Book Review – Urban & Wilderness Emergency Preparedness by James Hart

I have read a lot of books in my day but I cannot remember the last one that was as detailed as “Urban & Wildlife Emergency Preparedness” by James Hart. At just under 560 pages (listed as 510pp on the website), this book provides great detail on several subjects.

After the passionate information found in the authors note, Hart goes on to explain what survival really is, as well as the psychology of it. The book is divided into 31 sections and ranges from Physical Fitness to Snowshoeing to Desert Survival to Preparedness at Home.

In my opinion, one of the most impressive sections is Section 5 on Ropes & Knots. James goes into great detail on how to make the knot, as well as when it would be most useful. The example is securing something or maybe what conditions to use it in, such as on a boat.

Although it was a bit overwhelming initially, I started to fully understand the depth of knowledge and detail that was added for every section. James Hart has done a great job of ensuring you are prepared for just about every situation.

James shows how using the acronym: S.U.R.V.I.V.A.L. can increase your life expectancy: Size up your surroundings, Use all your senses, Remember where you are, Vanquish fear and panic, Improvise, Value living, Act like the natives, Live by your wits. I do not think I have ever heard anyone explain it as well as he has, which proves to be just another benefit of this book.

Among the pages, I learned quite a few things, reinforced others and I found that I am anxious to try various other suggested skills. The way the book is laid out with a spiral bound binding, ensuring the pages lay flat while I am trying to refer to the subject matter, proves very beneficial when learning and I feel it was a very smart decision. Not many books follow this pattern and was very pleased that this one did.

Initially I was contacted by James Hart asking me to do a book review and I believe his words were, “I think you will be amazed”. While I have reviewed many books, I thought this to be presumptuous. After reading the pages I was proven wrong as I was truly amazed.

I cannot say that I will add this to my backpack due to the size but it has been added to my normal reference section on my shelf, as I will definitely refer to it in both the near future and long-term. I want to thank Mr. Hart for this opportunity and I’m very pleased to present this as a book review and urge you to add it to your reference library as well.

Just the facts:

• 556 pages
• plastic spiral binding
• 8 1/2″ x 11″ pages
• $59.95
• Available: James Hart Website

For qualification, James has received his Life Scout designation after his service in the U.S. Navy. He served as scoutmaster, assistant scoutmaster, venture advisor and earned the Badden Powell Award. After serving two tours in Vietnam as well as camping in 42 out of 50 states along with three provinces in Canada, I figure James Hart is more than qualified to provide this information. He is available for lectures workshops and speaking engagements. Well done sir and thank you for your service. More information about James Hart can be found here: Meet James Hart

Until then,

Use your instincts to survive