How to Build a Fire: And Other Handy Things Your Grandfather Knew Paperback – December 14, 2010

Reading this book was part walk down memory lane, part world expanding adventure. There were things that my father had taught me, like how to tie a tie and properly ask for a haircut. There were things that my family had tried, and failed, like making Ice cream. The biggest kick was learning how to make root beer, or a simple cocktail, or smoke a pipe. My grandfather never did show me that last one.This book is full of things to try, and to pass along to my grandkids, except the pipe smoking.

Perfect book for gals and guys to learn old school etiquette.

As an old timer, much in the book is common knowledge or common sense. However, I did not purchase the book for myself, but for my grandkids. Much of the stuff we took for granted or learned at a young age, my grandkids have no concept. Although the book is not overly detailed, it gives the person sufficient information to get started and maybe even experiment on his own and that is the intention. I would recommend this for our younger generation.

I ordered one of these, thumbed through it and ordered 2 more. This is a fun little reference book for men and women alike. Great, short how-to explanations on topics that you might talk with your grandfather about as you are growing up or as an adult. They are simple and presented in steps that are concise, informative, and entertaining. If you only have one reference book on your book shelf, I highly recommend this one and its companion "How to Sew on a Button". I also recommend it for those of us who have more books than sense, and those who have forgotten how satisfying it is to deal with things directly and efficiently. I gave this as gifts to 3 different types of people and found all 3 reading it. It isn't just for those fellows in your life; the ladies will love it too.

This book covers a lot of ground and has a great deal of good information in it. Writing is done very well and the topics are thoroughly covered.That said, I have to agree with another review, this type of book is usually aimed at being fun and educational, no reason to bring politics into the book. One other thing worth mentioning -- although the book description and some of the reviews seem to aim this book at a male audience the writing has a female flair in many areas and it might be better suited if the book were promoted as a uni-sex read. You won't find a lot of detail about hunting / fishing / bushcraft.

After reading and giving out "How to Sew a Button" to three of our grandaughters - I was glad to see that I could give the same kind of gift to our grandson as he went off to college. Same thing applies - humor - good advise - solid life-lessons. So glad Erin Bried thought of this since modern life-styles no longer allow us the oportunity of having our grandkids witness so many of the things the book addresses. Good icebreaker. Thanks again. LDP54

This book is chock full of so much useful information! All the chapters are outlined with specific how-to's that our modern collective conscience seems to have forgotten.Not only will you learn how to build a fire, even in the rain, you learn lots of survival techniques that we should all know.This book is a good read and great for taking on camping trips, and for teaching the younger generation.

This is a great book. I think it is for a teen or adult. There were some chapters that were above my grandson's age and experience, but I sent it to my daughter to read to him at the appropriate time and then to give it to him when he is older. It is really a neat book.