my Scouting was in the late 50's,early 60's.the handbook i always thought was the best was the Scout Field Book from 1948. i still have mine and just got it out to check the copyright date.
written back in the "old days" it has a photo on page 421 of a real snake bitten hand that would make you barf..and the kid chopping the tree down on page 150 is in shorts..no hard hat and safety chaps..and lots of good solid outdoor life information from the ax and fire days.