Want to be a 21st century renaissance woman or man who’s self-sufficient, scrappy, and skillful at many tasks? Well then learn how to build a fire — and how to sew a button too. You’ll learn how to do both in “How to Build a Fire: And Other Handy Things Your Grandfather Knew,” a manlier sequel to “How to Sew a Button: And Other Nifty Things Your Grandmother Knew.”

Here’s a book that’ll show you how to do everything from read animal tracks to mow the lawn to season a cast iron skillet. “How to Build a Fire” tackles all manner of tasks — those you’re too embarrassed to admit you don’t know how to do (like driving a nail properly) to those that’ll impress others (like playing the harmonica). Best of all in a still-recovering economy, learning to do these tasks will save you money, whether by changing your own oil, catching your own fish, or buying the perfect suit — one that’s in a good classic style, good for all seasons, suitable for almost all occasions, and made to last.

Many of the how-tos covered in the book could come in handy for people of either gender, but men will likely find more of the tips useful — though women getting into the costume for L.A.’s annual Tweed Ride may also benefit from the instructions on how to was a mustache. Still, the instructions in “How to Build a Fire” often cross traditional gender roles, with directions for changing a diaper, doing laundry, and cleaning the house.

Because it covers so many topics, the tone of “How to Build a Fire” is an odd hybrid one, written in the voice of a Don Draper-type who spends all his free time roughing it in the outdoors — yet has the emotional sensibilities of a 21st century woman concerned about gender equity and work-life balance. That woman would be Erin Bried, who wrote the book — with the help of interviews from a group of wise grandfathers.

I’m guessing Erin’s female perspective especially informed some of the touchy-feelier topics — like how to comfort a loved one or how to apologize. Many of the tips certainly focus on developing independent know-how, but many also focus on interpersonal skills, whether it’s knowing how to befriend neighbors or how to tell a clean joke.

Reducing, reusing, and DIYing are green-tinted ideas that inform many of the tips in this book, but some specifically eco-friendly instructions are also included for those who want to learn how to plant a tree or how to buy meat (hint: don’t go for the factory farmed stuff). Published last month, “How to Build a Fire” is available in paperback for $15.

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