One Man's Wilderness

An Alaskan Odyssey

By: Sam Keith, Richard Proenneke

Narrated by: Norman Dietz

To live in a pristine land unchanged by man... to roam a 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. He found a place, built a cabin, and stayed to become part of the country. One Man's Wilderness is a simple account of the day-to-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 with first-hand knowledge of his subject and the setting, Sam Keith has woven a tribute to a man who carved his masterpiece out of the beyond.

©1999 Alaska Northwest Books (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"Though few will follow Proenneke's lead, his story can be quite inspiring." (Library Journal)

Favorite listen. Gifted it to a friend to enjoy!

My husband and I loved this one so much we gifted it to our friends to enjoy. Listening was like going on a retreat!

Gr8 book

If you could sum up One Man's Wilderness in three words, what would they be?

Good survival story

What did you like best about this story?

it shows that mordern things we take for granted are very unnecessary for having a rich life

What does Norman Dietz bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

It makes u feal like ur there

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The baby moose

Great Escape to the wilderness!

Wonderful escape into one man's journey To discover not only the great frontier that is Alaska but to discover himself

very relaxing enjoyable story

very interesting story about a man who gave up his life in the norm to live like we would like too...

Two thumbs up

This is a great peace of artwork. A diary representing a journey surviving wild Alaska and teaches you to cherish wildlife, the land and a simple honest life.

Amazing story from an amazing man

Solitude is where the best work is done. this guy understood how to find his way back to what really matters. A great inspiration for all of us

more enjoyable with the DVD

If you could sum up One Man's Wilderness in three words, what would they be?

it was ok to just listen to - but most of the enjoyment is seeing what Dick Proenneke sees.

What did you like best about this story?

Dick's euphemisms and wit.

Same story, but slightly differently

Many years ago, I caught part of this movie on PBS during a fundraising effort. I liked it so I bought the dad's, book and I think it came with something else.
I never got around to reading the book.

So now I have listened to it. It is basically the same as the movie. So if you remember the movie, and liked it like I did....

It you have never heard about this guy, Google him. This is not your modern TV show where they stay at a hotel and say they are surviving.... This guy went to the wilderness and survived with occasional trips to deliver supplies, mail....from a bush pilot.

Helps remind us we are all makers at heart

I think this should be required reading for every K-12 student. This book is a good lesson understanding survival in a world without technology (except for a plane☺️). It explains how necessity and creativity join to create incredible self-sufficiency.

This is a beautiful story.

I'm glad they made his cabin a historical land mark. I will recommend this book to others.