Good book to have

jerrymrc · July 01, 2007, 08:43

I was going through a rummage store in Cheyenne last week and ran across this book. Back to basics by Readers Digest.

It has a very broad scope and (I thought) very informative. I checked on line and it is still available.

I think it would be a very good addition to anyones library.

You can find it HERE

just wondering if anyone else has seen it?

**Shootability** · July 01, 2007, 09:01

Ok - I ordered one 4.21 plus shipping 8.00 delivered - looks good.

MtnWulf · July 01, 2007, 09:31

Another very good book to have along this line is "The Guide to Self Sufficiency" by John Seymour. Originally printed in the mid 70's I bought 2 copies, one to use and one to set aside. He has a new updated version out " The New Complete Book of Self Sufficiency".

Pretty much anything he wrote has an incredible amount of information about being self reliant. Definitely a must have for a SHTF scenario.

**C-ya** · July 02, 2007, 18:23

Wow, didn't take them long to up with the price. I just looked and $20.99 + ship is now the going rate.

solvability, did you order from Amazon?

**Shootability** · July 02, 2007, 18:31

Yep - from the used section.

Arizona Highlander · July 02, 2007, 18:37

Although the Reader’s Digest “Back to Basics” book is somewhat dated (especially the sections covering alternative power) at about twenty bucks, it’s still a good deal. This is probably the most under-rated “survivalist” book out there - probably because it doesn’t include anything about guns and explosives and stuff.

But, if you want to know how to make soap, brew beer, tan hides, or set up a blacksmith’s shop, this book is the cat’s pajamas.

If I were stranded for the next 20 years in an isolated cabin, and were allowed only one book, “Back to Basics” would be among my top choices.

mosbysmen · July 02, 2007, 18:43

its on my bookshelf

DFWBob · July 02, 2007, 19:45

I have had this book for probably 10 years or more. It is a must read, must have book.

Bob

AndyC · July 02, 2007, 21:03

Quote:

Originally posted by Arizona Highlander
This is probably the most under-rated “survivalist” book out there - probably because it doesn’t include anything about guns and explosives and stuff.

But, if you want to know how to make soap, brew beer, tan hides, or set up a blacksmith’s shop, this book is the cat’s pajamas.

Oh, nice - ordering it now. Thanks for the heads-up, guys

Itchingforaninchpattern · July 02, 2007, 22:13

Rummage stores, thrift stores and garage sales are excellent places to get many things. I picked up a copy of Back to Basics at a Goodwill a few years ago for less than 5 dollars. I also got copies of "Where There Is No Doctor" and "Where There Is No Dentist" for less then 3 dollars each.
I also picked up a Gander Mountain vest several years ago from a Goodwill or Salvation Army store that has pockets inside and out (can carry about 10 AR mags in 20 and 30 round mixture, with space for 3 pistol mags and room for more) for less than 10 dollars. I picked up a nearly new PASGT vest for 65 dollars a couple of years ago as well. Those thrift stores can be treasure troves. And you can still get all the Captain and Tenille LPs you would ever want to walk out with.

Bayernwolf · July 03, 2007, 01:22

Thanks Jerry for the heads up on that book. Looked thru the index and was impressed. I was able to order a copy for $9.30 total with shipping. I'm looking forward to its arrival. I think it will be a valuable addition to my resource bookshelves.
Thanks again,
Bill

Bayernwolf · July 03, 2007, 01:46

Itching,!you got it right about thrift shops!
Last week I picked up a perfect condition LC-1 large pack with straps for $5.00. in one shop. Have been able to put up a reasonable backup supply of quality winter wear from Carhart overalls to GI arctic parkas for a few dollars each. While our normal operating supply of clothing should suffice for awhile in normal times, I try to prepare for a prolonged lack of supply of replacements due to whatever reasons. The thrift shops have been invaluable at accomplishing this even with a limited or nearly non-existent budget.
Bill

**C-ya** · July 03, 2007, 10:39

I see today that they offer it in hardcover for less. Don't know how I missed that yesterday.

My copy will be on order.

OrangeSkies · July 03, 2007, 11:19

Lots of copies on eBay starting at around $5...

jerrymrc · July 03, 2007, 11:20

Quote:

Originally posted by C-ya
I see today that they offer it in hardcover for less. Don't know how I missed that yesterday.

My copy will be on order.

I think it only comes in hardcover.

**C-ya** · July 03, 2007, 11:48

jerrymrc: You're right. They just point it out that it is H/C in the special offer section. On the other, it says it at the top of the page when you click on the New and Used section.

OrangeSkies: I'll check there as well.

HillBilly2 · July 03, 2007, 12:33

Thanks! I got one on the way as well. I would have never known about this one without your post.

jerrymrc · July 03, 2007, 21:25

I am glad to be of some help. This book has filled in allot of blank spaces for me.

Like soap. I knew how to make it but I did not know how to make my own lye. Now I know.

I have a binder that I keep putting items I find into but many items that I had not thought about are in the book.

BTW I just looked again and it seems that my little post has taken this book from 44,xxx to 24,xxx in popularity in a couple of days.

richbug · July 04, 2007, 11:35

I was looking at getting a copy after this post. My wife looked over my shoulder and said "I think we had a copy of that growing up". My mother in law is bringing it over today, guess she is good for something after all.

mongoose · July 04, 2007, 12:00

I actually referenced the very same book in my Master's Thesis.

Another good one is " country wisdom and know how"

Its amazing what you can find in history

Truckinmike · July 16, 2007, 00:21

Great book! I get 4 eggs a day because of that book. I bought some chickens after flipping through the pages. I'm on my way to self-sufficiency! one chicken at a time.
And
It even helped with my pear/mustang grape preserves... that I made TODAY! And fig preserves that i made on wednsday/thursday! Yum-Yum delicious.

Truckinmike

Bayernwolf · July 17, 2007, 00:35

Mine came today FINALLY!!! I have felt like a kid waiting for Santa for the past 3 weeks. Dissappointed day after day, but finally ....I was out on the road taking new Wal-Mart 5 gallon gas cans out of my van to transfer to the pick-up to go refuel the bulldozer up on the mountain, when the mail truck pulls up and PASSES the mailbox!!! Yippee! that means he's got something that WON'T FIT!!! Suddenly it's Christmas!! Here's Santa Claus with MY BOOK!!! and WOW it was worth it!! Someone made the comment in an earlier post (sorry i can't figure out how to go back and attribute you properly) about making lye for soap. This started an in house discussion of well yeah we know how to make soap but how the heck DO you get lye if the stores are closed!!!???? Geezumcrow what a simple thing thing we didn't know!!!!! I got to be only number three going through the pages after my wife and 23 year old son. We have a library of resource books and the info we NEED is in there I'm sure but the presentation in this book is particularly well done. High recommendations from us here in the Green Mountains.
Best Regards to all!

Rice · July 17, 2007, 13:03

Maybe someone can scan that book into a PDF?
The thing isn't available commercially, you wouldn't be depriving any copyright holder of income. This is the kind of thing that might be of great value to the community as a whole. I can find lots of books on the pirate bay but not much survival/skills stuff.
Just a thought.
Rice

jerrymrc · July 17, 2007, 17:27

Quote:

Originally posted by Rice
Maybe someone can scan that book into a PDF?
The thing isn't available commercially, you wouldn't be depriving any copyright holder of income. This is the kind of thing that might be of great value to the community as a whole. I can find lots of books on the pirate bay but not much survival/skills stuff.
Just a thought.
Rice

456 pages of 8-1/2x11........ Last printing was 99. there are lots of them out there for $10-20. Well worth it IMO.

g5 · July 28, 2007, 23:16

Didn't buy it when it came out but, after this thread, I did hunt one down. Thanks for the reminder and tip!

Rice · July 31, 2007, 16:08

OK, I got mine, in, good stuff.
I'll have to ponder a good way to scan the thing. I'd hate to cut the binding . I'd need a way to get it back together first.
This is a great book for ideas, for giving you paths to ponder.
Thanks
Rice

hagar · July 31, 2007, 18:25

Lye, methanol and used cooking oil can also be used to make biodiesel.

Tuscan Raider · July 31, 2007, 18:28

Haven't seen this mentioned, but the
"Foxfire" books are well worth having,also.

Scotto · August 04, 2007, 16:48

I just got my copy from Half.com, hardcover for $1.75. Good deal, thanks for posting.

I have Foxfire #'s 1,2 & 3 as well.

July 01, 2007, 08:43	#1
jerrymrc Registered FALaholic #: 2331 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: colorado springs Posts: 4,878	Good book to have I was going through a rummage store in Cheyenne last week and ran across this book. Back to basics by Readers Digest. It has a very broad scope and (I thought) very informative. I checked on line and it is still available. I think it would be a very good addition to anyones library. You can find it HERE just wondering if anyone else has seen it? __________________ Owner of the worlds lightest Fal. 5.8lbs. :)

July 02, 2007, 18:23	#4
C-ya One day at a time... Contributor FALaholic #: 16313 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southwest MI Posts: 1,185	Wow, didn't take them long to up with the price. I just looked and $20.99 + ship is now the going rate. solvability, did you order from Amazon? __________________ ΜOΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ US out of the UN!! UN out of the US!!

July 02, 2007, 18:43	#7
mosbysmen Senior Member Moderator FALaholic #: 782 Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: louisana Posts: 2,357	its on my bookshelf __________________ fio para bellator be the prepared warrior Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ¯ Mark Twain "when you have integrity..... nothing else matters when you don't have integrity.... nothing else matters" Teach The Children This Simple Principle.... Bob Kelly "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming -- WOW--What a Ride l

July 03, 2007, 01:22	#11
Bayernwolf Registered FALaholic #: 23517 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chittenden County Vermont Posts: 121	Thanks Jerry for the heads up on that book. Looked thru the index and was impressed. I was able to order a copy for $9.30 total with shipping. I'm looking forward to its arrival. I think it will be a valuable addition to my resource bookshelves. Thanks again, Bill __________________ Bill (In the Green Mountains):fal: NRA Life Member

July 03, 2007, 01:46	#12
Bayernwolf Registered FALaholic #: 23517 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chittenden County Vermont Posts: 121	Itching,!you got it right about thrift shops! Last week I picked up a perfect condition LC-1 large pack with straps for $5.00. in one shop. Have been able to put up a reasonable backup supply of quality winter wear from Carhart overalls to GI arctic parkas for a few dollars each. While our normal operating supply of clothing should suffice for awhile in normal times, I try to prepare for a prolonged lack of supply of replacements due to whatever reasons. The thrift shops have been invaluable at accomplishing this even with a limited or nearly non-existent budget. Bill __________________ Bill (In the Green Mountains):fal: NRA Life Member

July 01, 2007, 09:01	#2
Shootability Formerly Solvability Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 6448 Join Date: May 2002 Location: HSV Posts: 2,707	Ok - I ordered one 4.21 plus shipping 8.00 delivered - looks good.

July 01, 2007, 09:31	#3
MtnWulf Registered FALaholic #: 21997 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Appalachia Posts: 861	Another very good book to have along this line is "The Guide to Self Sufficiency" by John Seymour. Originally printed in the mid 70's I bought 2 copies, one to use and one to set aside. He has a new updated version out " The New Complete Book of Self Sufficiency". Pretty much anything he wrote has an incredible amount of information about being self reliant. Definitely a must have for a SHTF scenario.

July 02, 2007, 18:31	#5
Shootability Formerly Solvability Bronze Contributor FALaholic #: 6448 Join Date: May 2002 Location: HSV Posts: 2,707	Yep - from the used section.

July 02, 2007, 18:37	#6
Arizona Highlander Registered FALaholic #: 20277 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 475	Although the Reader’s Digest “Back to Basics” book is somewhat dated (especially the sections covering alternative power) at about twenty bucks, it’s still a good deal. This is probably the most under-rated “survivalist” book out there - probably because it doesn’t include anything about guns and explosives and stuff. But, if you want to know how to make soap, brew beer, tan hides, or set up a blacksmith’s shop, this book is the cat’s pajamas. If I were stranded for the next 20 years in an isolated cabin, and were allowed only one book, “Back to Basics” would be among my top choices.

July 02, 2007, 19:45	#8
DFWBob Registered FALaholic #: 82 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Grapevine, Tx. USA Posts: 155	I have had this book for probably 10 years or more. It is a must read, must have book. Bob

July 02, 2007, 22:13	#10
Itchingforaninchpattern Registered FALaholic #: 17687 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Upper Midwest Posts: 708	Rummage stores, thrift stores and garage sales are excellent places to get many things. I picked up a copy of Back to Basics at a Goodwill a few years ago for less than 5 dollars. I also got copies of "Where There Is No Doctor" and "Where There Is No Dentist" for less then 3 dollars each. I also picked up a Gander Mountain vest several years ago from a Goodwill or Salvation Army store that has pockets inside and out (can carry about 10 AR mags in 20 and 30 round mixture, with space for 3 pistol mags and room for more) for less than 10 dollars. I picked up a nearly new PASGT vest for 65 dollars a couple of years ago as well. Those thrift stores can be treasure troves. And you can still get all the Captain and Tenille LPs you would ever want to walk out with.

July 03, 2007, 10:39	#13
C-ya One day at a time... Contributor FALaholic #: 16313 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southwest MI Posts: 1,185	I see today that they offer it in hardcover for less. Don't know how I missed that yesterday. My copy will be on order. __________________ ΜOΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ US out of the UN!! UN out of the US!!

July 03, 2007, 11:19	#14
OrangeSkies Registered FALaholic #: 19168 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 186	Lots of copies on eBay starting at around $5... __________________ He who argues with a fool is an even greater fool.

July 03, 2007, 11:48	#16
C-ya One day at a time... Contributor FALaholic #: 16313 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southwest MI Posts: 1,185	jerrymrc: You're right. They just point it out that it is H/C in the special offer section. On the other, it says it at the top of the page when you click on the New and Used section. OrangeSkies: I'll check there as well. __________________ ΜOΛΩΝ ΛΑΒΕ US out of the UN!! UN out of the US!! Last edited by C-ya; July 03, 2007 at 11:56.

July 03, 2007, 12:33	#17
HillBilly2 Registered FALaholic #: 27601 Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 68	Thanks! I got one on the way as well. I would have never known about this one without your post.

July 03, 2007, 21:25	#18
jerrymrc Registered FALaholic #: 2331 Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: colorado springs Posts: 4,878	I am glad to be of some help. This book has filled in allot of blank spaces for me. Like soap. I knew how to make it but I did not know how to make my own lye. Now I know. I have a binder that I keep putting items I find into but many items that I had not thought about are in the book. BTW I just looked again and it seems that my little post has taken this book from 44,xxx to 24,xxx in popularity in a couple of days. __________________ Owner of the worlds lightest Fal. 5.8lbs. :)

July 04, 2007, 11:35	#19
richbug Registered FALaholic #: 10484 Join Date: May 2003 Location: Western PA Posts: 3,776	I was looking at getting a copy after this post. My wife looked over my shoulder and said "I think we had a copy of that growing up". My mother in law is bringing it over today, guess she is good for something after all.

July 04, 2007, 12:00	#20
mongoose Registered FALaholic #: 3835 Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Third rock from the sun Posts: 745	I actually referenced the very same book in my Master's Thesis. Another good one is " country wisdom and know how" Its amazing what you can find in history __________________ Stay Alert, Stay Alive. It does not require a majority to prevail but an irate tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds! Samuel Adams "God is dead"...Nietzche "Nietzche is dead"...God "'Over the Mountains Of the Moon, Down the Valley of the Shadow, Ride, boldly ride,' The shade replied, - 'If you seek for Eldorado!'"...Poe

July 16, 2007, 00:21	#21
Truckinmike Registered FALaholic #: 19674 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: TX Posts: 142	Great book! I get 4 eggs a day because of that book. I bought some chickens after flipping through the pages. I'm on my way to self-sufficiency! one chicken at a time. And It even helped with my pear/mustang grape preserves... that I made TODAY! And fig preserves that i made on wednsday/thursday! Yum-Yum delicious. Truckinmike __________________ “Today, America would be outraged if U.N. troops entered Los Angeles to restore order [referring to the 1991 riots in Los Angeles]. Tomorrow they will be grateful! This is especially true if they were told that there were an outside threat from beyond whether real or promulgated, that threatened our very existence. It is then that all peoples of the world will plead to deliver them from this evil. The one thing every man fears is the unknown. When presented with this scenario, individual rights will be willingly relinquished for the guarantee of their well-being granted to them by the world government." Henry Kissinger, May 21, 1992, Bilderberg meeting Evian, France

July 17, 2007, 00:35	#22
Bayernwolf Registered FALaholic #: 23517 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Chittenden County Vermont Posts: 121	Mine came today FINALLY!!! I have felt like a kid waiting for Santa for the past 3 weeks. Dissappointed day after day, but finally ....I was out on the road taking new Wal-Mart 5 gallon gas cans out of my van to transfer to the pick-up to go refuel the bulldozer up on the mountain, when the mail truck pulls up and PASSES the mailbox!!! Yippee! that means he's got something that WON'T FIT!!! Suddenly it's Christmas!! Here's Santa Claus with MY BOOK!!! and WOW it was worth it!! Someone made the comment in an earlier post (sorry i can't figure out how to go back and attribute you properly) about making lye for soap. This started an in house discussion of well yeah we know how to make soap but how the heck DO you get lye if the stores are closed!!!???? Geezumcrow what a simple thing thing we didn't know!!!!! I got to be only number three going through the pages after my wife and 23 year old son. We have a library of resource books and the info we NEED is in there I'm sure but the presentation in this book is particularly well done. High recommendations from us here in the Green Mountains. Best Regards to all! __________________ Bill (In the Green Mountains):fal: NRA Life Member

July 17, 2007, 13:03	#23
Rice Registered FALaholic #: 21673 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: FL Posts: 32	Maybe someone can scan that book into a PDF? The thing isn't available commercially, you wouldn't be depriving any copyright holder of income. This is the kind of thing that might be of great value to the community as a whole. I can find lots of books on the pirate bay but not much survival/skills stuff. Just a thought. Rice

July 28, 2007, 23:16	#25
g5 Registered FALaholic #: 13024 Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,292	Didn't buy it when it came out but, after this thread, I did hunt one down. Thanks for the reminder and tip! __________________ eschew obfuscation Championing the Environment - everyone should have one

July 31, 2007, 16:08	#26
Rice Registered FALaholic #: 21673 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: FL Posts: 32	OK, I got mine, in, good stuff. I'll have to ponder a good way to scan the thing. I'd hate to cut the binding . I'd need a way to get it back together first. This is a great book for ideas, for giving you paths to ponder. Thanks Rice

July 31, 2007, 18:25	#27
hagar Registered FALaholic #: 228 Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 6,724	Lye, methanol and used cooking oil can also be used to make biodiesel.

July 31, 2007, 18:28	#28
Tuscan Raider Registered FALaholic #: 19668 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 2,964	Haven't seen this mentioned, but the "Foxfire" books are well worth having,also. __________________ "An eye for an eye makes us all blind." Ghandi "We, here in America, hold in our hands the hopes of the world, the fate of the coming years; and shame and disgrace will be ours if in our eyes the light of high resolve is dimmed, if we trail in the dust the golden hopes of men." Theodore Roosevelt Address at Carnegie Hall March 30, 1912

August 04, 2007, 16:48	#29
Scotto Registered FALaholic #: 30543 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas Posts: 31	I just got my copy from Half.com, hardcover for $1.75. Good deal, thanks for posting. I have Foxfire #'s 1,2 & 3 as well.

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