I was unable to read this volume due to formatting issues (i.e, it not being available for Kindle). I do wish there had been some sort of explanation of this before the 'Request this book' option.

A strange and interesting little volume. Mix equal parts memoir, nostalgia, history, and botany, and you'll have some idea of this book on fire making. The author explores the history and science of making fires, from ancient tribes with sticks to wood burning stoves, with generous helpings of his own childhood memories.

**Thank you NetGalley, you made my eldest son happy!**

I grabbed this one to read to my oldest. He's into survival skills. And this guy was all about how he figured out fire making on his own. Where he had help. And how he struggled and triumphed.

It was all pretty amazing. And the places he visited, all the different kinds of fire making in human history. He really tries to go old school in different areas of the world. It's all different, depending on where you are, the moisture, the fuel, the starters.

Best of all, his stories. This author is a great story teller. My son and I enjoyed this one.

I'm ordering this for my 12yo to use this Summer. The only other book that I've seen that is this complete about fire making is the Boy Scout handbook and then you have to wade through a bunch of other subjects, I think this is a great instructional book.

This book was not what I was expecting, but that's okay -- I didn't take the title literally, but you absolutely can here. This is a really comprehensive look at how to make fire. While I found that some of the chapters had too much text, there were enough photographs and diagrams that I enjoyed looking through this. Would recommend to anybody who loves the outdoors.

Have you ever made a firebow, it is a very accomplishing feeling but also something I personally never want to do again. That might make me a bad outdoorsy naturalist, but it is an exhausting process...luckily I have never had to undergo it in a survival setting and always make sure to have a firestarter with me when I go out on a hike, but what if I goof? I should really learn more ways to make a fire!

Reading a book on all different methods of making fire, with stories of how indigenous people all over the world are still using these techniques was both fascinating and useful. I really hope to try some of these other methods out at some point and could not help but find myself immensely intrigued by the fire piston. I think my heart will always belong to the spark striking method after discovering it by accident as a young child (as so many do.) This is honestly one of the most fascinating books I have read in a very long time.

Making fire without a lighter is one of those skills that is difficult to master and takes time and practice. In this book, author Daniel Hume, shows the reader many methods of producing flame without matches or lighter.

The skills are used world-wide and the author has examined this art all over. His photos show people from all continents making fire with friction and other methods. The photos are fantastic and show that it really can be done!

Some of the methods are the bow drill and the hand drill. These are standard methods that are taught in many survival schools. But, the author also gives you advice on other things as well. How to gather tinder. What sort of materials make the best tinder. What sort of kindling to use. What kind of woods are best to make a hand drill? The illustrations show you, for example, how to choose your hand drill, straighten the wood, and prepare it for making fire.

You also learn the fire piston and more! The methods get more complicated, but the idea is the same. Create a spark and ignite the tinder. You learn how to use flint and steel, iron pyrites, and more modern methods too. There are an amazing number of ways to make fire. I was surprised at how many ways there are to do this.

The author writes in a very clear style. All skills are thoroughly explained for the reader. There are great diagrams in addition to the author’s wonderful photos too. If you want to learn how to do this, this book is all you need. You can try the skills as you go along. The tips and tricks given should help you get your first coal and flame. I am eager to try out these skills as they look fun and enjoyable to learn. I think this book would be appreciated by anyone who goes camping regularly, or anyone who is into learning survival skills. Or, just learn a new method of making fire to impress your friends on your next camping trip. This is the book to teach you.

I honestly could not get into this book. It is interesting to see the history behind different objects used everyday in the man-made world, but it just did not hold my attention.

If you have a fascination with fire, this is definitely a book for you to check out. Each chapter starts with an interesting, related story followed by details of that specific way to make fire. It is detailed enough to be useful, but still basic enough to be memorable and easy to read. Even if you think you know all there is about fires and making them, I would bet something in this book will be new to you, and therefore, worth reading.

Fire Making is not your typical instruction booklet. Daniel Hume personalizes the lessons by expounding on his history with the subject as well as defining the usefulness of different materials. He did not just say use this bit or part or material but instead teaches you the why, how and benefits or values of the tinder prior to filling your mind with how to achieve ignition. The organization of Fire Making is simple, step by step, and advances through the different techniques in such a way as to not discourage the beginner. The tales of Daniel Hume's travels and actual usage of the different fire building tactics add depth and value to the lesson he has thoughtfully shared. Disclosure: I was allowed to read a copy of this book for free as a member of NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased review. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not influenced to give a positive review.

A book that not only goes over different techniques to make a fire, but also personal anecdotes and other interesting information (from all over the world) about each technique. I do have to say that I have personally tried some of these techniques, the bow drill for one, to no avail. So I hope that maybe this book will help me figure it out once and for all.

Fantastic illustrations that show you step by step what is needed and well written detailed instructions as well. While I know many people will end up leaping right into the technique part of the book (what I wanted to do), the stories and histories are well worth the read and I'm glad I did. There are definitely some fire making ways I want to try out, and there are some that even I feel might not be worth the time.

If you're interested in bushcraft, backpacking, or camping out read this book. Skills and fun conversation topics abound.

This is a really cool overview of the survival technique. It'll be great for our libraries.