The Doomsday Book

[merlinfire]

Long and short is this: What topics would YOU want, or think would be important, to have for reference when SHTF? Do you have any great How-To articles you'd like to share?

So a few months back I hatched upon an idea that I wanted to implement. Rather than spend hundred and hundreds on all various types of books, many with a handful if important topics but packed with filler to pad page count, I wanted to find only the most important reference topics for survival and thriving post-SHTF into a single bound notebook. A personalized book for the SHTF. All the important How-To's, especially a lot of old-time "country living" type stuff than maybe my grandparents or great-grandparents knew but generations since never learned, as well as how to do all the important things I'll have to do when SHTF, step by step, including mundane things that are not part of the fantasy novels - like how to properly build a latrine and outhouse! My printer accepts third-party generic refills, so cheap china ink here I come!

I've been using Evernote's clipper to clip articles I find online very easily into a personal archive. I highly recommend this tool - you get verbatim copies of the article, not mere links, an actual snapshot so that even if the site disappeared tomorrow you've got it.

Hit me with what you've got, and if I can find a way to safely and anonymously share it with you, I'll be glad to do it once it's compiled. I want to try to print this baby out some time next week.

[Inor]

There are 3 books that I recommend to every prepper:

1 - The LDS Preparedness Manual - This one is available in print format for about $25 (or thereabouts) and also as a free PDF download:

https://ldsavow.com/PrepManual.html

It is really just a bunch of essays compiled together in a single book. Some of them are written by members of the LDS church, some are just reprints from various web sites. But it is an excellent reference.

2 - Dare to Prepare by Holly Drennan Deyo

https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Prepare-Holly-Drennan-Deyo/dp/B00LPX07JA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474387072&sr=8-1&keywords=Dare+to+prepare

I do not know if this one is still in print but Amazon does have several available still. It is a very well written book covering everything from soup to nuts. The thing I liked most about it is that it not only explains the "how" to do whatever, but it also explains the "why".

For example, there is a section on how to collect water in arid climates where it describes digging a hole and spreading a piece of plastic over the top with a pot to catch the water at the bottom of the hole. It is a technique that works (I have tried it), but the book explains that it is actually drawing water from the surrounding earth and how that all works. It is an excellent book.

3 - The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery

https://www.amazon.com/Encyclopedia-Country-Living-40th-Anniversary/dp/1570618402/ref=pd_sim_14_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=XKE1GJRKKG8Q7XDERSPE

This is the mothership of all topics related to self-sufficiency in a homestead/small farm environment.

There are a BUNCH of others out there, for example the Foxfire series is excellent (if you can find them). But in terms of the volume of good information compressed into as few pages as possible, those three are the best in my arrogant opinion.

[merlinfire]

To help kick start the discussion I'll give you some examples of what I mean. Articles about specific skills or projects. Examples of what I have so far:

-How to Make Soap from Ashes
-Crop Rotation Made Easy
-Preserving Meat Without Refrigeration
-Recipe for Cornmeal Mush
-How to make Dakin's Solution, a WW1-era antiseptic
-Instructions for preparing a well for use

etc. Specific topics of import, specific, step-by-step instructions about how to do real things

[Inor]

Sorry, I misunderstood your original question. It might be a little easier if you could be more specific about the topic(s) you are interested in.

[merlinfire]

Sorry, I misunderstood your original question. It might be a little easier if you could be more specific about the topic(s) you are interested in.

It's a general topic really. IF SHTF tomorrow, are there things you'd like to have a reference for? If so, what specific things?

[Jerry D Young]

See if these lists of operations and skills generate any ideas for how-to/DIY articles for those particular operations/skills.

1. Tailor/Seamstress tools
sewing machine
Serger
Sewing basket (needles, thimbles, thread, measuring tape, seam ripper, scissors, shears, marking chalk, straight edge, pins, neck magnifying glass, etc.)
bolts of cloth, patterns, spare needles, pins, chalk, thread, buttons, zippers, snaps, etc)
Treadle type sewing machine (Janome 712T)
weaving looms
>1,000 watt generator

2. Food processing tools
Grain grinders, solar dehydrators, butchering tools, manual meat slicer, manual meat grinder, sausage stuffer, stuffing tubes, jerky shooter, meat smoker, water purifier

3. Barbers tools
scissors, combs, hair brushes, dusting brush, broom, dust pan, chair, neck apron, razor, shaving cup, shaving soap, towels


4. Ammunition re-loader’s tools
Corbin Bullet swaging equipment
RCBS Bullet casting equipment
Ten-X TX-50 progress press for up to .50 BMG w/conversion sets
Dillion Super 1050 progressive press w/Caliber kits for Super 1050
Spolar Gold Premier hydraulic progressive press w/gauge conversions
Progressive reloading press dies
lead
black powder making tools & screens


5. Laundry tools
water tank
water heater (kettle w/tripod)
12v pump & battery & hoses
drain lines
laundry soap
bleach/sodium hypochlorite
Staber washing machine
>1,000 watt generator
James washer w/wringer
2+ washtubs
RapidWasher plunger type washers
5/6 gallon buckets
clothes lines/poles, stakes & clothes pins

6. Entertainment tools
band instruments
projection TV
TV projector
Lap-top computer
CD/DVD/VHS/Blu-ray players
Chairs
Karaoke machine w/cd-g’s
Lighting system
Sound system
>1,500 watt generator
Battery bank, solar panels, and inverter
protective bullet resistant face for TV’s if used
Classic books for storyteller to read

7. Ice making tools
High capacity water purification system
Water tank
Water pump
Small commercial block ice maker
Small commercial ice cube maker
Insulated storage containers
Reusable transfer containers (deposit)
>1,500 watt generator
Ice house (for large scale storage) Rubber block ice molds (for winter use)

8. Librarian tools (never let the media out of your control)
reference/do-it-yourself library (books/magazines/CD-ROMs/DVDs)
Laptop Computer with electronic library
Portable Color printer/copier/scanner
Printer paper
Printer ink
Manual typewriter
Writing pads
Pencils
Pencil sharpeners
Magnifying glasses
Reading glasses

9. Information broker/interpreter
NOAA Weather Radio receiver
WWV/WWVH time standard receiver
Trunking multi-band scanner
Multi-band receiver
Amateur Radio HF transceiver
Amateur Radio VHF/UHF transceiver
AM/SSB CB radio
Semi-pro weather station
Laptop computer w/translation software
Portable printer/copier/scanner
Printer paper
Printer ink
Bulletin board
Markers & eraser
Chalkboard
Chalk & eraser

10. Small scale propane supplier
Large home propane tank with wet leg
Tank scale
20# propane tank on inverting stand
1-pound propane bottle refill fitting
Small freezer
<1,000 watt generator

11. home canning equipment & supplies
12. firewood cutting tools
13. edged tools & saw sharpening tools
14. chainsaw chain sharpening/repair tools
15. printer’s/newspaper publisher’s tools
16. butcher/meat cutter’s tools
17. meat processors tools (sausage, etc.)
18. tanner’s tools
19. milk processors tools (cheese, etc.)
20. baker’s tools & supplies
21. bath house/shower room tools
22. candle maker’s tools & supplies
23. gardener’s tools
24. mechanic’s tools
25. machinist’s tools - Smithy Granite 1340 Industrial Max metalworking all-in-one machine
26. woodworker’s tools – Smithy Supershop 220 woodworking all-in-one machine
27. blacksmith’s tools - Oxygen accumulator, acetylene generator
28. plumber’s tools
29. lumber making tools - portable sawmill
30. electrician’s tools
31. carpenter’s tools
32. roofer’s tools
33. stonemason’s tools
34. primitive building tools
35. cobbler/shoe maker’s tools
36. soap maker’s tools
37. brewer/wine maker’s tools
38. distillery tools
39. miller’s tools
40. spinner & weaver’s tools (looms)
41. teaching tools and supplies K-12
42. smelter/foundry/metal worker’s tools
43. sheep sheering tools
44. papermaking tools
45. rope, cordage, and net making tools
46. millwright’s tools
47. farm tools (prepare, sow, cultivate, harvest)
48. biodiesel equipment & supplies
49. wood gas generator equipment & supplies
50. charcoal making tools
51. black powder making tools


 
Skill sets most likely to be needed.

1. Accountant
2. Active military
3. Administrator
4. Alternative energy specialist
5. Alternative HVAC specialist
6. Ammunition re-loader
7. Appliance repairman
8. Assayer
9. Baker
10. Banker
11. Barber
12. Barterer/flea market operator
13. Basket maker
14. Bathhouse/shower room operator
15. Beekeeper
16. Bicycle Repairman
17. Biodiesel maker
18. Black powder maker
19. Blacksmith
20. Botanist
21. Brew master
22. Brick maker
23. Bullet caster
24. Butcher/meat processor
25. Candle maker
26. Carpenter
27. Cartridge maker
28. Cartwright
29. Chainsaw chain sharpener
30. Chandler
31. Charcoal burner
32. Cheese maker
33. Chemist
34. Chimney sweep
35. Cobbler/shoe maker
36. Coffin maker
37. Contractor
38. Cook
39. Cooper (barrel maker)
40. Coppersmith
41. Dentist
42. Distiller, drinking alcohol
43. Distiller, fuel alcohol
44. Distiller, essential oils
45. Distiller, water
46. Doctor
47. Dog trainer
48. Edged tool & saw sharpener
49. Electrician
50. Electronics tech
51. EMT/Paramedic
52. Executive
53. Factory worker
54. Farmer
55. Farm hand
56. Farmer
57. Farrier
58. Firefighter
59. Firewood purveyor
60. Fisherman
61. Food canner/processor
62. Furniture maker
63. Gardener
64. Gatherer of wild plants/useful minerals
65. Glass maker
66. Goatherd
67. Goldsmith/silversmith
68. Gravedigger
69. Gun dealer
70. Gunpowder maker
71. Gunsmith/gun maker
72. Handyman
73. Harvester/picker
74. Heavy equipment operator
75. Herbalist/mineralist/apothecary
76. Horse trainer/wrangler
77. Hunter/trapper
78. Ice purveyor/harvester/maker
79. Inventor
80. Janitor
81. Knife maker
82. Knife sharpener
83. Knitter/crocheter
84. Laundress/laundry room operator
85. Leather worker
86. Librarian
87. Locksmith
88. Logger/forester/sawyer
89. Lumber maker
90. Machinist
91. Mechanic
92. Metal worker
93. Metallurgist
94. Midwife
95. Milk maid
96. Milk processor
97. Miller
98. Millwright
99. Miner
100. Mulcher/composter/manure collector
101. Net maker
102. Nurse
103. Nurse's aid
104. Optician (eyeglass maker)
105. Orchardman/arborist
106. Orderly
107. Paper maker
108. Police/Law enforcement officer - Sheriff/Marshal/Deputies
109. Pedi-cab driver
110. Pest control specialist
111. Pharmacist
112. Plumber
113. Postman
114. Pottery maker
115. Pressure canner food storage specialist
116. Primitive building specialist
117. Printer/newspaperman
118. Psychologist/Psychiatrist
119. Quilter/Quilt maker
120. Radio Operator
121. Radio/tv repairman
122. Rancher
123. Ranch hand
124. Repairman
125. Roofer
126. Rope/cordage maker
127. Sail maker
128. Sailor (Boatswain)
129. Salesman
130. Salt maker
131. Salvage specialist
132. Sanitation worker
133. Secretary
134. Security guard
135. Shake/shingle maker
136. Sheep sheerer
137. Shepherd
138. Shipwright/boat builder
139. Shoemaker
140. Skill At Arms instructor
141. Small engine mechanic
142. Smelter/foundry-man
143. Soap maker
144. Soldier
145. Spice purveyor
146. Spinner/Weaver
147. Stonemason/brick layer
148. Student
149. Sugar maker
150. Surveyor
151. Tailor/seamstress
152. Tanner
153. Teacher
154. Thatcher
155. Tinker
156. Tire repairman
157. Tool & die maker
158. Trade maker
159. Trader/Wagoner
160. Trapper
161. Truck driver
162. Undertaker
163. Veterinarian
164. Watch/clock repairman/maker
165. Weaver
166. Welder
167. Well driller
168. Wheelwright
169. Winemaker
170. Wood gas equipment maker
171. Woodworker


A few skills that won’t be in high demand, but would be a good secondary skill

1. Artist
2. Author
3. Beautician
4. Bookbinder
5. Book keeper
6. Candy maker
7. Clerk
8. Comedian
9. Dye maker
10. Entertainer
11. Entrepreneur
12. Government official
13. Historian
14. Industrialist
15. Ink maker
16. Judge/arbitrator
17. Karaoke operator
18. Lawyer
19. Maid
20. Massage therapist
21. Musician
22. Physicist
23. Scribe
24. Secretary
25. Storyteller
26. Teller/cashier
27. Toy & game maker

Just my opinion.

[Jerry D Young]

I have another large set of skill sets that might give you some additional ideas, but it is too large to attach here. You can e-mail me at jerrydyoung@outlook.com if you would like me to send it to you (or anyone).

Just my opinion.

[Baglady]

Water/Water storage. How much bleach per 2 liter for storage? How much for larger amounts?
Water sources. (filtering) and How to sterilize water for drinking/cooking.

Snare traps. How to make them. What to use to bait them?

Fire. Several ways to start a fire. How to make a cooking fire. How to make a fire less visible. etc.

[Baglady]

See if these lists of operations and skills generate any ideas for how-to/DIY articles for those particular operations/skills.

1. Tailor/Seamstress tools
sewing machine
Serger
Sewing basket (needles, thimbles, thread, measuring tape, seam ripper, scissors, shears, marking chalk, straight edge, pins, neck magnifying glass, etc.)
bolts of cloth, patterns, spare needles, pins, chalk, thread, buttons, zippers, snaps, etc)
Treadle type sewing machine (Janome 712T)
weaving looms
>1,000 watt generator

2. Food processing tools
Grain grinders, solar dehydrators, butchering tools, manual meat slicer, manual meat grinder, sausage stuffer, stuffing tubes, jerky shooter, meat smoker, water purifier

3. Barbers tools
scissors, combs, hair brushes, dusting brush, broom, dust pan, chair, neck apron, razor, shaving cup, shaving soap, towels


4. Ammunition re-loader’s tools
Corbin Bullet swaging equipment
RCBS Bullet casting equipment
Ten-X TX-50 progress press for up to .50 BMG w/conversion sets
Dillion Super 1050 progressive press w/Caliber kits for Super 1050
Spolar Gold Premier hydraulic progressive press w/gauge conversions
Progressive reloading press dies
lead
black powder making tools & screens


5. Laundry tools
water tank
water heater (kettle w/tripod)
12v pump & battery & hoses
drain lines
laundry soap
bleach/sodium hypochlorite
Staber washing machine
>1,000 watt generator
James washer w/wringer
2+ washtubs
RapidWasher plunger type washers
5/6 gallon buckets
clothes lines/poles, stakes & clothes pins

6. Entertainment tools
band instruments
projection TV
TV projector
Lap-top computer
CD/DVD/VHS/Blu-ray players
Chairs
Karaoke machine w/cd-g’s
Lighting system
Sound system
>1,500 watt generator
Battery bank, solar panels, and inverter
protective bullet resistant face for TV’s if used
Classic books for storyteller to read

7. Ice making tools
High capacity water purification system
Water tank
Water pump
Small commercial block ice maker
Small commercial ice cube maker
Insulated storage containers
Reusable transfer containers (deposit)
>1,500 watt generator
Ice house (for large scale storage) Rubber block ice molds (for winter use)

8. Librarian tools (never let the media out of your control)
reference/do-it-yourself library (books/magazines/CD-ROMs/DVDs)
Laptop Computer with electronic library
Portable Color printer/copier/scanner
Printer paper
Printer ink
Manual typewriter
Writing pads
Pencils
Pencil sharpeners
Magnifying glasses
Reading glasses

9. Information broker/interpreter
NOAA Weather Radio receiver
WWV/WWVH time standard receiver
Trunking multi-band scanner
Multi-band receiver
Amateur Radio HF transceiver
Amateur Radio VHF/UHF transceiver
AM/SSB CB radio
Semi-pro weather station
Laptop computer w/translation software
Portable printer/copier/scanner
Printer paper
Printer ink
Bulletin board
Markers & eraser
Chalkboard
Chalk & eraser

10. Small scale propane supplier
Large home propane tank with wet leg
Tank scale
20# propane tank on inverting stand
1-pound propane bottle refill fitting
Small freezer
<1,000 watt generator

11. home canning equipment & supplies
12. firewood cutting tools
13. edged tools & saw sharpening tools
14. chainsaw chain sharpening/repair tools
15. printer’s/newspaper publisher’s tools
16. butcher/meat cutter’s tools
17. meat processors tools (sausage, etc.)
18. tanner’s tools
19. milk processors tools (cheese, etc.)
20. baker’s tools & supplies
21. bath house/shower room tools
22. candle maker’s tools & supplies
23. gardener’s tools
24. mechanic’s tools
25. machinist’s tools - Smithy Granite 1340 Industrial Max metalworking all-in-one machine
26. woodworker’s tools – Smithy Supershop 220 woodworking all-in-one machine
27. blacksmith’s tools - Oxygen accumulator, acetylene generator
28. plumber’s tools
29. lumber making tools - portable sawmill
30. electrician’s tools
31. carpenter’s tools
32. roofer’s tools
33. stonemason’s tools
34. primitive building tools
35. cobbler/shoe maker’s tools
36. soap maker’s tools
37. brewer/wine maker’s tools
38. distillery tools
39. miller’s tools
40. spinner & weaver’s tools (looms)
41. teaching tools and supplies K-12
42. smelter/foundry/metal worker’s tools
43. sheep sheering tools
44. papermaking tools
45. rope, cordage, and net making tools
46. millwright’s tools
47. farm tools (prepare, sow, cultivate, harvest)
48. biodiesel equipment & supplies
49. wood gas generator equipment & supplies
50. charcoal making tools
51. black powder making tools


 
Skill sets most likely to be needed.

1. Accountant
2. Active military
3. Administrator
4. Alternative energy specialist
5. Alternative HVAC specialist
6. Ammunition re-loader
7. Appliance repairman
8. Assayer
9. Baker
10. Banker
11. Barber
12. Barterer/flea market operator
13. Basket maker
14. Bathhouse/shower room operator
15. Beekeeper
16. Bicycle Repairman
17. Biodiesel maker
18. Black powder maker
19. Blacksmith
20. Botanist
21. Brew master
22. Brick maker
23. Bullet caster
24. Butcher/meat processor
25. Candle maker
26. Carpenter
27. Cartridge maker
28. Cartwright
29. Chainsaw chain sharpener
30. Chandler
31. Charcoal burner
32. Cheese maker
33. Chemist
34. Chimney sweep
35. Cobbler/shoe maker
36. Coffin maker
37. Contractor
38. Cook
39. Cooper (barrel maker)
40. Coppersmith
41. Dentist
42. Distiller, drinking alcohol
43. Distiller, fuel alcohol
44. Distiller, essential oils
45. Distiller, water
46. Doctor
47. Dog trainer
48. Edged tool & saw sharpener
49. Electrician
50. Electronics tech
51. EMT/Paramedic
52. Executive
53. Factory worker
54. Farmer
55. Farm hand
56. Farmer
57. Farrier
58. Firefighter
59. Firewood purveyor
60. Fisherman
61. Food canner/processor
62. Furniture maker
63. Gardener
64. Gatherer of wild plants/useful minerals
65. Glass maker
66. Goatherd
67. Goldsmith/silversmith
68. Gravedigger
69. Gun dealer
70. Gunpowder maker
71. Gunsmith/gun maker
72. Handyman
73. Harvester/picker
74. Heavy equipment operator
75. Herbalist/mineralist/apothecary
76. Horse trainer/wrangler
77. Hunter/trapper
78. Ice purveyor/harvester/maker
79. Inventor
80. Janitor
81. Knife maker
82. Knife sharpener
83. Knitter/crocheter
84. Laundress/laundry room operator
85. Leather worker
86. Librarian
87. Locksmith
88. Logger/forester/sawyer
89. Lumber maker
90. Machinist
91. Mechanic
92. Metal worker
93. Metallurgist
94. Midwife
95. Milk maid
96. Milk processor
97. Miller
98. Millwright
99. Miner
100. Mulcher/composter/manure collector
101. Net maker
102. Nurse
103. Nurse's aid
104. Optician (eyeglass maker)
105. Orchardman/arborist
106. Orderly
107. Paper maker
108. Police/Law enforcement officer - Sheriff/Marshal/Deputies
109. Pedi-cab driver
110. Pest control specialist
111. Pharmacist
112. Plumber
113. Postman
114. Pottery maker
115. Pressure canner food storage specialist
116. Primitive building specialist
117. Printer/newspaperman
118. Psychologist/Psychiatrist
119. Quilter/Quilt maker
120. Radio Operator
121. Radio/tv repairman
122. Rancher
123. Ranch hand
124. Repairman
125. Roofer
126. Rope/cordage maker
127. Sail maker
128. Sailor (Boatswain)
129. Salesman
130. Salt maker
131. Salvage specialist
132. Sanitation worker
133. Secretary
134. Security guard
135. Shake/shingle maker
136. Sheep sheerer
137. Shepherd
138. Shipwright/boat builder
139. Shoemaker
140. Skill At Arms instructor
141. Small engine mechanic
142. Smelter/foundry-man
143. Soap maker
144. Soldier
145. Spice purveyor
146. Spinner/Weaver
147. Stonemason/brick layer
148. Student
149. Sugar maker
150. Surveyor
151. Tailor/seamstress
152. Tanner
153. Teacher
154. Thatcher
155. Tinker
156. Tire repairman
157. Tool & die maker
158. Trade maker
159. Trader/Wagoner
160. Trapper
161. Truck driver
162. Undertaker
163. Veterinarian
164. Watch/clock repairman/maker
165. Weaver
166. Welder
167. Well driller
168. Wheelwright
169. Winemaker
170. Wood gas equipment maker
171. Woodworker


A few skills that won’t be in high demand, but would be a good secondary skill

1. Artist
2. Author
3. Beautician
4. Bookbinder
5. Book keeper
6. Candy maker
7. Clerk
8. Comedian
9. Dye maker
10. Entertainer
11. Entrepreneur
12. Government official
13. Historian
14. Industrialist
15. Ink maker
16. Judge/arbitrator
17. Karaoke operator
18. Lawyer
19. Maid
20. Massage therapist
21. Musician
22. Physicist
23. Scribe
24. Secretary
25. Storyteller
26. Teller/cashier
27. Toy & game maker

Just my opinion.

Coffin Maker? LOL

Insightful reading Jerry.

[Jerry D Young]

What can I say? I try to prepare for worst case scenarios.

lol

Just my opinion.

[Baglady]

What can I say? I try to prepare for worst case scenarios.

lol

Just my opinion.

#'s 64 & 75 are the ones I'd like to learn about. Books I've seen on the subject of wild herbal plants, etc, are not specific enough for me to tell if it's the right plant. Most are black and white drawings. And the time of the year for gathering in different regions is important too.

[Arklatex]

#'s 64 & 75 are the ones I'd like to learn about. Books I've seen on the subject of wild herbal plants, etc, are not specific enough for me to tell if it's the right plant. Most are black and white drawings. And the time of the year for gathering in different regions is important too.
I agree. You gotta be 100 percent sure of what you're dealing with. Some of them are easy tho. Dandelion, cattail, black Walnut, wild onions, willow, easy to recognize. For now I stick with the easy ones like that.

[Baglady]

I agree. You gotta be 100 percent sure of what you're dealing with. Some of them are easy tho. Dandelion, cattail, black Walnut, wild onions, willow, easy to recognize. For now I stick with the easy ones like that.

I dried Dandelion root last spring. Took forever in the dehydrator. Need a good mortar and pestle to crush it up. The ole hammer just didn't do it.

[Dwight55]

THE single most important topic of all is fire making.

Without fire, . . . the person may as well be eating road kill, . . .

Without fire, . . . there is no warmth for cold days & nights.

Without fire, . . . so many other processes cannot happen.

One needs to be able to produce fire, . . . now, . . . tomorrow, . . . and 5 years from tomorrow. One box of "strike on box" matches will not last very long.

Secondarily is (IMHO) security, . . . one can have a 10 year supply of everything for a family of 4, . . . but if the bad guys show up and take it, . . . all that prepping was for someone else.

Those would be the first two chapters, . . . and maybe the biggest chapters. Without them, . . . the rest of the chapters don't mean diddly squat.

May God bless,
Dwight

[juskom95]

Identification charts.
-Bugs
-Snakes
-Plants
-etc

I do not have that memorized, and that sort of thing I use now when out and about, just a simple 'cut sheet' to identify something. Though that might be more of an 'on the person' type thing.

[Coppertop]

I think this is a great idea. My problem is that the book would have to be huge. I would want to see edible plants and ways to purify water like everyone else, but also things with more in depth medical procedures, dental procedures, animal husbandry and veterinarian skills, cookbooks, preparing infrastructure on the homestead, and a myriad of other things. Repair books for everything you own that might break such as vehicles, generators and other equipment would be essential.

I think having a library with many different titles is important. There is the point of having filler in them, but there is also a double use in being able to read to pass the time when weather or short days keep you inside. I know people who have been snowed in and read every book in the house in a week, and were pretty upset nothing else was available.

Is there a precedence in this to have a number of people in your group with their own information books? That way it isn't stored all in one spot, nor is one person responsible for everything.

[merlinfire]

I think this is a great idea. My problem is that the book would have to be huge. I would want to see edible plants and ways to purify water like everyone else, but also things with more in depth medical procedures, dental procedures, animal husbandry and veterinarian skills, cookbooks, preparing infrastructure on the homestead, and a myriad of other things. Repair books for everything you own that might break such as vehicles, generators and other equipment would be essential.

I think having a library with many different titles is important. There is the point of having filler in them, but there is also a double use in being able to read to pass the time when weather or short days keep you inside. I know people who have been snowed in and read every book in the house in a week, and were pretty upset nothing else was available.

Is there a precedence in this to have a number of people in your group with their own information books? That way it isn't stored all in one spot, nor is one person responsible for everything.

i agree that many books are important. i do have a pretty decent library of survival related topics. however i know that a lot of those books have some fluff in them. chapters or sections that aren't really relevant to real survival, or for survival in situations or areas I will never encounter, or pictures that add nothing to the discussion. i figure that, by condensing down to only the most important information you could cram a lot more into a smaller physical space.