One Man's Wilderness, 50th Anniversary Edition: An Alaskan Odyssey Paperback – September 11, 2018

Starting in 1970, I lived in the Yukon, northern BC, and Alaska for 15 years this book was an excellent reminder of those years and filled me with nostalgia for them. I lived in many cabins and even built one, however they never looked as tight and well built as his. Well written, with wonderful pictures, and a great read.

I saw the video on PBS many years ago and it really stuck with me (who hasn’t had the itch to just chuck it all and disappear into the wilds?), so I had to get this book when I came across it on my suggested reading list. I’m so glad I did! Based off Dick Proenneke’s journals, the reader is instantly teleported into the Alaskan bush through Mr. Proenneke’s laconic storytelling of time spent carving out his homestead all alone, other than when Babe flies in with supplies. From detailing how he built his cabin, to exploring the surrounding countryside, to a close encounter with a curious bear, this is a timeless story about slowing down and enjoying Life’s simple pleasures. It is a perfect read for the whole family.

I bought this as a gift for my husband. Great book with beautiful photos. The quality and weight of the book are exceptional. I look forward to reading it myself. I highly recommend.

Excellent reprint with beautiful color pictures!

I first read "One Man's Wilderness" in high school in the late 70's. Every few years I pick it up and read it again. I always enjoy it and I hope some day to visit his cabin.

I first became aware of folk figure Richard Proenneke years back. I was fascinated that one man can spend a good chunk of his life in solitude with his natural surroundings.I finally picked up this book and took a dive into finding out how he spent his days at Twin Lakes. We, as readers, are taken back into 1960's Alaska to witness the life of Richard Proenneke."Dick" moved to Twin Lakes in his early 50's and built a log cabin from the ground up, with supplies flown in courtesy of his friend "Babe" Alsworth. One has to admire Proenneke's values and work ethic. Though my attention briefly wandered during the more technical aspects of the book (mostly about the construction of his cabin), Proenneke makes up for that with his philosophical insight and attention to detail describing other activities in his everyday life.One can find some stoic gems in Proenneke's diary entries. I believe the secret to his overall happiness revolved around being busy and finding joy in simple pleasures. From picking blueberries to kayaking down the river, Proenneke found bliss in his surroundings. So much so that he spent the next 30 years of his life at his forest dwelling.Proenneke, who was a lifelong bachelor, is somebody to admire in today's world of conformity and noise. There aren't many men like him today, especially in our modern world of consumerist delights. Reading about his first year in Twin Lakes was a rewarding read, even if I tended to get distracted during certain passages of the book.

At 50 years of age, at a time in their lives when people are sending children off to college or contemplating their retirement, Dick Proenneke moved to the extreme Alaskan wilderness and built a log cabin with materials he harvested from the surrounding area.For the next 30 years, he lived in his one-room home and extensively explored the area. He shot hundreds of color photos (some of which are featured in this book) and spools of film, capturing his time in the pristine part of the Twin Lakes region roughly 150 miles (as the crow flies) SW of Anchorage.Proenneke documented his first year in this natural world in a series of almost daily journal entries, which were collected and edited by his friend, Sam Keith. Proenneke alleged that Keith embellished his story, but the result is a highly readable account of an unprecedented personal journey. A subsequent collection, “More Readings from One Man’s Wilderness,” is descriptive without being lyrical, and serves to highlight Keith’s storytelling flair in bringing Proenneke’s unique but fairly redundant writings to dramatic life in this work.I recommend reading both books, but start with this shorter more vibrant one. Proenneke, by creating and recording his self-made life, and Keith by making this unforgettable story more accessible to the reader, created a timeless adventure story. I highly, highly recommend this thoughtful and poetic book that explores a man living in a natural world. Of note, Proenneke willed his cabin to the National Park Service, and it remains a popular tourist attraction accessible only by backcountry hiking or prop plane.

This book has withstood the test of time for me! I was given the original book when I was about 15 as a young boy scout and completely wore it out looking at the pictures. I recently bought it 30+ years later and will probably wear this one out as well. Excellent Book!