this statement out of personal achievement and yet I haven't (yet) moved to the Alaskan wild and lived the life illustrated by Mr. Proennekke. I have a sort of fascination with Proennekke and others like him who have survived off the land (even with their self-labeled "cheats") and learned to adapt to the unique challenges they each experience. I find myself living vicariously through Pronnekke as I read through his journal entries and imagined what each may must have been like. I laughed and even lost my breath and some of his accounts of his wild adventure. Just like the movie, I'm left wanting MORE after completing the book. I would have enjoyed sitting down with Dick and hearing first-hand about the unwritten accounts of life in Alaska!

Had me right there with him in the Alaskan wilderness! Really enjoyed the book, I listened to the Audible version of it. It really drew me into what it must have been like to build your own cabin in the wilderness of Lake Clark, Alaska. I wish the book was longer, as I became very interested in each day of the story.

I loooooved this book!!! I'm a nature lover and love reading stories about survival and living off of the land. I think I'm a hippie at heart. I'm also a birder, so all of the bird references in this book were awesome. I also enjoy many of the Alaska based shows that are popular on TV these days, although this was much better. This man didn't kill anything that he didn't need for food, which is not the case with some of those shows. The only parts of the book that didn't have me wanting more were the technical parts about the building of the cabin. I was getting kind of sad when I got close to the end of the book and was delighted to see that there was another book that come directly from his journals. I just received it and am eager to get into it.

I am usually very hesitant to try to write reviews on books. They are just too subjective a thing, like music and movies. So I will simply say this. I believe that if you have seen the PBS special about Mr. Proenneke, you may well find this book to be a nice addition to the information contained therein. I certainly do. I am admittedly predjudiced, having a deep admiration and respect for him. Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Thanks for reading

I watched this story on public broadcasting TV and it was good. I read this book, and it was even better! What is it really like to live in the Alaskan wilderness for months at a time and never hear another human voice? It can be hard to imagine and perhaps most of us would shudder at the prospect and find it boring after a few weeks. However, Sam Keith has captured the very heart of why Dick did exactly that. The photos in the book are absolutely stunning, They make you feel if you needed a home away from home, or a place to get away from everything, then this would be it! Excellent book.

I think I know why Richard Proenneke was up there in the wilds alone. This gentle, unforgettable man was also a craftsman and a perfectionist. His quest for beauty in the mundane, for precision and geometric elegance would have driven me -- and lesser beings like me -- nuts. Reading about it made me able to fall in love with the man. Living it would have led to the authorities searching for the body. Having said that, however, I must also say that this incredibly readable book is a treasure. It should not be overlooked. Author Sam Keith (who bases the book on Proenneke's journals) captured the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the bush. This is the story of a cabin. Richard Proenneke builds it by hand, to his own unbendable standards of practicality and aesthetics, and makes the reader love every minute of it. Interspersed within this chronicle are Proenneke's encounters with bears, weasels, birds, wolverines and other humans. Proenneke admires critters. It's only the two-legged varmints that offend him, offend nature, and most of the time, destroy it randomly. His encounters with animals are laugh out loud funny, touching, impressive; his encounters with humans -- or their aftermath -- do not say much for us as a species. Recently the local PBS station ran two films about Proenneke, using his own footage. It was a thrill to see the cabin I'd so often imagined, to look closely for the wolf print on the fireplace, to share his encounters with bears, moose and various camp robbers. But best of all, for me, was to watch him painstakingly his food cache. This project is a pefect example of doing things right and doing them well. The cache was a miniature replica of the cabin, meticulously crafted on the ground, then disassembled, the pieces carried up to a high(out of the reach of bears) platform, and carefully reassembled there. How can you not lose your heart to a man who would trouble to do that...just for the sheer joy of doing it. Proenneke was not a prig, by any means. Not an anal-retentive pencil straightener...just someone whose soul would not permit cheapjack, shoddy work. In one of the documentaries, we get a perfect example of the difference. While everything is the cabin is rough-hewn, it is aesthetically pleasing and perfectly designed. Utilitarian and, in its own way, beautiful. But when Proenneke's sister sends him a pair of kitchen curtains, our pragmatic loner finds a nice stick and uses that as his curtain rod. Perfection is never smug. Proenneke is a hero, a man in full, an icon, and maybe the last of his kind. His book is unforgettable. I hope you experience it.

In 1967, Dick Proenecke decided to go to Alaska and build and cabin and live there for the better part of the next 30 years. This book, along with a companion video, tells his story and the fascinating events that go along with living and be self-sufficient in this incredible wilderness. An easy read, and a fascinating story.

I enjoyed every minute reading this book. The descriptions of the environment and the wildlife were so vivid that I felt I had been there. Proenneke's respect for the animals was inspiring. I especially enjoyed his travails with the red squirrel who made so many messes but never angered him. A wonderful book.

What I really loved about this book is the fact that this was a true story. An amazing man who came to the wilderness with only love for the land and respect for all who inhabit the wilderness. I have visited the cabin twice now and have visited Twin Lakes many times to enjoy the fishing that they provide and the absolute wonder that the country there is. This book really makes it real and I will never forget the added meaning of being here after reading this wonderful story.

This is a good book. I've seen the documentary, this book covers a lot more as you would probably expect. I learned that Richard Proenneke had an interesting life even if he was a bit of an introvert, but he was not a hermit. He just loved nature and was passionate about preserving it, yet wasn't a filthy hippie tree hugger. He appreciated all of God's creations, although he wasn't thumping a Bible. He approached most things in life with moderation, save for moving to the wilderness, making a cabin with primitive hand tools, and living in near isolation for 31 years.

We take so many elements of our modern lifestyle for granted that it is nearly impossible to imagine what life would be like without any one of them--let alone *all* of them. Richard Proenneke not only had this vision, but was bold enough to drop everything and live the life. Similarly, living in direct contact with a very hostile environment is difficult to imagine. Surviving in that environement--alone--for nearly 40 years is nigh on impossible to comprehend. This accessible, first-person book beautifully constructs a life that in some ways we all wish to live--but in others we can scarcely fathom. It's a brief but compelling view into human endurance in the face of remarkable adversity, with many wonderful insights into wonders of nature that most of us will never see. I enjoyed the writing and flow of this book a great deal. Although I tried to savor it by reading it slowly, I found it difficult to set the book aside. This book's appeal is wide--I think any reader from perhaps junior high school to old age would enjoy it. Highly recommended.

Proof that most men live in quiet desperation.....and I'm one of them! Dick Proenneke was not going to live like me and the rest of us ants. This guy was a true steward of the wilderness he lived in, and at the same time, he new that he had to have guns and meat to survive in such a harsh and remote region of Alaska. Dick's descriptions of his environment are better than an HD movie! You will really feel that you are walking and paddling with Dick through his own paradise. I have the DVD "The Frozen North"; a partial compilation of Proenneke's own filming in the Twin Lakes area, and it is truly awesome! This book is a great companion to the DVDs. This review will never do an ounce of justice to this book which is an absolute masterpiece!

I was telling my husband about this book as I started reading it. He said, "Don't you remember, we read that many years ago when Alaska Magazine published it"? I knew that Babe, the pilot, seemed familiar. It didn't matter. I was happy to read it a second time which is unusual for me. Oh, how I would have loved to have been able to do what Mr. Proenneke did and to live where he lived. There is nothing dull about this book and I suspect the people who find it dull haven't any interest in living in the wilderness without Blackberries, i-pods, automobiles and restaurants. Even though most of us who enjoyed the book probably don't begin to have the skills that Richard Proenneke had which made what he did possible (and a pilot friend who delivered for free) I think we all wish we could do what he did. I know I do. I didn't realize that a sequel exists. It costs big bucks, but if it's anything close to as interesting as this book, it's worth it. Maybe I'll find out if the Mission Girls ever showed-up.

More than any novel, any mystery, any adventure story, this book takes you to a place further away than you'll ever hope to be. The timelessness of this man's adventure in the Alaskan bush and the call that you hear while reading is quite a thing. You can't put this book down. Through every day that Dick spends on Upper Lake, and every seemingly mundane and homely task, you're right there with him. This book covers sixteen months worth of Dick's journals in selecting the location for his cabin, starting it and seeing it through to furnished completion. I feel like I accomplished his feats right along with him and I long to revisit my second home on Twin Lakes.

I have read this book three times. Each time, was better than the previous. The detail in this book is astounding, from how Mr. Proenneke cleared the land, and cut/prepared the lumber for his cabin, crafting hand made wood hinges, to his cooking of his meals "just the way a man likes it". This guy knew how to survive in the most remote and harshest of regions and he did not just survive, he thrived. I think most of us at one time or another dream about leaving the rat race and living in a more simple fashion, 99.9% of us do not have the survival skills nor the mental makeup that Dick had. I have given copies of this books to friends and bought myself a new copy each time. The whole family watched his home movies with great interest when they were on PBS. This man's story and life was meant to be shared and I am so glad I stumbled across it. This is a must read and a must read again.

This is an excellent book! I've been reading it to my 95 yr. old Dad, who is legally blind, and he absolutely loves it! He listens intently to every word and has laughed at a few spots throughout, as well :) It's so nice to read such a wholesome book. Dick shares his wilderness life in great detail, allowing us to "tag along" on his journeys, it seems. We've purchased the "Alone in the Wilderness" DVDs, as well, and my Dad thoroughly enjoys listening to those, too. This book and those DVDs are his very favorite things!

It's really an amazing story and so incredibly documented that the authenticity is unquestionable. This book should appeal on several levels from 'real' environmentalism to human endeavor to simple folksy perspectives. I find myself rereading this every couple of years and bought my latest copy as a gift.

Great book, love the format. I will read this over and over as the years pass. Glad I found a blog that had mentioned this book as on of the top ten to read for all outdoor enthusiasts. I have been to Alaska and my family made memories we will tell for the rest of our lives, the desire to go back and explore more is a fire that's been fully ignited. Sam's rendering of Dick's journal brings to life so many aspects we have fallen away from and this book is a reminder of how to get back to so much of the simple beauty of life.

There aren't enough stars to give this book. It should probably be required reading for the human race. The book is taken from the journals of Richard Proenneke who at the age of 50 decided to build a cabin by hand in the Alaskan Wilderness. His know how is amazing and the details of his everyday activities make an interesting read. There is nothing terribly exciting going on and there doesn't need to be. The book unpretentiously preaches by accident simple ideals: Eat right, respect the world around you and it's inhabitants, hunt for only what you need, learn to be self reliant, be competent in more than just one or two areas...I could go on and on. The companion documentary for this book is also excellent and great to watch before or after you read the book. Highly recommended for young and old. A truly inspiring story of a great man..

My wife, who is an RN, discovered this book when she encountered a patient who was reading it. She got it and I read it to her and we loved it. The amazing ingenuity of Dick Proenneke left us astounded. If he needed something, he just made it. We kept wondering how he knew how to do everything he did. Did he learn it somewhere before he entered the wilderness? Or did he learn on the job? From dressing out a Dall Sheep and building a log cabin from scratch, to making furniture and cooking, he did it all. The book contains many beautiful photos he took, no doubt on Kodachrome or some similar high-quality color film. A relative who lives in Alaska told us that Proenneke's videos available on CD or DVD are priceless.

At first I thought this book was monotonous. Particularly some of the details regarding the cabin construction. I have no experience with such things so I had difficulty picturing it. But once I got past that, this book was at times insightful, touching and thrilling. I actually felt a little sad when it ended. Not because it has a sad ending, I was just sad to no longer share in the adventure.

What a fun time spending the winter with this man. I am sure I helped him build that cabin. The writing was so well done it made you feel like a part of the process.Noteing how he cleaned up after hunters illustrates how much he loved this land before it was cool to be into ecology. His simple needs and how everyday things became an indulgence was a good realization of how much stuff we all have that we really don't need. This book is a valuable historical document as well as a must read for anyone who has a fantasy of going off to Alaska to spend the winter. Pardner it's cold out there.

I loved this book!! Great biography about living in the Alaska wilderness. This is the success story that Into The Wild subject failed to accomplish. This book is also well written but simply written which I feel also reflects the way Richard Proenneke loved and who he was.

I fell in love with this story when I first saw the documentary on PBS(Alone In The Wilderness).I only saw about half of the show and I was hooked.When I read the book I came to appreciate the courage,strength and intelligence of this man even more.Mr. Proenneke's insight and understanding of his chosen environment is truly unique.You hear of so many people trying to go up against the Alaskan wilderness and failing miserably because they did not prepare themselves mentally and physically for what they would face.Mr. Proenneke not only succeeded, but did it without taking anything more than he needed to survive,while also helping some of the animals that he knew he was sharing his home area with.His thoughts about his surrroundings,while jotted down in simple phrases are truly inspiring.I reccomend this book to anyone who has a love of the great outdoors.

This book is a fantastic journal of one man's personal adventure. It is a daily log and seems to put you right into the day and time of every event. As you read it, you will feel yourself picking the blueberries, shaping each log and building a cabin. You will find yourself watching bears, listening to sounds of a river flow at night, the sounds of ice breaking from the frozen river. You will find yourself creating a batch of sourdough biscuits, cooking a pot of beans, to making friends with animals that arrive daily for you to feed. After I finished reading this book, I immediately started it again. It is fantastic. I am now picking up little bits of information that I somehow missed with first reading. It is definately a book that you will find yourself going back to, because it IS an adventure without ever leaving home

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the environment around us and enjoys the outdoors. Dick's sense of humor and his sharp mind make reading this book even more fascinating. He describes his experiences with wildlife in so much detail that you feel as if you too are alone in the Alaska wilderness. This book is an easy read for anyone that does not have much time. If you have never traveled to remote Alaska, you will want to after reading his book. I was sad when the book ended, but Dick's essay at the end was a great conclusion. His view of the world is to be admired and respected. In this hectic society, Dick believed that people should slow down and enjoy the simple things in life.

Like a grownup version of “My Side of the Mountain”, this Book has the reader smiling, laughing, gasping, straining and partaking of the adventure that the author was living.

Having been to Alaska I can really appreciate the description of the wilderness he is in! I've been salmon fishing in the area he is talking about and it brings back such good memories. This would be a great book for any nature lover.

A lovely book, well written and edited. Very convincing first person narrative, based on journals. The little observations on nature are charming, and he includes just the right amount of technical detail about the cabin building. The conclusion and postscript are very satisfying too.

I caught the documentary on this man and the subject of his life in the Alaska wilderness on Public Television several months ago. I was glued to the TV. It was quite a story. The book gives further insight behgind the man and his thoughts as he carved his home out of the raw wilderness and found harmony in the wild environs of Alaska. There are so many elements that will astonish you about his life at "the cabin". It will make you think about our lives today and make you wish you could simplify things. Maybe you won't go to Mr. Proenneke's extreme but it will make you consider many things about your own life.

If you've seen the documentary, you'll really enjoy this book. It covers the same time span as the documentary, but is more in-depth. The author, Sam Keith, did a great job overall. He did edit some of Dick's words for clarity, but it does not ruin the book. A must read if you enjoy this genre of book.

This is my favorite book, I have read it front to back I don’t know how many times. I will have my hand built cabin very soon and all thanks to this book!

This audio DVD is outstanding. Using hand tools this man built a cabin and makes the reality Alaskan TV shows a joke with their ATV chain saws snowmobiles and raising cattle. You folks know what show I am talking about. There are two other books written about Richard The Frozen North is one I highly recommend buying them both. He hunted with a 1903a3 he made into a hunting rifle and took down a ram that feed him all winter. Again a true homesteader and a must read for preppers!

I've watched the video several times & decided to get the book that tells the story behind the video. It was easy to picture the different locations Dick describes. I enjoy stories about the minimalist life in Alaska; I'm a big fan of Life Below Zero and Last Alaskans. This story is even more minimalist; as Dick built his cabin decades ago & didn't have many of the amenities that modern day Alaskans who live in the bush have.

Dick Pronneke’s story is astounding. He’s a true mountain man and a true conservationists. His descriptive writing is a pleasure to read.

I really enjoyed reading this book! There's also a video documentary I've yet to see. I lived off-grid for awhile but this guy, Dick Proenneke, made me realize my exploits were child's play. Dick could fabricate or make virtually everything he needed...pots and pans out of gas can tins, forks and spoons out of stump wood, tables, chairs, bunk beds, even wooden hinges! By himself he built a log cabin out in the wilds of Alaska with no power tools, no generator, just hand tools and incredible skill. He even built a chimney out of stones. He also took some beautiful pictures which are in the book. "One Man's Wilderness" is Dick's journal of his experiences carving out a life in remote Alaska, interacting will all types of wildlife, and observing Alaska's great natural beauty.

I had seen Dick Proenneke's videos on PBS and admired him a great deal, so I knew I would probably enjoy this book as well. The evening I got this book out of the mailbox, I opened it with the intention of just flipping through the pages. I ended up sitting down and reading the entire thing. I couldn't put it down and quite frankly, I didn't want to. I feel like Dick and I could be kindred spirits. He moved to Alaska, not because of a dislike for mankind, but more for a love of nature. His work ethic, drive and intelligence made him a very admirable man. Many of us think we might like to move into the wilderness and live in a pioneer sort of way. He actually did it and stayed there for many years. Truly a man to look up to!

We had the DVD of this for years now and then I realized there was the book. Great read, and goes into more detail than the movie could fit.

I found it very interesting reading basically a journal of a person living for a year remote. His description as to what he was doing was clean and well written. It was an enjoyable read.

This historical diary is awesome in scope and human spirit, and the photos in the book are magnificent.This book follows the daily life of Dick Proeneke as he builds his log cabin in the Alaska Bush. Dick takes his time and does an amazing job on the cabin and is a master craftsman in working with wood,making spoons ,door joints, window frames, etc. He lives delibertly in the moment and enjoys life and his manual labor. He is a gentle man who loves nature and is very spiritual without being religeous, to me he is the essence of Zen ,but he probably has no idea what Zen is. Something in this short book series of clips ,is almost like medicine. Something that we desparately need in this society of fame chasers,greedy sychophants,capitalist consumers, a quiet little message ,powerful and direct. Dick Proeneke got one up on us...

I liked everything about it. I did not want it to end. I am appreciative of his story, his journey, his tenacity, and his love of nature.

Absolutely great book. This is a diary of this man's year in the Alaskan wilderness. If you like books on Alaska this one will satisfy you.

I’m a outdoorsman at heart and I loved the story and pictures. So beautiful and makes me want a cabin in the woods that I build with my own hands!

Love the books based on Richard Proenneke's journals. He focuses on a basic way of living and a great appreciation of nature. Proenneke's writings calm my soul.

Sam Keith's account of Dick Proenneke's Alaskan adventure stirs longings in the heart of anyone who has yearned to be free of the "rat race" and independent on his own terms. Complete with some breathtaking photos of the Alaskan wilderness, Keith employs first person narrative to such effect, that you feel you are sitting around an early evening campfire warding off the chill, as the last, lingering rays of sunset slip off the snow-capped peaks above you. The twilight deepens and you hear Dick Proenneke's voice. He speaks to you of the high country, the bears, salmon returning to the icy waters of the lake and the challenges of being alone for months at a time. As you finish the Epilogue and close the book, a part of you will always remain in the Alaskan wilderness. You find yourself wishing the book had gone on forever.

Great book. I fell in love with the film. I know this book wasn't exactly truthful nor written how the man wanted it. Still a wonderful read for anyone that loves adventure or the great outdoors based in reality.

This was a birthday present for my husband and he was so happy to get this. He watches the videos quite often and didn't know there was any books about this mans story.

Outstanding book. No other way to describe it.

Christmas gift for my nephew who loves Alaska.

I'm from Alaska and have flown out to Proenneke's cabin at Twin Lakes many times. This book is a great read and very accurate. I have given it as a gift to many of our friends that have come to visit us in Alaska, whom we flew out to Twin Lakes.

I saw a documentary about Mr. Proenneke and immediately bought the book. Though I too could certainly go to Alaska and build a log cabin by hand (I happen to have those skills) there's no way, NO WAY, I could ever endure the hardships, difficulties, cold and loneliness of his many years spent living there. His is an amazing story of perseverance and self-knowledge that most of us can only dream of.

I was little disappointed. Since most of his food was flown in it took on the designs of a camping trip.

I am still savoring this book...saw the PBS special on YouTube and had to get the book. I have not been disappointed. the pioneer spirit of this man is incredible! Get it. read it!!!!

I could not put this book down it was so fascinating! I love the outdoors and have lived in the woods with wildlife close around me, but nothing like this! I have the utmost respect for this man with his knowledge and perseverance.

I'm only about one third of the way through the book. It's basically the daily journals of the guy who was building the. I am enjoying it very much. Some of it is mundane daily stuff, but I'm still enjoying myself. If you are really into the outdoors and how things work you would enjoy this book. I'm the type of person who enjoys solitude so I can relate to the idea of going to a cabin up in Alaska.

I was not ready for this book to end! Great descriptions of life in his Alaskan wilderness, and the wilderness and its' other inhabitants.

I've read it a couple of times. I loaned my first one out and never got it back, which is why I bought this one. Quick read, kind of like reading someones diary about living alone in Alaska. It is not a philosophical book, which is what I liked about it.

Son & Husband Enjoyed Reading!

I already have one and the DVD’s buying another book for a friend so you could say I love book

After seeing the documentary on PBS about Dick I wanted to know more about what he did and maybe his motivations. I found him interesting, knowledgeable and philisophical. His ingenuity and self reliance proved to be his strongest suite...something that does not necessarily come through on the documentary. My wife is reading this book to a 93 year old gentleman that has been "up north" many years ago and he finds memories coming back that he hasn't thought of for years.

Overall, the book is interesting. The stuff this guy did is quite exceptional. However, the book is definitely a coffee table book. Pick it up, read a few pages, put it down. The middle portion also gets a little repetitive. I would definitely recommend for anyone interested in the outdoors though. It gives some insight into what life is like when your alone in the wilderness, how it has changed over the years, and the human impact on it.

After seeing the PBS special on this man, I had to read the book. I found the book written very similar to how the dialog was in the PBS show. I could almost hear his voice in the pages. What a remarkable adventure; he built the cabin from mostly simple hand tools, raised and caught his own food, and ventured out into the wilderness at -0 temps just for fun. Talk about a true survivor. It would have been a joy to have met this person.

A very special book by a very special author. Being from Iowa myself I enjoyed the comments about 'doing something by yourself'. I have built things with my own hands and that feeling of accomplishment is one you never forget. A great read.

It was an intense read!

Great book, very informative and a nice read.

I enjoyed every page. The wisdom and observations he made is refreshing. I must visit his home on Twin Lakes before I myself return to dust.

I stumbled on this book while traveling in Alaska. Bought it, brought it home and began reading. Told my husband about it and he read it. We both loved this story. I envy this guy, to have the guts and ambition to move into the wilderness alone and live. I have also purchased the video part 1. I will be purchasing part II! Amazing story! Great book and I recommend it to anyone with a dream!

Buy the book. Read the book. Then see if you don't want to build your own cabin someplace. I think seeing the special on PBS really made the story special, but still, Dick Proenecke's ingenuity, resourcefulness and energy is hard to surpass. To think he lived for 30 years in that little cabin in the wilderness... Some great photos in the book too. If you buy the book, please look for the DVD somewhere. You will enjoy the entire story that much more.

I really enjoyed this book. Our local PBS station has been using the video as a teaser for a while, and having seen the video, this book was especially interesting. It gives a bit more "fill-in" detail. When the author is describing something, it's easy to visualize it exactly since you watched him make whatever it is he's talking about. It's not a life I aspire to, but reading about people who are doing what they are passionate about is almost always interesting.

This book is fantastic. Keith's descriptions of the great outdoors, its flora and fauna, its weather and scenery, of his carpenter's wizardry, his cooking skills, and his great regard for the majesty of nature--especially in the wilds of Alaska, cannot be surpassed. Hard to fault this classic although I was curious about his reading habits during those long, cold, dark Alaskan nights.

This was a Christmas gift for my outdoorsy friend. He loved it.

Perfect spring time book, dont read it too early or you will have spring fever of the worst kind. Great account of Richards life, you understand more of his thoughts and humor in this book that I would say you do on the videos, which I have seen about 6 times. It is fairly thin but for some reason not a terribly quick read. If you're thinking of traveling to Alaska this book will capture your heart.

I have given and/or recommended this book probably more than any other outdoor adventure. It is the personal story of one man's experience alone in the wilderness of Alaska--a man who built his log cabin with his own hands, harvested his food from the wild country around him, and sustained himself for many years in an environment only the strong can survive. Naturalists, outdoorsman, and adventure seekers will absolutely love this fantastic true story.

Sorry, I didn't read it; gave it as a gift. But my son really enjoyed it. I watched the story on PBS and enjoyed it so much that I knew my son would like it too. In this high tech world, we need to remember the talents of yesterday! We are losing too much history and many skills. This book and the DVD of this man's accomplishments are a good reminder. but

saw this once on pbs in the early 80's the book is much more then the video special, a good read if you love the outdoors and wild life,

I am an outdoorsman and found it a pleasant read. The un answered question is how did he come by the land. In early 60's my father was considering taking us to Alaska to homestead. Don't know if land is available that way any more and Dicks place is now maintained by National Park Service.

Excellent story! I couldn’t put this down. Great read.

I saw the film, "Alone in the Wilderness," on PBS and wanted a copy for my family. The price of $59.99 was too prohibitive so I investigated the book. I am hoping it will be even better than the film. Wow! I cannot believe how talented Mr. Proenneke was in building a cabin by hand. And to live in it for 35 years!! Does anyone have any information on how to get the video/DVD any cheaper than $59.99? I'd love to show it to my Sixth Grade Students.

In better condition than advertised.

This is an awesome story written by an adventurous man surviving in the wilderness of Alaska. He wrote of all his day to day exploration. You actually feel like your right there with him. Anyone excited about Alaska should definitely purchase this valuable treasure.

he's happy with it.

Unbelievable book! This guys is amazing

I loved this book. I saw the documentary in PBS and was really amazed and inspired by Dick Proenecke. There's a part of me that would love to do what he did, but a part of me that couldn't. I'd get too lonely. In the book, you can see how he loves and enjoys nature, as well as his visits from the bush pilot. The book is a great addition to seeing the movie. It's a very different story about "nature." Mike, the old rocker and Eagle Scout -Eagan, MN

An excellent collection of the journal entries made by Dick Proenneke over the course of his stay in the Alaskan backcountry. Dick has a way with words that doesn't just tell a story, but leaves the reader frequently finding a smile on their face. This book is either a great companion to the documentary films or is able to stand on its own, capturing the joys, successes, frustrations and failures, all the while capturing Dicks positivity and dedication to his work. An excellent book.

Astounding choice Dick made to live that way, and for reasons which were really beautiful to me. His desire to strengthen himself in order to create something wonderful for himself that suited his soul and body, prompted even a higher level of desire to integrate himself with his surroundings. It's like I'm sitting there listening to him. A true joy from a gem of a man. Always positive, always looking for the good in things. An inspiration like no other

Good condition good read

Great read. It is a very good book. I recommend it.

If you can even imagine building and living in the wilderness this is a book to read. Many builders can visibly see the cabin being built.

Fast shipping. Excellent product.

This book is well written, and reflects the time period very well. If you liked the videos of Preoneke's Alaskan years, you will love the book. This guy literally loved the solitude (as buffered by his interactions with the small game around his cabin), and "tamed" the wilderness by his exceptional skills and planning. This is not a book about survival, as he only considers the one incident of running headlong into a grizzly as a severe threat of death. His foresight, work ethic, and skill set made an Alaskan winter somewhat comfortable. This book takes you into the mind of a man who was in control of himself, and a man who mastered many skills through a lifetime of learning. His description of the land, animals, and the construction of his cabin are outstanding. He also shares some deeper understanding of people, as he describes his links to the outside world, and his admiration for Babe, the bush pilot. This is a guy who saw the good and the practical in all he took in. Great read!

Words are not going to give this One Man's Wilderness justice. If I can pass on advice. Just Read it.

Richard Proenneke DID it. He left civilization behind and built a cabin in the Alaska Wilderness…50 years ago! Mr. Proenneke did a fantastic job of documenting his first year in Alaska and Sam Keith did just as fine a job telling the story. This book will make you want to pack your bags and head North!

Had this book years ago in Alaska and lent it to a friend. It is an interesting read and worthy of consideration for reading by any out of doors enthusiast. As advertised, Item shipped quickly.

Soo thankful for the opportunity to visit with Dick, and through him, experience a little of what I've always dreamed about. Almost like being there!

Few men today have lived this liife style today. We have forgot how to appreciate the gkistening dew, the call of the goose, the crackle of a camp fire

Amazing adventure story. This gentleman was amazing! Great read for people who enjoy adventures. This is not fiction. This is a true life story!

Wonderful read for those who dream of living in the Alaskan bush. Daily life and the skills involved to survive the harsh and unforgiving interior. This guy's impressive.

This book allows a great view into the world beyond the hustle and bustle of ordinary everyday life. The author's detailed descriptions of sights, sound and smells of his wilderness experience many times transported me right next to Richard Proenneke and his cabin. This is a great book for anyone who wishes or dreams of stepping into the wild for a few moments.

Dick Proenneke was a unique man among his peers I am honored to have learned about his choices and peeked into his mind.

Thoreau had nothing this man. Richard Proenneke not only writes about living in the woods it but does it. Along with a describing his actions he puts in a little of his gained wisdom about working and living. Quite enjoyable.

A wonderful story of grit and determination. An all-American story. If you like stories about our early pioneers who made do with very little and were totally self sufficient, then you will like this story. We Americans used to be adventurous people who attempted impossible things. That is what this book is about.

Read this. You can afford to squeeze two hundred pages of this into your life.

Great book

I,m jealous. I want to live there.Even though this took place some years ago,it just shows us all that we really do not need a lot of the things we have now.With planning & a lot of "get go" this earth may be able to get back on the right track again. I have part one dvd,& probably have watched it 70-80 times. No typo here!! I love it. Know just about all the words by heart. Can't wait till I can save up for dvd part two.

Great book!..really enjoyed reading

good read

Unbelievable, yet reminds me of my relatives in covered wagons. This single individual with his adventure and love of the outdoors offers to all the same undiscovered character within everyone. It has made me wish up a whole sack full of adventures. I welcome such stories of Americans to challenge the entire world, especially our youth. I know how hard it is to get wood to warm by. I also know there is no better way to warm up a cold house and keep it that way not to mention to boil a fresh pot of coffee on a wood burning stove. May this story let it be known that nothing is impossible if we respect nature and each other.

If you want to see a man become one with nature this is for you. Very relaxing yet inspirational to read.

It's good. If you're into the idea of living in the wilderness, especially in cold weather. Read it. This guy is amazingly knowledgable. It'd be nice if there was more detail about exactly HOW he did things, but there's enough to get a lot of ideas.

I first saw the documentary based on this book one day on PBS and thought the book would be just as good of a read and it is. This man is remarkable to have lived so long on his own. Forget Into the Wild, if you truly want hear a story of living off the land- this book is for you.

This man did what I always wanted to do.

Awesome book. Very relaxing to read.

Great read. Highly recommend for anyone interested in Dick's quest to find contentment in the wild.

Our son watched the show on PBS and he wanted to read the book. He is 10 year old, and he like outdoors activity, so the show and the book was perfect for him. Every night we read about Richard and his life in Alaska. Even our son made a felted needle figure. Our son wants to be a nature photographer!!

Excellent book to read. I believe everyone will enjoy this and the story of this amazing person. Easy to read diary-like story of Dick Proenneke's 16-month life alone in a beautiful wilderness of Alaska. Page by page you'll be thrilled to continue on reading and it even gets better at the end. You'll probably stand up and clap your hands to this amazing man.

Great Story! I'm anxious to view the dvds also

Wonderous to those of us who dreamed of his self sufficient life. Sad that hes passed, hope he passed on his skills to his younger friends. This guy, is the dream dad, of every american man. I am humbled, by his life achievments. Wow. Watch this, it will want to make you a better man.

I enjoyed this book tremendously. The author makes you feel like you are in the environment with Dick. He was a true " woodsman" and for his day an environmentalist. I wished I could have helped build the cabin! A true woodsman. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the back country and likes to get away from the city life. Most of us have thought of doing what he did, but don't have the nerve to take the plunge!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is written in plain down to earth detail that can be enjoyed by just about any age group. I first saw the film and then decided I wanted to read the book and I am glad I did. Now I intend to watch the film again. I know I will get more out of it.

Loved it!

Watched the movie and the book is great...quite the pioneer spirit on display...

My dad is really into Alaska, being outdoorsy, and making things himself. I ordered the film from PBS (it was cheaper there than I could find on Amazon) but got the book here. Arrived in tip top shape, and I think he's really going to like it!!

A beautiful story of the wilderness from the banks of Twin Lakes. Having been to his cabin and spent 10 days in the back country of Lake Clark National Park, this book is a fitting tribute to one of the truly untouched wonders in America.

Prenneke believed in being self-reliant and not consuming products produced by society simply because they were available.

This book is perfect for me. I love being outdoors and would like to visit Alaska now because of this book. I'm a novice woodworker and I loved the idea of a person building a cabin all by themselves.

Great read, good story

Great story! And I read it while traveling around in Alaska!

Well worth the time...I feel like I was there with him..building the cabin...feeding the birds...paddling the canoe...hiking the trails...and...eating those sourdough biscuits!

Easy reading and extremely interesting! It sounds like the perfect paradise and to think that this man was so smart to be able to build this cabin from scratch with a minimum of tools; I don't think too many of today's carpenters could do that without all the power tools available today. It also goes to prove that we do not need all the extras that we have today to enjoy life. I know that when I am out snow shoeing in the middle of the woods, I sometimes stop and look around and say that if Heaven is any better than this, it must be something. To be able to do what he did is amazing and I envy him. Great book! I will be passing it along to others to read. Ed

My favorite book about life in Alaska. I have read it three times, and I will read it again.

Good Reading.Something we think that we think we would like to do . Get away from the city & back to nature.But I don't think most of us would make it.The main man was very smart And could make simple materals do great things.

Loved this book. I became addicted to the Dick Proenneke story after reading. This book gives a beautiful description of Alaska and the story of Proennekke's adventures are heartwarming and humorous. I cannot imagine anyone being disappointed in this book.

If you have watched this film series on PBS TV, this book is a must. While reading it, it's written exacly how he talks. Just like being there with him. Amazing book and story.

I'm not near tough enough to handle it like Proenneke, but I'd like to get out into the quiet and spend some time there. The details for building the cabin were fantastic and I ended up buying a few additional books on log cabins. Just a really great read about an interesting character.

My favorite kind of book. Adventure, wilderness, survival. One person against the elements. Finding himself and finding a home. Alone.

Extremely engaging and just a pleasure to read. I saw 'Alone in the Wilderness' on PBS first and was fascinated by this one man who hand builds a log cabin in just a few weeks and lives in Alaska totally alone with the exception of a few visits and delivery of supplies by his friend, a bush pilot. This is a great adventure and completely true. You won't regret paying for this book but try to see the TV production either before or after- it comes alive.

Amazing to think someone could exist that way. Living in unspoiled country sounds inviting but few could accomplish it as he did. He must have done his homework to know how to do it all.

How many of us wish we could chuck it all and find one of the remaining isolated, undeveloped places on this planet, resign from society and live off the land? A lot more than those who actually have the skills I imagine. An excellent read and the corresponding videos available through Amazon from Bob Swerer Productions are excellent!

Awesome story

hard to read the book because it constantly makes me want to go outside and explore! I definitely recommend it

A great read for those who yearn to get back to nature or escape a hectic lifestyle. Honest, patient and artistic.

Great story

A fantastic account of this man living in Alaska all alone. Most of the book is basically a diary of day to day activites, but if this is interesting to you, you will enjoy it. He built his own cabin 100% by hand, hunted, hiked, and just immersed himself in the outdoors. Very interesting. Its hard to fathom how he did it all.

Have always loved this book. Read it when first published and now have several copies.

After having traveled to Alaska it was totally amazing !! The man was the most patient human I ever read about and tha author did a marvelous job of telling the story. You felt like you were right there. Kudos to all !!

Bought as gifts/ My hubby loved it, very interesting.

A great book. As a former Alaskan and pilot, I'm very familiar with this part of the state and this story. I reread it from time to time as it is so pleasurable.

This is an interesting sort of diary about one man's life in the Alaskan wilderness.

A really intersting view on life in a time and place that no longer exists. The author' love of nature, and difficulties he experienced come across in a easy to read style

Read "Caruso of Lonesome Lake" back in high school and this reminded me of that incredible story of Ralph Edwards! The ingenuity of this guy was remarkable! A great read if you appreciate this type of "wilderness living" stories.

Already own this book, very interesting read. Bought this as a gift for a friend

Really enjoyable read. Felt like I was there. No fluff just real stuff. Not an environment that I would feel comfortable in but I admire the author's rugged adventurous spirit. These folks, including bush pilot seem to have know fear. Very impressive!

A knock out book of true life in the wilds that is a testament to man's ability to be adaptive to his environment, true to his beliefs and live like a mountainman in the 21st century. No hype,no bull and no script. This is true, day to day living at it's truest.

Great read, it makes one long for the quite solitude of the Alaskan bush.

I seldom find time to read fiction stories because it seems to be wasted time. This is a non-fiction story of a special man and his need to do something worthwhile in his life that others seldom even begin to do. An ordinary man would be afraid to isolate himself in a lonely life where wild animals are always confronting him. This story shows how living a life in a wilderness today can illustrate the wonders of our pioneer days and revel in it. I loved this book.

I just finished this book on that Kindle app on my smartphone. I took my time with this book and casually read it, page by page, and was absolutely fascinated! I have seen the PBS special a number of years ago about Dick Proenneke, and finally found the book. This book is so incredible with such a detailed storyline, that you lose yourself in the book. You find yourself *THERE* you know what I mean? You follow the story of Dick Proenneke flying up into the Twin Lakes and you are there along for the ride. You watch him work, you see what he sees, you can smell, taste, touch, and observe the wild animals just as he did. I have to order the next book called "More Readings From One Man's Wilderness" and continue following along with this incredibly well written, story of a tough ol' guy who lived off the land and did everything by hand!

I own the DVD and this is one rare look into a man who defys the odds and survives the harsh elements of Alaska's wilderness. I highly recommend this book and the DVD to anyone who wishes to experiance through these media, the true spirit of Americans.

A really great read by a man who followed his heart!!

Written in diary form makes an easy and fast read. Very descriptive writing! When I got to the pages with pictures, what I had in my head for a mental image was very close to the picture shown!

Love

My dad loves this book!

Amazing book...

A fantastic book. It will leave you in awe of one man's determination and skill. By the end, you will want to move to Alaska and leave the rush of modern society behind.

What a disappointment. I bought both the Kindle book and the narration. Right off a number of pages were not narrated. I hope there are not more left out. Would have been five stars otherwise.

This book was awesome,I had a hard time putting it down when I would read it! Sure would have like to meet Dick Proenneke, sounded like quite the gentleman. If you bought the DVD's don't forget to order this book also!

This man is amazing, and his way with words make the pages come alive. You can see the canoe gliding through the crystal clear water, and the logs being shaped by hand. It's amazing how he literates the scenery

I literally could not put this book down. A great tale about a man and a time that have, sadly, passed. I hope you enjoy this as much as I have.

Great book about living in the bush of Alaska, and what every day life would be like. Great read for anyone needing to day dream.

Admittedly, this book is for those that appreciate craftsmanship, solitude, and Alaska. Given one or more of the aforementioned criteria catches your attention, then this book will be at least a "4" for you. I have never read a book (please note: I have probably only completely read a total of 15 books in my 40 plus years as I am persnickity about my content) where the photograpy adds so much to the content. I have loaned (will never get it back so I am ordering 3 more.. this is a first... having more than one copy of a book) to numerous work colleagues and they all have come back with, "Wow"... I am ready to go.

I had already bought and watched the movie many times over. The movie made me wonder what they were not showing, so I bought this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it! The book gave many more details that were not and probably could not have been shown in the movie. Since the book is written from Dick's journal it creates a more realistic view of what his life was really like alone in that little cabin. An absolute must read!

great read about this man's life in the wilderness,,,and how he survived thru hard work and determination...built his own cabin and lived by hunting and fishing for different food sources.....super book for those who are survivors...and want to learn more of life.....

A true story of a man who leaves it all, goes to Alaska, builds his own cabin and spends a year in the wilderness. A man to admire who followed his dreams.

Awesome. Best book in years. Gifted to a friend. Riveted my young kids describing it. Maybe I should buy another to have around...

great reading. i wish they could sell The Early Years: The Journals of Richard L. Proenneke 1967-1973 here on amazon.

I love reading true tale and hearing what other people have done with their dreams. It held me to the end wanting to know what he did each day. Was interesting the things he made with small amount of tools.

I loved it, it was a fantastic story. It makes you want to run up to Alaska and live, of course, it's different now, too many laws and too much government.

Not nearly as riveting as the other two video's, but this is worth having in the collection because it is still a feel good thing to watch.

wife loves it...

I thought I already reviewed this. All I can say is, get the book. So yeah, end of review. No really though, it's beautiful. Simple. Keeps me feeling stable while I am still in the city, and inspires me when out in the wild. Of every book I have read (100's) this is in the top 5.

I liked how calming a read the book is, but it still addresses risk and danger at the same time. I will recommend to friends.

This book made me feel like I was there in the Twin Lakes with Dick Proeneke. I loved it and will read it again and again!

Good book for me because I have always thought I'd like to do this. Too old now. Ky

A great book that explains in more detail then the PBS Videos about a man's life in Alaska for 30 years. He was smart enough to survive by himself and smart enough to know when to leave at 80 years old.

This series is so interesting to the person who loves being on their own in wide open spaces. My husband loves to hunt, fish, etc and loves being in the woods in the quiet and peacefulness of places like this video and book describes.

Great book!