[Primitive Technology: A Book of Earth Skills] [By: x] [March, 2001]

by David Wescott

Living in modern society, we have become increasingly disassociated from the earth, from the essence of ourselves, and the need is awakened in us to return to the wilderness--physically and emotionally. We long to feel a sense of connection with our ancient roots. This urge is what has prompted man's fascination with primitive producing objects from natural materials using methods similar to prehistoric cultures.Primitive A Book of Earth Skills is a sharing of ideas--the philosophies, the history, and the personal stories by the authorities on primitive technology from teh pages of The Bulletin of Primitive Technology.Included are instructions for creating fire and tools of wood, stone, and bone, as well as fiber adhesives, projectiles, art, and music. Practicing these primitive methods will lead the seeker towards a tangible, raw connection with the ancient past, with nature's resources and, ultimately, with the creative forces that constructed the foundation of man's survival on the planet.

Genres: Survival, Nonfiction, Anthropology, How To, Crafts, History

Unknown Binding

First published March 26, 2001

Reviews

[G. Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. Experimental archaeology, survival skills, and techniques combined to give a glimpse into the work of our ancestors and their struggles. Primitive technology no longer seems primitive to me after reading this! The variety and skill in making and using stone weapons is really amazing. Loved all the pictures of mad-cap, highly enthused contributes building (and standing on) their stunning round houses.

[Steve Van Slyke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book--actually a collection of journal articles--is targeted at those who are serious about learning and practicing primitive technology for creating tools and weapons. If I were in that category I might have given it five stars, but as a casual reader just wanting to know a little bit more about how early man used what was available to him I felt 4 stars was generous considering the editing is not the best and some of the articles are a bit tangential to the topic.

Those serious about practicing the techniques described might want to avoid the Kindle version as even when zoomed in some of the photos and diagrams were fuzzy and hard to decipher.

But if you want to learn how primitive man created fire, evolved from the thrusting spear to the atlatl and bow, the specific materials used, etc., then this is a worthwhile read.

[R.S.W. Li · Rating 1 out of 5]

Again, ripp-off from other authers. Seems like plagiarism is key at "experimental archeology".

At the cradle of life of the society of primitive technology are a whole lot of other peoples, than David Wescott and Steve M Watts.

The books: Naked into the wilderness series is such a "source" from which Wescott and Watts "experimentally scavenged" there hived books. Hived, as in the beginning of this society alot of other peoples send in there projects in regard to experimental archeology.

Seems to be te business of these two: "re-writting" them and put there names under it to make money, and make claims without a scientific basis. We know who is who; worldwide.

And these two are definitly not worth there salt, nor your money.

-1 rating for plagiarism.

[Cliff Stockton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book, not the best, but excellent.

[Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the articles are a little homespun with a touch of the 70's and 80's (not my favorite decades), but these guys actually do what they write about. Respect.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bizarre book on stone age technology, a very fun read.