This book has been referred to as "ground-breaking" in its approach to 19th century life because it explores facets of life not previously discussed. The 19th century woman was as likely to participate in these many activities as her male counterpart, and socioeconomic status did little to discourage the working class American family from taking an annual vacation like their wealthier neighbors.

Order your copy and see why countless individuals credit the skill of the soldier to having first been trained in woodcraft and hunting, realize how many good cavalry horses were first trained to the hunt, share the experiences of dozens of woman who routinely participated in these activities, and explore a plethora of long-forgotten outdoor activities eagerly awaited by all classes of Americans.

REVIEWER: RIP STALVEY, MUSEUM DIRECTOR

Victoria Rumble's latest book reflects her love and understanding of 19th century material culture. This comprehensive book is a well researched, carefully written resource for anyone who wants to learn about outdoor activities in the nineteenth century, a subject not often covered in modern texts.

From early Agricultural Fairs to Woodcraft Skills, plus all manner of things outdoors, this book is packed with hard to find information about our forefathers way of life. Each subject is presented with an eye towards historical accuracy, allowing us to better understand how men and women lived and enjoyed life in the out-of-doors.

Mrs. Rumble offers historical insights on many activities still enjoyed by Americans today. Providing engaging reading for those who enjoy learning about earlier lifestyles, this book will be useful to researchers, living history interpreters, re-enactors, museum professionals, scouts, and other students of history.

Rip Stalvey, Museum Director,
Cracker Country, A Rural Florida Living Museum

REVIEWER: HUGH T. HARRINGTON

Within us lurks the primal Man, or woman, constrained by life behind a desk or in a factory. That Being, deep within our souls, is yearning to be set free in the outdoors. Our 19th century ancestors felt the same irrepressible urges and they acted upon them.

Victoria Rumble brings to life the quest for the open sky, the mountain view and the wonders of the playground known as the Great Outdoors. In addition to the pleasures of hunting and fishing she describes, in fascinating detail, the joys of simply walking, or canoeing. The adventure of caving contrasts with the walk on the beach looking for conches.

The beauties of Nature are artfully combined with the details of camping and outdoor-lore now mostly lost in the mists of time. Living historians will devour the wealth of information on everything from clothing to firearms and transportation to food. The text is enhanced by a multitude of marvelous old prints that beckon the reader to step outside with a fresh eye for the gifts that are around us.

The 19th century outdoor enthusiast was not necessarily a man, either. Women participated fully in sports, activities and enjoyment. The myth of the �proper Victorian woman� stereotype is destroyed.

One cannot even casually thumb the pages without feeling the allure of the outdoors. The smoke from the campfire entices us and draws us outside, away from the cubicle, the telephone and television. We are lured into the mountains or to walk a woods trail, and ride a horse toward the horizon. We long to gaze into the night sky and free the primal Man within us.

Hugh T. Harrington is the author of Civil War Milledgeville: Tales from the Confederate Capital of Georgia and Remembering Milledgeville: Historic Tales from Georgia's Antebellum Capital