Primitive Technology: A Book of Earth Skills

It has occurred to me that a primitive technology for instant communication has existed for a long time: heliography. All you need it silver or gold metallurgy to make a decent mirror. A very simple way to precisely aim a beam of sunlight from a mirror exists, for the geomentrically unimpaired. With a large mirror, signalling from one mountain peak to another over distances of 50 miles is achievable.I wonder if any ancient empires practiced this. The crusader kingdoms in Lebanon used fire beacons to indicate they had not yet been overrun by those pesky Arabs and Kurds, but there was no actual telegraphing of text. The earliest telegraph I know of was done in Sweden in the early 19th century, by semaphore assisted with telescopes. Sunny day and batteries not required, as long as there was daylight and a clear view.One thing about this book... I went out right away, cut off a yucca spine, and started making string out of it. Yep, it really works (but is very labor intensive). Stone chipping was not so successful because you really need the right kind of stone. I've GOT TO TRY IT when I find a good stone!

If you are curious about what primitive technology is about this book will give you a good introduction. Lots of cool drawings and pics but don't expect step by step, hand held instructions for the multitude of topics covered in this compilation. If you don't know much about this stuff then some vocabulary may be new to you such as atlatls, celt, haft, biface, pecking and the list goes on. It was new for me but I found that my interests grew deeper and soon found myself buying books on flintknapping (did I have money for that...?) which I knew next to nothing about not too long ago. Inspirational in so many regards with some reasonable instruction from pics and words combined but I think these articles were intended for those with some background in the subject. Many short articles with great tidbits for the outdoorsman. A taste of this and a flavor of that by leading authorities whose expertise is compiled into one book. I recommend it highly not only for the curious but the outdoorsman, survivalist and tinkerer! I love that little knife in the middle foreground on the cover!

I bought the book to learn more about throwing/killing sticks (non-returning boomerangs)and found more than I had expected. The chapter about throwing sticks is very well-written with a lot of first-hand information and know-how. It is not a book of survival skills, just an academic approach to the life of our ancestors, would satisfied scientifically/academically curious reader (Since it was written by American archaelogists with the support of excavations and research made on this continent, there may be some gaps for European reader). Besides, it includes some practical, useful how-to's for outdoormen and enthusiasts of primitive weapons. Another chapter about other hand-thrown weapons are good too but I was expecting more from the part about atlatls. I liked the evidence-and research-based structure of the book, found the illustrations clear and explanatory, but the quality of (all black&white) photographs is less than optimal. In general, it is a good reference book that should be kept in the library.

First off, If you want a book that details how to start learning earth skills...This isn't your book, This book is for individuals who already have somewhat of a grasp of the basics and are looking for ideas and ways to perfect their skills...Example; While it doesn't detail all the ways to learn friction fire... It does provide subtle nuances to the various methods of primitive firecraft that when applied, will enhance and improve your firemaking experience.Look to this book after you have a solid foundation, and use it to take your abilities even higher.

Product Description8 3/16 x 10 7/8 in, 232 pp, 100 Black & white photographs, 150 line drawings.Have you ever longed to return to a past where humanity's greatest concern was survival, when our hands created life's necessities, when the land's raw provisions were the materials with which we created warmth, shelter, food, and tools--a time before we lost our bond with the wilderness? Primitive technology helps build a bridge between the ancient past and our modern lives, putting us in touch again with nature and ourselves. This volume--a selection of articles within the bulletin of primitive technology--portrays the history, philosophy and personal journeys of authorities on primitive technology, imparting skills that built the success of mankind. From views on primitive technology and "new" archaeology to making fire and tools of bone, this book is informative and enlightening -From the inside flapContentsForewordSection 1--Primitive technologySection 2--Fire--where we beginSection 3--Bone, stone & wood--basic elementsSection 4--Fibers--holding the world togetherSection 5--Projectiles--power from the human handSection 6--Art & music--discipline and meaning

It's a great book with good illustrations. Well made and informative.

Delivery was fast. Book was in pretty good shape. Book has really nice detailed drawings of processes, for example- stone tool making, knapping illustrations and working with bone. If you want to learn various friction fire methods, then get this book

If you like or love the outdoors, or even curious about how early man did things, this is the book for you to really learn. From building shelters, making weapons and tools.Did you know they had a rock that was sharper than a operating room scapel. They show a microscope comparison, the stone was way sharper.This is a book you will keep handy to pick up and re read time and again.Its amazing how well thy used such primative tools, grass, and plants to do so many things. Even using a certain tree bark which has some of the same ingredients as asprin.

Lots of spelling mistakes and sentence construction uncertain but some good info' and fresh thoughts, particularly on firelighting.

Not at all what I was expecting, nor as it was advertised. I was expecting something with a coherent path to teach me interesting things. What I got were vague descriptions and terrible accompanying pictures. There are numerous far better books for this information.

when I stumbled upon this book and its sister book I was as pleased as Punch. This has been a lifelong interest of mine and this book is a gold mine I cannot say enough good things about it and I recommend it highly.

Fascinating descriptions of early technologies, with diagrams, photos, and detailed steps to recreate. A good read.

Lots of great information from experts I .respect