The Letterboxer's Companion

by Randy Hall

Letterboxing is an intriguing mix of hiking, puzzle solving, treasure hunting, and rubber stamp artistry, topped off with the thrill of discovery. The basic idea is simple. Clues, usually posted on a web site, will lead the person who correctly follows them to the secret location of a "letterbox." The letterbox contains a unique rubber stamp and a logbook. The searcher carries a personal rubber stamp and logbook. When the letterbox is found, its finder stamps the box's logbook with his or her personal stamp, and stamps the personal logbook with the stamp in the letterbox. The letterbox is then secreted away again.

There is something for everyone in this quaint, Old World pastime. Artists and writers enjoy the opportunity to express themselves in their stamps and clues, while hikers and outdoor adventurers have found this an excellent way to share their special places with others. Letterboxing has been used for education, teambuilding, and as a way to explore a community's heritage.

The Letterboxer's Companion is a complete introduction to letterboxing. It includes a history of letterboxing, instructions on making personal stamps and letterboxes, letterboxing etiquette and conventions, basic land navigation teckniques, writing and following clues--everything the aspiring letterboxer needs to get started in this fascinating, family-friendly pastime.

Genres: Nonfiction, How To

112 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2003

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Letterboxing is a very fun activity to do. This book helps with websites to find letterboxing and how to decipher some clues. Letterboxes are hidden all over the place, sometimes in plane view. We had fun finding the one at our local library.

[Jess Haberman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I barely knew anything about letterboxing when I read this book. You often talk about a book you can't put down. In this case, I was so jazzed up about letterboxing I couldn't wait to put it down and get outside! This is perfect for that kind of reading--I can pick it up and read it during a rainy day or remind myself of the stamp-carving tips next time I sit down to carve. So many great tips for the beginner and a perfect gift book for someone you want to join you on your next letterboxing hunt.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and sweet handbook on Letterboxing. All the instruction and tips to start up, carving your own stamp, finding letterboxes, creating and hiding your own letterbox and sharing with others.
A hobby I might try.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the definitive book about letterboxing. This was a hard book to track down for a reasonable price. I think Hall was fair in his account of the game. He avoided the angst that some issues can present. There is a clue to a box in the book.

Overall, a good introduction to the game.

[Stephanie Denison · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are doing a summer long letterboxing program for the teens this summer at the library. This book is concise and full of useful information for someone just getting started. I now want to jump in with both feet and start finding letterboxes with my daughter.

[Erik · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, general introduction to serious letterboxing. I look forward to getting the kids involved.

[Paige]

A must read for every Letterboxer!

[Chieko · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everything you need to know about letterboxing. Love that he showed some of the hand carved stamps that are out there and the list of resources to help one along.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice introduction to letterboxing. Can't wait to get started finding boxes!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still the best starter book for letterboxers. A simple manual for this fun hobby.

[Michael Delaware · Rating 4 out of 5]

The best reference on Letterboxing out there. This one tells you all you need to know about the adventure.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty complete guide to learning about Letterboxing, with plenty of websites listed in the back if one has more questions

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thinking about letterboxing? You NEED this book! Great to pair up with a kit to give as a gift!!

[Yvonne]

Great introduction or overview. We're hooked!

[Cheryl]

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