Back to Basics: How to Learn and Enjoy Traditional American Skills is a wonderful, illustrated resource for a hands-on guy with interest in off-grid, back-to-the land living or who just enjoys doing things for himself. It could be of interest to teenagers as well. Actually, the whole family might enjoy it. Part one covers the topic of buying a property and building on it. This includes building rustic houses, raising a barn, water sources, sanitation and building a fireplace. The second part covers alternative energy sources. Part three is about raising your own food, which includes natural pest control, beekeeping and care of livestock. Part four is about preserving food and cooking with wood. Part five covers old-fashioned skills such as woodworking, tanning, candle and soap making, dyeing and rope braiding. Part six is about recreation and includes canoeing and kayaking and wilderness camping.