This is one of the most-used books in our house. This is the go-to source for all things self-sufficiency. It's not comprehensive, but it gives enough information to get a good start in whatever it is you're interested in.

There is little in the way of self-sufficient skills that this valuable volume does not touch on: finding, buying, and building on land; energy sources; raising fruits, vegetables, and livestock; skills and crafts (the handy kind like weaving, woodworking, and soapmaking); and outdoor pursuits like fishing and hiking. Need a recipe for wallpaper paste? Can't decide which kind of waterwheel or turbine would be best for your stream? Want to know how to grow peanuts? Interested in building a food smoker? Curious how one milks a goat? I've got your book right here. ( )

I loved this book when it first came out. (early 80's), &
I still love this book now.
This book doesn't give you a paragraph on a
subject & move on. It's so much more than that.
It's the kind of book you want to read & make your
dreams of living in the country.....a little more detailed. ( )

lots of traditional skills, pioneer style and later ( )

How to create just about anything. ( )

This book contains excellent descriptions of how various trades and crafts were performed in Colonial and frontier America. Chapters cover, buying land and building on it, getting energy from wood and other sources, growing crops and livestock and harvesting, homestead skills and trades, and finishes with a chapter on recreation. Being a spinster and a weaver, I looked at the sections on spinning, warping, and weaving and found the descriptions and accompanying drawings and photos of spinning wheels, warping boards, and looms was very thorough and accurate. An excellent reference for anyone wanting to learn about the past or take part in a historic recreation for a museum or club. ( )