One man's wilderness
by Richard Proenneke, Sam Keith, Richard Louis Proenneke · first published 1973
100% recommend
Why HN recommends it
Account of Richard Proenneke's self-reliant years alone in the Alaskan wilderness, written in a calm, solitary tone. Suited to readers of Krakauer-style true survival stories or reflective outdoor writing.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
To live in a pristine land unchanged by man; to roam the wilderness through which few other humans have passed; to choose an idyllic site, cut trees, and build a log cabin; to be a self-sufficient craftsman, making what is needed from materials available; to be not at odds with the world, but content with one's own thoughts and company: thousands have had such dreams, but Richard Proenneke lived them. This book is a simple account of the day-by-day explorations and activities he carried out alone, and the constant chain of nature's events that kept him company. From Proenneke's journals, and w
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Mentions per year
What Hacker News says
Related books
2010–2024Seven years in Tibet
Heinrich Harrer
Recommended by 4 · mentioned by 84 recommend · 8 mention4 recommend · 84 recommend
2010–2026The Dresden Files
Powers, Mark (Comics author), Jim Butcher
Recommended by 20 · mentioned by 4620 recommend · 46 mention20 recommend · 4620 recommend
2014–2026Three-Body Problem
Cixin Liu, Ken Liu
Recommended by 233 · mentioned by 513233 recommend · 513 mention233 recommend · 513233 recommend
2007–2026Dune
Frank Herbert
Recommended by 193 · mentioned by 512193 recommend · 512 mention193 recommend · 512193 recommend
2007–2026The Diamond Age
Neal Stephenson
Recommended by 284 · mentioned by 596284 recommend · 596 mention284 recommend · 596284 recommend
…years in Alaska's Twin Lakes Park. His self-documentaries Alone in the Wilderness (Parts I & II) and The Frozen North are some of the best and most soothing videos i have ever seen. See also his book One Man's Wilderness. You don't need Religion/Mysticism/Higher Calling to love Solitude and want to live in an Natural Environment.
on “On Solitude” ↗I love Krakauer's style of writing and have read all of his books. His writing style reminds a lot of Stephen Ambrose. If you like Into The Wild, you might also like One Man's Wilderness about Richard Proenneke: http://www.amazon.com/One-Mans-Wilderness-Alaskan-Odyssey-eb...
on “How Chris McCandless Died: An Update” ↗Just as a quick link for people interested: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Proenneke He also wrote books. The first One Man's Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey isn't bad either.
on “A Man Who Has Lived Alone on an Island for 28 Years” ↗…Rainbow Six was a good one. You could also try non-fiction adventure books. Since they are set in areas you are not familiar with, your brain still has to build the environment and imagery. Something like One Man's Wilderness. I enjoyed that book. I used to read and listen to books like Hatchet and this was along the same lines but non-fiction. I'd also say to be careful about these. For me, it makes me want to quit and live…
on “Ask HN: I only read tech/business books – recommend me some fiction?” ↗One man’s wilderness
on “Ask HN: Must-Read Books for Startups?” ↗…people just become more isolated than they feel in the city?" It's possible they'll realize that most of their stress and problems are caused by other people. Some people even enjoy relative isolation - One Man's Wilderness, Into The Wild, etc are some accounts.
on “Ask HN: Should people move away from cities?” ↗The Death Ship B. Traven https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/a4ebe2f2-14d3-4da3-a865-... One Man's Wilderness, 50th Anniversary Edition: An Alaskan Odyssey https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/44f995ae-fa5a-4641-a696-... The Experience of Insight: A Simple & Direct Guide to Buddhist Meditation Ram Dass, Robert…
on “Book recommendations from Hacker News?” ↗I liked One Man's Wilderness.
on “Ask HN: Best non-business books to read on vacation” ↗…support my family (my wife works but does not contribute to family expenses, only her hobbies). I do drink sometimes (make my own wines) but do not use anything else. I don't read much fiction. I did read One Man's Wilderness (nonfiction but worldly), which probably was not the right motivation since j would love to be mostly selfsufficent. I like nonfiction that is educational like Stamets book on mushroom cultivation or…
on “Ask HN: What “soft skills” books does your company buy for developers and why?” ↗…relative than absolute). Sure some people would not fare well, bit I fo believe other can be truly happy and do fair well. I know a guy in his 70s that lives pretty remotely in Alaska (and have you ever read one man's wilderness). I'm not saying it's for everyone. I am saying that it's essentially stereotyping to say it not for anyone.
on “I’ve had the same supper for 10 years” ↗