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One Man's Wilderness  By  cover art

One Man's Wilderness

By: Sam Keith, Richard Proenneke
Narrated by: Norman Dietz
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Publisher's summary

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)

What listeners say about One Man's Wilderness

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  • Overall
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    4 out of 5 stars

An Absolute Gem

If you love stories about escaping to the wilderness and living a totally self-sufficient life with only the wildlife for company, you'll love this.
But what I loved most was Richards' unfailing cheerful, practical, philosophical attitude to everything that happened to him and everything he had to do. This is a guy who gets dropped off in the middle of nowhere and cheerfully sets about building a log cabin from scratch, making every piece of furniture; hunting, fishing and growing food, exploring the surrounding mountains - all of it with no help or company, except for the occasional supply drop and the local friendly wildlife.
There's no angst or hardship, no preachy-ness, just a genuine appreciation and love for his surroundings, and uncomplaining embracing of the fact that anything you want done, you've got to work out a way to do it yourself.
It's entertaining, moves at a steady pace, and the overall effect is totally uplifting and inspiring. Makes you want to go live in the mountains and build a log cabin yourself, even if you'd never thought about it before.
Hard to avoid the cliché - they don't make many like Richard anymore but you so wish they did.

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4 people found this helpful

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amazingly well told great story

I'm definitely going to find his old cabin and see the pristine trim lakes with my own eyes

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A dream for the adventurous

I loved every minute of this incredible adventure. Amazed at his knowledge, resourcefulness and concern for his surroundings. I especially enjoyed his comments RE: the news, it’s always the same, just happening to different folks; why do we need to be always aware of what is happening?
Be involved and industrious in positive endeavors.
Narrator was excellent, too.

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Inspiring story

I deeply enjoyed reading this book about one man’s resourcefulness. not only in physical form but also mentally finding company and comfort in nature. where most might be discouraged by the tough country and isolation Dick found beauty, companionship and purpose. Definitely go check out some of the stuff on the Internet about him and video documentaries that are available if this is interesting to you it was really nice to see some of the videos that were made by Dick himself building the place after I read the book.

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My absolute favorite!!!

Absolutely terrific!! wonderful narrator. Fantastic listen. Dick Preneke was what we should all aspire to be in regards to appreciating nature. Highly recommend.👍

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Moving ending

I enjoyed this narrative very much. In this age of technology and hurry it was soothing to the soul to hear of a life filled with purpose and fulfillment in a simpler lifestyle.
Taking care of your needs and revelling in beauty the wilderness has going on if you look.

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Chapter 9 says it all

A good tail of life, chapter 9 sums i
up the truth of what our world needs

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Inspiring

What an incredible story. I want to listen to more of his simple musings and wise perspectives. Well written and well narrated.

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  • Overall
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Enjoyed and would recommend

Enjoyed the book and would recommend it. Good story and makes me want to visit Alaska

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A Unique Alaskan Adventure

The Audible version of this story is as fascinating as the book itself. A wonderful adventure to enjoy!

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