Book Review: The Encyclopedia of Country Living
Homesteading & Off-Grid Survival
The Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery is an essential resource for anyone interested in self-sufficient living, whether you're living on a rural homestead or simply looking to incorporate more sustainable practices into your life. Originally published in the 1970s and continually updated since, this massive tome (over 900 pages) covers a vast range of topics essential for country living, homesteading, or even urban gardening.
Content and Scope
The book offers practical, step-by-step advice on everything from gardening and food preservation to raising livestock and foraging. Emery covers a wealth of topics, including:
Gardening: Instructions on growing your own vegetables, fruits, and herbs, with tips on organic methods.
Animal Husbandry: Guidance on raising chickens, cows, goats, and other livestock, including advice on breeding, milking, and meat processing.
Food Preservation: Detailed guides on canning, drying, fermenting, and storing food for long-term use, helping readers develop self-reliant food systems.
Homesteading Skills: Instructions on making your own household products, including soap, cheese, and other essentials.
Writing Style
Emery’s writing style is personable and engaging, making complex topics accessible to beginners while still providing depth for experienced homesteaders. She shares personal anecdotes throughout, giving the book a narrative feel, as if you're learning directly from a seasoned homesteader.
Strengths
Comprehensive Coverage: This book is a one-stop guide for anyone interested in self-reliant living, offering insights on nearly every aspect of country life, from growing your own food to crafting your own clothes.
Updated and Relevant: Despite its long history, The Encyclopedia of Country Living remains relevant today. The latest editions include modern updates on sustainable farming practices, food safety, and even DIY projects(Buckhorn Cliffs).
Inspirational: Beyond just a practical guide, Emery's enthusiasm for simple living shines through, making it both an educational and motivational read.
Weaknesses
Information Overload: For those new to homesteading, the sheer volume of information can feel overwhelming. However, this is a small downside for such a thorough resource.
Dated References: Some readers have noted that despite the updates, certain parts of the book retain a vintage feel, with references to older technologies or practices that may no longer be common(Buckhorn Cliffs)(Shepherd).
Conclusion
The Encyclopedia of Country Living is a timeless classic for anyone serious about self-sufficiency. Its encyclopedic approach provides everything you need to know, whether you're a novice gardener or an experienced homesteader. Its blend of practical advice, personal anecdotes, and comprehensive coverage makes it an invaluable addition to any self-reliance library.
For those looking to live a greener, more self-reliant life, Emery’s book is a must-read. It offers not just practical know-how but a deeper understanding of the philosophy behind living off the land.
About the Creator
The Pentagram
A Symbol Older Than Written Memory The pentagram ranks among the oldest geometric symbols known to human civilization. Defined as a five-pointed star formed by a single unbroken line, the figure appears in material culture dating back more than five thousand years. Archaeological evidence places early examples in Mesopotamian inscriptions, where the form carried associations with celestial order, spatial direction, and authority. From those earliest appearances, the pentagram moved fluidly across cultures, languages, and belief systems, adapting its meaning while retaining its distinctive structure.
By Marcus Hedare6 days ago in BookClub
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