Essential Survival Skills (DK Essential Skills) Paperback – February 21, 2011

There are innumerable books on Survival out there, with more being printed all the time. This book, along with its bigger brother by Colin Towell, I keep coming back to, again and again, year after year. This smaller version contains lots of good information to keep you alive and well, all over the world. It is also of a convenient size to put in your pack and take with you on your outdoor adventures. The illustrations are excellent; some of the finest graphics that you could ask for. It is one of my all time favorites and you will not go wrong having a copy, reading it, studying it, and implementing the knowledge in it. No better gift of copies of this book for people you care about! I would use either version as a text to teach a comprehensive survival class.

This is essentially a condensed version of it's big brother. Still a great book. DK books are always great, no matter what they're putting out. Excellent illustrations, well written prose, and well made bindings.A couple points though:1. As a travel sized survival book, it can be assumed that this may be taken on the trails. If that's so, why make the book freakin' camouflaged? It should be bright orange or red so it will never get lost.2. The last few pages should be made of tracing paper or cotton, so they can double as tinder if needed.3. The cover should be made of a plastic-like material that is more weather resistant.Overall, a condensed version of another great book...Keep up the good work, DK!

I have enjoyed reading this book. It covers a variety of environments, weather conditions, and terrains. I later bought another copy for my nephew's birthday.

This is a good, no-nonsense book for beginners who have never been in the wilderness. It covers all the basic techniques and is more than well illustrated and constructed. I would recommend giving this to a child or adult. The book could have been longer. Its not a complete encyclopedia. If you were to go out you'd want to read more about animals and plants in specific areas. Most people aren't going to leave North America, so they could have put more information in on plants and animals. It would have been nice if it had real life examples and stories. Its a great book and I'd recommend it. I just hope they'd keep improving on it. This is just a nice little guidebook to start you off, not a reference at all.

My 8 year old says, "It has a lot of good skills to know and is easy to read and understand. I would recommend this for someone trying to learn outdoor skills. It has lots of things to build, too." It has kept his attention and he has enjoyed it. It isn't just for children though, I have enjoyed taking some looks at it, too!

I like the binding, strong yet flexible. I plan to read it in depth. I had a book back in the70's that was similar subject but not as detailed as this. I have not had to use it yet. This might be a good gift for a BoyScout.

very good info on survival,especially if you are not experienced.it also is paperback size so easy to carry.

amazing buy.

Hi this is a really great book. It's smaller than his larger handbook so it's easy to take with you on any trip. It's deceptively simple but like most things on survival training it comes down to actually learning and practicing the skills.

Best portable wilderness survival guide I have. Very useful illustrations and practical material for survival and camping use. Gave one to my best friend and bought this one to replace it.