In the 20 years since it was first published, the million-copy bestseller SAS Survival Handbook has become the #1 survival handbook for experts and novices alike. A chief survival instructor for the SAS for 26 years, John “Lofty” Wiseman describes all the techniques used by the world-famous fighting force. Updated by survival specialists, the SAS Survival Handbook outlines timeless techniques on how to outlive any situation in any part of the world. Recent additions include navigation, food assessment, health maximization, and an overview of the latest survival aids. In the excerpt below, Wiseman describes how to stay alive by using plants as food.
Identifying Plants
Only a small selection of the world’s many plants can be described and illustrated here and only a specialist botanist could identify more than a handful of plants in the far-flung corners of the world. Begin by learning a few plants that can be found in most conditions and at most times of the year. Close familiarity with even one or two could make all the difference between survival and starvation. Learn these first and learn them thoroughly.

