Member Book & Video Reviews
From a Wooden Canoe

From a Wooden Canoe
Reflections on Canoeing, Camping and Classic Equipment
by Jerry Dennis
St. Martin's Press, $21.95 hardcover, 204pp

Reviewed by Tim Hewitt

Jerry Dennis is not a wooden canoe owner, nor is he an expert on wooden canoes. He appologises for both in the introduction of this book, though I will be the first to say he did not need to do so. Jerry has written a most wonderful book, not about wooden canoes, but about life and life's lessons as taught to us by the things we most cherish - the classic and simple equipment that make up traditional camping and canoeing kit.

This book is more than just a collection of his "Traditions" column from Canoe & Kayak, magazine, however if it were just that, it would be worthy of reading. Jerry has expanded past published columns into the full chapter and verse that they were originally due, as well as written some wonderfully witty and insightful essays that explore our love of traditional gear.

I read this book twice, cover to cover. The only book I've done that with in many years. I thoroughly enjoyed his easy and thought provoking style, the way he reached into my closet and pulled out my favorite pieces of gear, and how his reflections brought back fond memories that I have when I look at my old red plaid jacket hanging on the wall.

Thank you Jerry, for bringing us all back home.

© Copyright Notice

All items contained within these pages are © Copyright 1998, 1999 the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association, Ltd., and/or it's members. Permission to reproduce this material in any manner must first be obtained in writing from the WCHA, or the author/owner of a specific item.

Navigation Aids

[WCHA Home Page] [Table of Contents] [Member Book & Video Reviews]