Calculus Classics

Do you know calculus, and need a refresher? Or do you want to learn? Either way, move past James Stewart’s work and expand your brain with these dense textbooks written for the author’s equal.

Calculus, 4th edition – This text, by M. Spivak, was written for extremely intelligent college students taking Calculus — it doesn’t hold your hand, but it’s well written and very interesting. A great read for any student of mathematics, though it doesn’t cover everything as well as it should.

Differential and Integral Calculus (2 Volume Set) [Vol. 1] -A classic text in every sense of the word, Courant’s calculus textbook set hails from the 1930s. However, it still gives calculus a clear, comprehensive, and intelligent treatment. Recommended reading, if you can afford it!

The Foxfire Books

The Foxfire Books are bound and published collections of articles from the Foxfire magazine. They cover all sorts of topics of self-sufficiency and simple living. While not all of the information in them is useful (Faith healing?), they’re treasure troves of interesting information. Research the topics in each book and pick the ones you’re most interested in.

The Foxfire Book – The first in the series.

Foxfire 2 – Ghost stories and spring food plants are reason enough to get this one!

Foxfire 4 – Contains gardening, fiddlemaking, and other interesting topics.

Pocket Ref

Pocket Ref – This amazing little book is in a class by itself. With over 750(!) pages and still only 1″ thick, the Pocket Ref is a miracle of thin paper and tiny font. However, it navigates easily and contains information on so much stuff, from rope width specifications to cloud formations to zip codes. Buy a copy and put it in your backpack/purse/cargo pants/briefcase, and you’ll be surprised how often you can find info in it. Best for engineers, mechanics, carpenters, etc. but useful for everyone.

Somebody Help! First Aid Books

Sometimes doctors aren’t around. Maybe you’re backpacking, or out in the boonies, or you just won’t get to a doctor in time. Everyone should know first aid, and these books go above the call of duty by giving you enough information to save a life.

Where There Is No Doctor – This book was written mostly for people visiting villages with no medical experts. As such, it covers a lot of material, and it’s very well written and illustrated. Read it cover to cover once, then keep it handy in your car.

Complete Guide to Prescription & Nonprescription Drugs 2010 – This book could save your life in a much subtler way. Drugs are extremely common, and understanding them is crucial. While you won’t have doctoral understanding, the detailed treatment of drugs works well with other first-aid books to help give you a more complete understanding. Make sure to get the latest version, though! Use this book to confirm drug information in Where There Is No Doctor, which is a little aged.