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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.
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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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