Guide to the great outdoors

"Complete Outdoors Encyclopedia," revised and expanded. Vin T. Sparano, St. Martin’s Press, 1998, 830 pages.

 

America loves the great outdoors. This fact is confirmed in the latest edition of the federal government’s "Statistical Abstracts of the United States 1999." According to its findings, over 240 million Americans participate in at least one outdoor activity each year. Tapping into that enthusiasm, outdoorsman Vin Sparano has published the fourth revised edition of his book, "Complete Outdoors Encyclopedia." This mammoth volume is one of the most comprehensive works available on outdoor activities and safety. Whether you are a serious enthusiast or a curious browser, Sparano’s encyclopedia is a joy to read. As soon as the reader picks up the book, Sparano’s expertise in the field becomes evident.

 

 

With 830 pages and 11 major categories, he has managed to capture the "how to" of the outdoor experience like few other writers. The book covers such topics as hunting, fishing, camping, survival, boating, archery, first aid, and covers other sources of information. Within these very broad categories lies a wealth of specific information. The chapters on "Hunting" include information on shooting, game animals/birds and hunting dogs. "Fishing" describes fishing in every environment imaginable and has a complete identification guide to saltwater and freshwater game fish. The section entitled "Boating" explains the different kinds of boats used for outdoor activities and includes a section that land-lovers will appreciate—how to properly operate a boat on the water.

 

 

 

For anyone who is planning on an outdoor activity, this is the book for you. Despite its voluminous size, the book is easy to use. The table of contents is a descriptive guide that allows the reader to easily navigate through the different chapters. For example, a hunter wanting to educate someone on using a lever-action rifle would find it in the hunting section under "Rifle Actions," while a camper wanting to tie a particular knot would easily locate the information in the camping section under "Ropes and Knots."

The book is profusely illustrated with over 1,300 photographs, diagrams and drawings. These illustrations are essential in imparting the knowledge to the reader about a particular skill or activity. The book has a comprehensive index that complements the table of contents.

Vin T. Sparano is the editor emeritus and senior field editor for Outdoor Life magazine (currently available at the Lincoln Public Library). He is an experienced outdoorsman with over 35 years of writing experience. In the book’s preface he writes, "I believe this fourth edition of the "Complete Outdoors Encyclopedia" will prove to be the most effective outdoor reference work ever published and a most valuable guide to the outdoors." There’s no argument here; this is "the" essential source for outdoors recreation.

This book is recommended for anyone who is planning an outdoor activity or wishing to learn a new skill associated with the great outdoors.

For more information, visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call 732-8878.

[Richard Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]

 

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