The world of literature is vast, and within it lies a niche genre that has captivated readers for decades – survival stories. These tales, whether fictional or non-fictional, delve into the experiences of individuals facing life-threatening situations. Often inspiring and thrilling, the top books about survival ignite the adventurous spirit within us.
Featuring stories that range from extreme wilderness survival to fighting through wars and enduring natural disasters, these books deliver essential lessons on perseverance, grit, and the indomitable human spirit. Through sharing the harrowing ordeals faced by protagonists, the authors provide invaluable insights into survival skills and strategies, as well as the emotional aspects of enduring hardship.
In this article, we will be exploring an array of top survival books, offering readers a chance to delve deep into the minds of people who have faced incredible obstacles and emerged victorious. These riveting accounts contain both practical advice and inspiring tales of strength and resilience, making them truly worth a spot on any reader’s bookshelf.
Survival Basics
Survival basics are crucial for anyone venturing into challenging environments or facing potential disasters. No matter the situation, the primary goal is to stay safe and find help. Focusing on the essentials, such as shelter, water, and food, can improve an individual’s chances of surviving in various environments.
The ability to adapt is crucial when faced with different survival scenarios. This includes surviving disasters, such as floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes, where quick thinking and decision-making can be life-saving. In addition, one must learn techniques for surviving in various environments, such as forests, deserts, or snowy mountains. Each setting requires unique skills and knowledge to stay alive.
A firm grasp of essential survival skills and techniques can boost an individual’s chances in any circumstance. Building a shelter, starting a fire, obtaining water, and foraging or hunting for food are all crucial skills. Additionally, learning to perform first aid, navigating via natural landmarks, and improving mental resilience can be game-changers in difficult situations.
Having the right equipment and gear for survival can make a significant difference. Items such as a sharp knife, a fire starter, a compass, water purification tablets, and a first aid kit should be on every survivalist’s checklist. Factors like affordability, quality, and portability must be considered when choosing gear. Some books on survival basics also provide comprehensive lists of essential items for various survival situations.
In conclusion, the secret to successful survival is in mastering the basics, preparing for emergencies, and remaining adaptable. Whether facing a disaster or navigating different environments, the knowledge and skills imparted through survival books can empower individuals to face adversity with confidence.
Preparation and Prepper Guides
Survivalist literature is an essential resource for those looking to develop their preparation skills. Considering the importance of preparation, there are many valuable prepper guides out there that provide a wealth of information on surviving unforeseen situations. Here are a few top books that cover various aspects of survivalist.
The Survival Handbook
“The Survival Handbook” is a comprehensive guide for emergency preparedness. It covers a wide range of topics, such as surviving in the wilderness, natural disaster response, and self-defense techniques. This handbook is an essential resource for both seasoned survivalists and those new to the concept.
SAS Survival Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere
“SAS Survival Handbook: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Anywhere” offers practical advice on how to stay alive in extreme conditions, including guidance on navigation, building shelters, and acquiring food and water. Written by a former SAS operative, the book is packed with essential survival techniques, making it a valuable addition to any prepper’s library.
The Prepper’s Pocket Guide: 101 Easy Things You Can Do to Ready Your Home for a Disaster
“The Prepper’s Pocket Guide: 101 Easy Things You Can Do to Ready Your Home for a Disaster” focuses on home preparedness. This guide offers straightforward tips and advice on how to protect your domain and loved ones during emergencies, highlighting the importance of planning and organization.
When looking for preparation and prepper guides, it’s crucial to consider the specific aspects of survivalism that you wish to focus on. The books mentioned above serve as excellent starting points for those looking to build and expand their knowledge on survival and emergency preparedness.
Noteworthy Survival Books
How to Stay Alive in the Woods
“How to Stay Alive in the Woods” by Bradford Angier is a comprehensive guide that covers essential survival skills one needs to know when venturing into the wilderness. It teaches readers how to find and prepare food, build shelters, and navigate the outdoors using only natural resources. A must-read for outdoor enthusiasts seeking to improve their wilderness survival knowledge.
Edible Wild Plants
“Edible Wild Plants” by Thomas Elias and Peter Dykeman is a fantastic resource for budding foragers and experienced outdoorsmen alike. It provides clear descriptions and color photos of over 200 North American edible plants, along with tips for harvesting and preparation. This well-organized and informative guide is an invaluable companion for those seeking to nourish themselves from the wild.
Bushcraft 101
Dave Canterbury’s “Bushcraft 101” is a practical guide on wilderness survival and self-reliance. It covers crucial skills such as building a fire, foraging, and tying knots, all backed by the author’s years of experience as a survival instructor. With clear instructions and detailed illustrations, “Bushcraft 101” is perfect for both beginners and experts.
Into Thin Air
Jon Krakauer’s bestselling “Into Thin Air” recounts his harrowing experience attempting to summit Mount Everest in 1996. A gripping narrative that showcases the power of human determination and the magnitude of nature’s wrath, the book paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by climbers on the world’s highest peak.
Into the Wild
Another captivating account by Jon Krakauer, “Into the Wild” explores the life of Christopher McCandless, who abandoned his comfortable life and ventured into the Alaskan wilderness. A sobering examination of the risks naïveté and idealism can pose in wilderness survival, this book offers valuable lessons for adventurers seeking to leave behind the comforts of modern society.
The Survival Medicine Handbook
Doubling as a manual for emergencies and a guide to staying healthy in the wilderness, “The Survival Medicine Handbook” by Joseph Alton and Amy Alton covers essential medical skills and knowledge for a broad range of situations. Topics include how to treat injuries, handle common ailments, and effectively utilize natural remedies. An important read for any self-sufficient adventurer.
Deep Survival
Laurence Gonzales’ “Deep Survival” delves into the psychological aspects of survival, examining why some people manage to endure and overcome obstacles while others falter. This insightful book incorporates gripping stories, scientific research, and practical advice on how to develop a survival mindset and improve decision-making in high-stress situations. An invaluable resource for those curious about the human psyche in extreme conditions.
Noteworthy Authors and Their Works
Bradford Angier
Bradford Angier was a prominent author in the field of wilderness survival. He wrote numerous books on the topic, including “How to Stay Alive in the Woods” and “Field Guide to Edible Wild Plants.” In his works, Angier provides practical advice for surviving in various wilderness environments. He emphasizes the importance of knowledge and self-reliance and covers topics such as shelter-building, fire-making, and foraging for food.
Dave Canterbury
Dave Canterbury is well-known for his “Bushcraft 101” series, which offers comprehensive guidance on wilderness survival skills. He is also the co-owner and supervising instructor at the Pathfinder School, teaching people essential outdoor survival techniques. Canterbury’s approach combines modern and ancient knowledge while emphasizing practicality, adaptability, and resourcefulness.
Jon Krakauer
Jon Krakauer is an accomplished author and journalist, recognized for his books “Into the Wild” and “Into Thin Air.” His works often focus on the theme of human struggle and endurance in harsh environments. Krakauer’s stories provide valuable insights into the mental and emotional aspects of survival, exploring the determination and resilience required to overcome challenges in the face of adversity.
Cody Lundin
Cody Lundin is an expert in primitive living skills and the founder of the Aboriginal Living Skills School. His two published works, “98.6 Degrees: The Art of Keeping Your Ass Alive” and “When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need To Survive When Disaster Strikes,” offer pragmatic advice on coping with emergencies and disasters. Lundin is known for his straightforward and often humorous approach, making the subject of survival engaging and accessible to a wide audience.
John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman
A former SAS member, John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman authored the revered work, “SAS Survival Handbook.” This comprehensive guide covers a wide array of scenarios, from wilderness survival to navigating urban disasters. Drawing from his vast experience, Wiseman provides detailed instructions on essential skills such as building a fire, finding water, and signaling for help. His emphasis on preparedness and mental strength makes this book a must-read for both novice and experienced adventurers.
True Survival Stories
Touching the Void
In “Touching the Void,” Joe Simpson and Simon Yates recount their harrowing ascent of the Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. The book highlights the incredible challenges they faced, including a near-fatal fall and a desperate crawl to safety after being left for dead. Their tale is a remarkable testament to the human will to survive despite insurmountable odds.
Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors
“Alive: The Story of the Andes Survivors” by Piers Paul Read tells the true story of a Uruguayan rugby team whose plane crashed in the Andes in 1972. The survivors endured starvation, freezing temperatures, and avalanches. Displaying extraordinary teamwork and resourcefulness, they managed to survive for 72 days before being rescued.
Skeletons on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival
Dean King’s “Skeletons on the Zahara: A True Story of Survival” recounts the harrowing tale of American merchant sailors who were shipwrecked off the coast of Africa in 1815. Captured by desert nomads, they were subjected to intense suffering, and mental and physical torment. The book vividly portrays their incredible perseverance and determination to survive.
438 Days: An Extraordinary True Story of Survival at Sea
“438 Days: An Extraordinary True Story of Survival at Sea” by Jonathan Franklin tells the astonishing story of Salvador Alvarenga, who survived adrift in the Pacific Ocean for more than 14 months. Alvarenga’s unyielding resourcefulness and strength of character provide a testament to the human spirit and its ability to endure extreme situations.
Unbroken
In “Unbroken,” Laura Hillenbrand recounts the true story of World War II hero and Olympic athlete Louis Zamperini. Shot down in the Pacific, Zamperini endured days of shark-infested waters, captivity, and torture at the hands of the Japanese. His incredible story of survival highlights both his physical and mental fortitude.
Heart of the Sea
Nathaniel Philbrick’s “Heart of the Sea” tells the tragic story of the whaleship Essex, which was attacked and sunk by a massive sperm whale in 1820. The crewmembers faced storms, starvation, dehydration, and ultimate despair as they struggled to survive. Philbrick unveils their willpower and the grim reality of their descent into cannibalism during this ordeal.
Seventy-Six Days Lost at Sea
“Seventy-Six Days Lost at Sea” is Steven Callahan’s autobiographical account of his survival after his sailboat sank. Adrift in a life raft, Callahan relied on his knowledge of the ocean and capacity for ingenuity to stay alive. His story demonstrates the incredible resilience of the human mind and body when pushed to the limit.
Fictitious Survival Literature
Fiction survival books have fascinated readers for years, often combining elements of adventure and psychological insight that question the human spirit’s resilience. “Adrift: Seventy-six Days Lost at Sea” by Steven Callahan is an inspiring real-life story of a man who survives on a life raft after a disastrous storm destroys his boat. Battling hunger, thirst, and isolation, Callahan’s tale is a testament to tenacity and the human will to survive.
“Lost Moon: The Perilous Voyage of Apollo 13” by astronaut Jim Lovell and writer Jeffrey Kluger provides a nail-biting account of the ill-fated Apollo 13 mission, which suffered an explosion on its way to the Moon. The astronauts’ struggle for survival while attempting to return safely to Earth is not only an incredible true story but also a thrilling exploration of the human spirit overcoming adversity.
In the world of fictional survival literature, “Papillon” by Henri Charrière takes readers on a mesmerizing journey as the titular character escapes from a penal colony in French Guiana. As a thrilling escape and adventure novel, it demonstrates the strength and resilience of the human spirit when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds.
Another captivating true account is Joan Druett’s “Island of the Lost: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World.” The book tells the story of two ships shipwrecked on Auckland Island during the 1800s, illustrating the stark contrast between the fates of the two groups. The determination and ingenuity displayed by the individuals involved underscore the importance of leadership and resourcefulness in dire circumstances.
“Four Against the Wilderness” by Elmo Wortman narrates an incredible story of a family stranded in the wilderness after their plane crash-lands in a remote mountainous region. Their long journey towards civilization and the challenges they face showcases their unbreakable bond and perseverance.
Another true story exploring human endurance is Thor Heyerdahl’s “Kon-Tiki,” in which the author embarks upon an extraordinary rafting expedition from South America to Polynesia. The 4,300-mile journey is filled with challenges, but the crew’s determination is unparalleled.
Lastly, Mitchell Zuckoff’s “Lost in Shangri-La: A True Story of Survival, Adventure, and the Most Incredible Rescue Mission of World War II” recounts the amazing story of three survivors of a plane crash in the remote New Guinea jungle during World War II. The courageous narrative demonstrates how individuals can overcome extreme adversity through teamwork, determination, and the human spirit.
Throughout these books, themes of resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment serve as important reminders of the human spirit’s extraordinary capacity in the face of danger and adversity.
