The Little Book of Building Fires: How to Chop, Scrunch, Stack and Light a Fire

Description

An illustrated guide to everything to do with fires and firewood, combining practicality with folklore. It will get you back in touch with your ancient firemaking instincts. Nothing beats the companionable crackle of an open fire. Fires invite us to sit and share stories or watch in contemplative silence. We feel drawn to the flickering flames, the gentle curls of aromatic smoke and reassuring radiant heat. Snuggled under a blanket, toasting crumpets and listening to the pleasing pops of burning wood - what better way to spend a winter's evening? Or, come the summer, few pleasures are richer than cooking food, perched around a campfire, waiting for the stars to come out. But for all this talk, how many of us know how to build a fire? Would we know which kinds of trees burn best? Could we make our own firelighters or build the perfect fire stack? The Little Book of Building Fires is a richly illustrated pocket guide to sourcing, seasoning and storing firewood, choosing kindling and tinder, and how to build and light the perfect fire. From campfires to woodburners, bonfires to open hearths, this book blends practicality with personal experience and will get you back in touch with your ancient firemaking instincts.

Sally Coulthard has been setting fire to things since she was a small, dungareed tomboy. Gently discouraged from a career in professional pyromania she's now a best selling author of design and outdoor living books including Shed Chic and Gardenalia. She now lives tucked away on a Yorkshire farm where she can burn things without bothering anyone.

Chosen as one of the twenty 'Things We Can't Live Without in November' by Country Homes & Interiors. 'A brilliantly informative guide with stylish illustrations ... This hardback tome promises to put you back in touch with your ancient fire making instincts' Yorkshire Post. 'A nice gift for someone with a practical mind' The Bookseller. 'Coulthard [celebrates] the heart-warming properties of the hearth in this engaging little book' The Simple Things. 'Follow these tips and your inner caveman will be proud' The Sunday Times. 'A resourceful and informative joy to read' The Lifestyle Editor. 'A cracking book' Sainsbury's Magazine. 'A brilliantly informative guide and includes everything from where to find wood to banking up and making your fire fragrant [...] and safe' Yorkshire Post.