SAS Encyclopedia of Survival by Barry Davies BEM

SAS Encyclopedia of Survival by Barry Davies BEM is a substantial illustrated reference work drawing on the survival knowledge and field experience associated with Britain’s Special Air Service. Written by former SAS serviceman Barry Davies, the book brings together a broad range of information intended to explain the principles behind coping with difficult outdoor environments and emergency situations.

Published by Virgin Books in 1999, this large-format 256-page hardcover is extensively illustrated, making SAS Encyclopedia of Survival an accessible reference for readers interested in outdoor history, fieldcraft, exploration and military subjects. Davies served for eighteen years with the SAS and became a recognised writer and commentator on the unit and its methods.

SAS Encyclopedia of Survival is organised as an encyclopedia-style guide, addressing subjects including navigation, signalling, shelter, sourcing food and water, fire, first aid, equipment and adapting to different environments. Its combination of photographs, illustrations and clearly arranged reference material makes it particularly interesting as a late-20th-century military and outdoor reference book. Contemporary publicity described the book as extensively illustrated and presented it as a comprehensive survival reference.

A desirable addition to a collection of SAS books, British military reference works, outdoor literature or survival history, particularly in its original hardcover format with dust jacket.

Condition – Fair 

The hardcover remains solid and presentable, with scattered spots of discolouration/marking to the boards. The dust jacket has noticeable wear and damage, including creasing, rubbing, edge wear and tears, particularly around the upper edges and spine area. There is also some marking/spotting internally around the endpaper area.