One Man's Wilderness

An Alaskan Odyssey

By: Sam Keith, Richard Proenneke

Narrated by: Norman Dietz

Length: 6 hrs and 56 mins

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)

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.

Thank you Richard Proenneke

This was offered as a bonus buy book for me... so glad I gave it a try. In 1998 at age 50 Richard Proenneke retired to the solitude of Twin Lakes in Alaska. This book follows his first 18 months living there alone... as he builds his $40 cabin. His work ethic, creativity and true love of nature is revealed in the journal entries. I love his voice, descriptions and point of view. There is no plot... just daily accomplishments, interactions with the animals and joy in a handful of blueberries or pot of beans. So if you are looking for an amazing Alaskan adventure book this isn't it... if you truly love nature and are content to let the rabbits eat the pea plants in your garden because they were here first. You will love it!. He lived in the cabin for 30 years and it is now a Park Service historic monument... his nature films have been combined to make two PBS specials. I loved the pictures of his cabin I found on the internet. My only complaint was - it's way too short, I wanted more and first introduction chapter is kinda boring... his voice and journal starts in chapter 2.

Easy enjoyable listening

Great book. Well worth the credit. It keeps your interest even though its a day to day diary of events.

Old Skool is the Kool Skool

This is an amazing account from an awesome character that should be envyed and cherished!

Get this book.

This is the backbone of his work. Skill is critical but it’s his heart that makes him worth remembering. Friend to the wilderness and it’s creature’s he’s a mentor we all need.

The best

Dick Proenneke was likely the greatest man to have ever lived. He was a writer, carpenter, naturalist, camp chef, mechanic, pilot, fisherman, photographer, bird whisperer (camp robbers), philosopher, farmer, and explorer.

GREAT

A wonderful story about an incredible man! it is almost as if you are right there with him.

Awesome listen

Incredible story, worth every minute, inspiring and incredibly interesting. I will listen to this again.

what an amazing story

this was just a great book. I use the audio books during my commutes to and from work, but I found myself so engrossed in this story that i would listen to it at home on the couch as well.