CHIPS FROM A WILDERNESS LOG

by Calvin Rutstrum ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 28, 1978

Rutstrum is so insistently expert about wilderness camping that frequently when a problem arises in these trailless rambles, he refers the reader to an in-depth discussion in one of his eleven other books, such as The Wilderness Route Finder or The Wilderness Cabin. Those who know those earlier works may smile and approve the referral; for the uninitiated, the repetition is somewhat tedious. Otherwise, this is an uneven motley of mildly humorous anecdotes, occasionally sneering remarks, remembrances of blunders, comments on Indian lore, and a thoroughly expendable section on how to shrink hemorrhoids. Rutstrum likes the ""symphony"" of rain on a cabin roof, the feel of a chain saw, and the ""alimentary approach"" to congeniality; he dislikes stuffed greenhorns, ""sadistic fishermen,"" and self-important hunters. The trouble with many of these variously sized pieces is not the original information or the qualified-optimism outlook but the tone of smug superiority which casts a shadow on the tall trees and wilderness hints.

Pub Date: April 28, 1978

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Stein & Day

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1978

Categories: NONFICTION