More Readings from One Man's Wilderness: The Journals of Richard L. Proenneke, 1974-1980

by Richard L. Proenneke, John Branson (Editor)

Richard L. Proenneke--a modern-day Henry David Thoreau--built a cabin in Twin Lakes, Alaska, during the spring of 1968, sparking thirty years of personal growth in which he spent the majority of his time strengthening his relationship with the wilderness around him. Following in the footsteps of One Man's Wilderness, a classic book compiling some of the mountain man's journals, More Readings from One Man's Wilderness chronicles Proenneke's experiences with animals, the elements, park visitors, and observations he made while hiking in Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. A master woodcraftsman, a mechanical genius, a tireless hiker with a keen eye, and a journalist, Proenneke's life at Twin Lakes has inspired thousands of readers for decades.

Editor John Branson--a longtime friend of Proenneke's and a park historian--ensures that Proenneke's journals from 1974-1980 are kept entirely intact. His colloquial writing is not changed or altered, but Branson's footnotes make his world more approachable by providing a background for names and places that may have otherwise been unknown. Any reader with a love for conservation and true-life wilderness narratives will undoubtedly admire and relish Proenneke's tales of living in the wild.

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Genres: Nonfiction, Nature, Biography, Travel, Outdoors, Memoir, Survival

472 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2005

About the author

Richard Louis Proenneke (/ˈprɛnəkiː/) was an American self-educated naturalist, conservationist, writer, and wildlife photographer who, from the age of about 51, lived alone for nearly thirty years (1969–1999) in the mountains of Alaska in a log cabin that he constructed by hand near the shore of Twin Lakes. Proenneke hunted, fished, raised and gathered much of his own food, and also had supplies flown in occasionally. He documented his activities in journals and on film, and also recorded valuable meteorological and natural data. The journals and film were later used by others to write books and produce documentaries about his time in the wilderness.

Proenneke bequeathed his cabin to the National Park Service upon his death and it was included in the National Register of Historic Places four years later. The cabin is a popular attraction of Lake Clark National Park.

Reviews

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's a feeling one gets in drawing a deep breath and slowly letting it out. And that was what reading this book was like for me.

Let me be brief. Richard Proenneke built a log cabin by hand in Alaska and lived there. This is a collection of Proenneke's journals from 1974 to 1980. It does not present every single day, and I personally feel it suffers from this omission. I know what will be said, who wants to read a day by day journal of anyone. Well, I would have, and gladly. But, the nice thing here is that it is Proenneke's voice, Proenneke's words, and not an editor inserting awkward attempts at poetic prose.

A typical entry included the date, the time he woke up, the weather, what he ate for breakfast, what he did that day, and what he ate for supper. There are a few passages of philosophical reflection, but not a whole lot.

I'm looking forward to picking up The Early Years: The Journals of Richard L. Proenneke 1967-1973.

I was a little bummed when it ended, and even though I knew it was coming, it was a bit abrupt. Then again, an end is an end, preferences be dammed.

4.5/5

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally enthralled with Richard Proenneke's life as a man who lives in the wilderness of Alaska in a small cabin which he built himself. He truly enjoyed living simply and being able to go and do as he pleased every day. He was not anti-social and had maintained a lot of friendships through letters and people who would fly in to see him. I really miss his stories of daily life now that the book is over. I wish that I could read more of his journals.

[UberzyrhO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. The journals continue. And I appreciate Proennekes natural style to the Sam Keiths "Idealized" version. It's just more Bush Alaska. He was what they were/are and doesn't need to be elaborated upon by an outside voice. I only wish the journals could keep coming.

[Kidough711 · Rating 4 out of 5]

My goal is to finish by year end....it's a journal so you can easily start and stop. I find it very comforting..........467 pages Got it finished by year end as planned, loved this journal, glad to have met the man through his writings......

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've watched the PBS special made about this man and finally decided to read the book. It is a fascinating story about one man who went into the Alaska wilderness and built a cabin with his own hands. I highly recommend this book.

[Agustin Whittaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love anything Dick Proenneke

I just admire the man and the way he lived life... that simple take on things. If you liked anything else that he wrote you will probably like this one as much... just keep in mind it's written as a journal (that's why it has "journals" on the title, so a day-by-day entry of his normal everyday life activities. Some people love it, some people hate it... just know what you going for.

[David Kessler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man lives in his homemade cabin in the Alaskan woods. He is a craftman. And he lived so simply and in tune with nature.
I loved the story. What better way to live your retirement but busy and active...

[Jamie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So sorry for this to end! This journal had been a great escape from our current complex world, epitomizes the Buddhist saying"chop wood Carry water" RLP accomplished more outside of civilization than most do within it. Such a great read, highly recommended. I I I I I I

So sorry for this to end! This journal had been a great escape from our current complex world, epitomizes the Buddhist saying"chop wood Carry water" RLP accomplished more outside of civilization than most do within it. Such a great read, highly recommended. I I I I I I

[Barb Kromholz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good read.

I recommend to anyone who loves the wild and solitude, that most of us will never experience. It will take you there.

[janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This was a enjoyable read long book but with a good a dose of laughs and grins. Doubt there's many people that could do what Richard did very inspiring

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorry to come to the abrupt end.

[Aaron Neiswonger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just as good as the original book. Dick Proenneke was a heck of a man and lived the life that many can only dream. Thanks to these books, that dream becomes a sudo reality.

[༺Kiki༻ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read More Readings From One Man's Wilderness after watching the documentary Alone In the Wilderness (2004), compiled from Proenneke's 16mm film footage. I highly recommend One Man's Wilderness, and More Readings From One Man's Wilderness as companions to the documentary.

[Bob Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting reading, If you are familiar with the story of Dick Proenneke then you should read this book. If you do not know the story then either watch the film, "One man's Wilderness" or the book by the same title. Dick was an amazing man and his story of life in the wilderness of Alaska is better than fiction.