The 16 Best Survival Books for When the World Ends
11. Special Forces Survival Guide: Wilderness Survival Skills From the World’s Most Elite Military Units – Chris McNab
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Not to be confused with fellow author and former special forces operative Andy McNab, Chris McNab is an author specializing in military history and true crime. He has written over 40 books, including several survival guides, with Special Forces Survival Guide: Wilderness Survival Skills from the World’s Most Elite Military Units being his best.
This book presents a variety of skills used by actual special forces units from around the globe, including the Navy SEALS, Army Rangers, Green Berets, and Australian SAS. The techniques detailed can be applied to numerous situations you might find yourself in when lost in the wild. The book is split into different sections that detail how to find food and water, build a shelter, start a fire, craft tools and weapons, navigate without a compass, first aid rules, and signal for help. It’s another great reference book that is the ideal companion when out hiking in the middle of nowhere.
12. The Encyclopedia of Country Living 50th Anniversary Edition: The Original Manual for Living Off the Land & Doing It Yourself – Carla Emery
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One of the originals, Carla Emery is the name behind arguably the most successful survival book of all time. The Encyclopedia of Country Living, 50th Anniversary Edition: The Original Manual for Living off the Land & Doing It Yourself was first written by Emery in the early 70s. An organic farmer who believed in the ‘back-to-the-land movement’ that was popular at that time, Emery wanted to help others learn how to live off the land. She began writing a newsletter that turned into a book.
Self-publishing her encyclopedia, Emery sold an incredible 90,000 copies by traveling across America and promoting the book by appearing on talk shows. This landmark guide is regarded as the book for those wanting to understand more about how to live in the country and be self-sufficient. Long before global warming and climate change, Emery was already discussing how to live a sustainable and eco-friendly life. Covering everything from growing your own food to making organic bug spray, this encyclopedia has all the knowledge you could want.
