BSA Fieldbook

I've been collecting all of the Fieldbooks. I have all but the second to last edition. I love how they first started out almost like the Boy Handbook with much of the information similar to the Handbooks. And the information in the older ones are great! I saw where the ScoutShop has put the latest version from 2004 on sale. Does anyone know if they are developing a new version.

YIS

Mike B.

Scoutbox, I don't have any info on a new edition, but I sure like those old ones as well.

On my 11th birthday, I got the '67 edition, '73 printing, as a gift--I have read and re-read that many times. Found a copy in a used bookstore and still use it today.

Lots of old school scoutcraft in that book, and the writing is superb.

It's been posted that all BSA pubs were being updated. So more than likely there will be a 5th ed.

Mt 2nd ed. has been used sooooooo much that the cover is no longer on it from wear and tear. I loved that bookand have used some of the ideas in the past, specifically when I needed to make some of my own gear.

You can find them on Boy Scout Store .com. I have gotten mine there, and even got a few back up copies.

I hope the new copy is an improvement to the 4th Edition. I find it a bit boring.. not many scout skill in it either..

I wore the covers off my '73 printing. Always thought it was the best scouting book out there.

Now I have a copy of the 1st edition, signed by James E. West & GBB ... I think that, and my Handbook for Patrol Leaders (signed by GBB at the '73 Jambo [East]) are my two favorites.

Where's the best place to find the earlier fieldbooks? My son adores the Fieldbook and has read the cover off mine the past year, and read the original Scouting for Boys in its new edition. I think he'd love to see how scoutcraft has evolved.

www.boyscoutstore.com

This site has a great history of the Fieldbook:

http://historyofscouting.com/handbooks/fieldbooks.htm

And also the Handbook, Patrol Leaders' Handbook, and Scoutmaster's Handbook.

And you can find copies of older handbook/fieldbooks readily on eBay - http://goo.gl/1BDry - or you can check AbeBooks - http://www.abebooks.com/

Interesting side note; there was a far earlier "Field Book" published prior to the one by GBB from 1948, and its followers. It was made available in a Lefax format around 1920, and had all the basic requirements and related reference material available in small print, but usable form. The segments could be purchased , separately, as desired, and later, there were non BSA items made by other publishers that fit in the small, pocket size six ring Lefax binder. BSA made covers, with the scout symbol, in various materials. These items are occasionally available on eBay, and are fascinating in their detail.

But, GBB's version is still the best all in one outdoor resource ever published by the BSA, in my opinion.

I wish the BSA still made some more Wood Craft and camping FBs. Updating to today. WIth pictures, etc.. I feel that the new FB shows that scouting has gotten too far away from Wood Craft.. same with WB etc..

'Box,

I hear ya. I looked at the 4th ed. FB and it was more geared to specific HA type activities, not bad but some more of the basics that are not covered inteh BSHB would be nice.

Indeed. Not all of my boys are at teh age to do a lot of high adventure. Heck. YOu cant got to Pilmont until 14 I think.. WHy not make a camp craft FB and a High Adventure book.. maybe one for Scouts and one for Venturers..

I imagine they need a new edition to include the rules for soccer in it....