Well what a lot of technicals.
I stand by most of what I said in my original post, perhaps there are more modern devices like the much hailed Zoom to consider. BUT I was looking at a keen newcomer who I thought was looking to improve mic. technique and the art of mixing sound. There is no comparison between snatched field recordings, howevere good the quality and the controlled environment of a quiet room a couple or more mics on stands and a mixing desk. The package I outline above would set you back less than £100 by judicious Ebaying and would teach a newcomer loads.
Before you shout at me I've done the technicals, starting with early Audophile with its bays of Winchester disc memory. But nothing replaces good ears.