If you ask outdoorsman Daniel Hume for the fastest, most practical way to start a fire, he’ll tell you: Use a match. But he probably won’t stop there. For Hume, conjuring flame is an art form, and seeking out the old ways is a passion that has led him the world over.

Fire Making is your guide to techniques Hume has learned firsthand—from the San people in Namibia, the Mangyan of the Philippines, and other masters. You’ll fall in love with the craft of coaxing spark into flame using only handmade tools. Learn about:


The bow drill, the fire plow, and other traditional fire–starters
Every type of tinder, from birch bark to fungus
Overcoming strong winds, freezing cold, and other challenges
Plus modern fire–making hacks, such as using foil and a battery.


Hume’s crystal clear steps, all helpfully illustrated, make it easy to start and maintain the perfect fire for any need—from quickly boiling a pot of water, to setting up camp . . . to the sheer joy of seeing your efforts rewarded with a blaze of warmth and light.