I see we're headed for another [color:"red"]supernova[/color] here. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I believe mockturtle referred to the books as hiking/climbing outdoor sagas not manuals or guidebooks.

I'm into nautical fiction, and a writer, such as Patrick O'Brian who mastered the era, has had a few detractors who've slighted him on his perceived lack of nautical knowledge. Other writers, like the famous Forester, are just way too into the "nuts & bolts" or "shackles and blocks" for me. For many other NF readers, they live for that esoteric sailing detail. I think mockturtle was making the same analogy here, being one who enjoys more a "nuts & bolts" type of outdoor saga.

I do know that from what's been said on the forum about Colin Fletcher that I need to get some of his books and read what he's got to say.