Reference Books

The Encyclopedia of Country Living

Carla Emery

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 125 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Folksy, easy reading 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Covers a lot of subjects, easy to follow. Pays attention to safety (like canning issues). Many subjects addressed.

The How To Book of Country Living 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The Encyclopedia of Country Living

We have purchased twenty plus copies of this book each year for several years. It makes a wonderful gift for missionaries that are going to mission fields all over the world. It includes everything from how to milk a goat to almost anything you need to know, including numerous recipes. Feedback from missionaries has always been favorable. In addition, my wife finds it useful here at home. It's very handy for a homemaker.

Editorial Review:

For twenty years people have relied on these hundreds of recipes, instructions, and morsels of invaluable practical advice on all aspects of growing and preparing food. This definitive classic on food, gardening, and self-sufficient living is a complete resource for living off the land with over 800 pages of collected wisdom from country maven, Carla Emery--how to cultivate a garden, buy land, bake bread, raise farm animals, make sausage, milk a goat, grow herbs, churn butter, catch a pig, make soap, work with bees and more. Encyclopedia of Country Living is so basic, so thorough, so reliable, it deserves a place in every home--whether in the country, the city, or somewhere in between.

Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook: The Essential Guide to Caring for Everything in Your Home

Martha Stewart

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 151 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

It's just basic stuff 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book because somebody suggested it to me while attending a bridal shower. I was a little disappointed. It's just very basic stuff that you can easily find it online by Google it. I have to admit that it is a very nice present for newlyweds.

The best!! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

After I read The Big Clean: How to Organize Your Pad and Free Your Mind , it inspired me to get more orgazined and cleaner, so who better to go to than Martha S? I got this book and was amazed at its size, and the volume contains just about everything one would need to clean the house. Get this one--it's worth it!!

Everything you need to know 5 out of 5 stars.
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I bought Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook for my daughter's bridal shower, and though I haven't read it myself, I can say that she is enchanted by it. She even reads it when she meant to be involved in preparations for the wedding. The night we were talking on the phone and she wanted to get back to the section on "five types of kitchen towel weaves" that I realized Martha had a whole lot more advice to give her than I did. We both believe that "a cat can look at a king"--i.e., we don't have to be like Martha in every particular, but we can enjoy watching her at her domestic best, and she inspires us to be a bit more conscious of making a house a genuine home.

Editorial Review:

A lifetime's worth of homekeeping know-how, this towering volume is sure to be one of the most comprehensive books on the subject. Let Martha show you around the home, teaching you everything you need to know in order to clean, care for and maintain it along the way.

When Technology Fails (Revised & Expanded): A Manual for Self-Reliance, Sustainability, and Surviving the Long Emergency

Matthew Stein

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 32 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

There’s never been a better time to “be prepared.” Matthew Stein’s comprehensive primer on sustainable living skills—from food and water to shelter and energy to first-aid and crisis-management skills—prepares you to embark on the path toward sustainability. But unlike any other book, Stein not only shows you how to live “green” in seemingly stable times, but to live in the face of potential disasters, lasting days or years, coming in the form of social upheaval, economic meltdown, or environmental catastrophe.

When Technology Fails covers the gamut. You’ll learn how to start a fire and keep warm if you’ve been left temporarily homeless, as well as the basics of installing a renewable energy system for your home or business. You’ll learn how to find and sterilize water in the face of utility failure, as well as practical information for dealing with water-quality issues even when the public tap water is still flowing. You’ll learn alternative techniques for healing equally suited to an era of profit-driven malpractice as to situations of social calamity. Each chapter (a survey of the risks to the status quo; supplies and preparation for short- and long-term emergencies; emergency measures for survival; water; food; shelter; clothing; first aid, low-tech medicine, and healing; energy, heat, and power; metalworking; utensils and storage; low-tech chemistry; and engineering, machines, and materials) offers the same approach, describing skills for self-reliance in good times and bad.

Fully revised and expanded—the first edition was written pre-9/11 and pre-Katrina, when few Americans took the risk of social disruption seriously—When Technology Fails ends on a positive, proactive note with a new chapter on "Making the Shift to Sustainability," which offers practical suggestions for changing our world on personal, community and global levels.

Back to Basics: A Complete Guide to Traditional Skills, Third Edition

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 71 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Some good information, but unfocused (details) 3 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

This illustrated book has been published chiefly for those who are new to country living, and/or who have an interest in self-sufficiency and in retrieving some of the "lost arts" which are appurtenant to traditional country life. The information is mostly introductory and rudimentary... a good start for most folks new to these areas of interest.

I have lived in the foothills of rural Appalachia for 55 years and have been involved in carrying out nearly all the construction, activities, arts, and crafts found within this text. Some of the text, (along with the accompanying drawings and photos), is quite good. The information is solid and one can get started along the right track; however, the work goes astray (the publishers sort of "threw in the kitchen sink"), into areas which are not particularly relevant to traditional country living. The editors simply went too far afield when they got into topics such as "Winter Sports," "Kayaking and Rafting," "Foraging for Flour and Emergency Rations," and so on. Most of these subjects are tagged on at the end, I felt just to make the book longer, (it's plenty long enough at 456 pages!)

Additionally, on topics such as "Emergency First Aid," "Fly Fishing" (and fish identification), and "Recipes," there are obligatory sections, none of which are all that useful since these are subjects, any one of which could fill volumes. Had these areas of specific interest been omitted, the more appropriate topics could have been somewhat expanded, such as "Barn Building" or "Preserving Meat and Fish".

There is a far superior (albeit, much older) version of this sort of book which was published by Reader's Digest some years ago: READER'S DIGEST BACK TO BASICS. I can highly recommend it and I've referred to my worn copy time after time.

While there is quite a great deal of quality information in this Skyhorse Publishing Third Edition (2008) for those seeking a new or improved life in the rural countryside, I still feel that the editors strayed off-base to the point that I cannot heartily recommend the work.

Editorial Review:

"Voluntary simplicity" has become a catch phrase for what seems to be a yearning for a simpler, more self-sufficient and economical way of living in the late 20th century. This book, first published in 1981 and recently updated, was probably many folks' first in-depth exposure to the idea of a simpler life, making things by hand, and enjoying a stronger sense of control over personal budgets, home projects, and lifestyles. Hundreds of projects are listed, illustrated in step-by-step diagrams and instructions: growing and preserving your own food, converting trees to lumber and building a home from it, traditional crafts and homesteading skills, and having fun with recreational activities like camping, fishing, and folk dancing without spending a lot of money. This book will have you dreaming and planning from the first page! -- Mark A. Hetts

Storey's Basic Country Skills: A Practical Guide to Self-Reliance

John Storey, Martha Storey

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 35 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

This is the book for anyone who wants to become more self-reliant, from suburbanites with 1/4 of an acre to country homesteaders with several. The information is easily understood and readily applicable.

More than 150 of Storey's expert authors in gardening, building, animal raising, and homesteading share their specialized knowledge and experience in this ultimate guide to living a more independent, satisfying life.

Readers will find step-by-step, illustrated instructions for every aspect of country living including:

Finding and buying land
Buying, building, and renovating a home
Developing water sources and systems
Understanding wiring, plumbing, and heating
Using alternative heating and energy sources
Vegetable, flower, and herb gardening
Traditional cooking skills such as baking bread and making maple syrup
Preparing and preserving meat, fruits, and vegetables
Building and maintaining barns, sheds, and outbuildings
Caring for common farm and ranch animals, and pets

How Your House Works: A Visual Guide to Understanding & Maintaining Your Home

Charlie Wing

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> How-to & Home Improvements -> Home Repair

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Why is my faucet leaking, my toilet running, or my dishwasher refusing to start? Can I fix it myself? What's causing the heating system to smell bad or the foundation to crack? Do I need an air filtration system? Is the new "engineered lumber" as good as conventional wood? These are just a few examples of questions homeowners face when repairs are needed, or when a new house or addition is being planned.

There's no question that it pays to be an informed consumer. Knowledge of your home's systems helps you control repair and construction costs and make sure the correct elements are being installed or replaced.

This book uncovers the mysteries behind just about every major appliance and building element in your house. Clear, "exploded" drawings show you exactly how these things should be put together and how they function - what to check if they don't work, and what you can do that might save you having to call in a professional.

The easy-to-understand pictures and explanations on every page get right to the point, helping you understand how things work, what can go wrong, and how to trouble-shoot a problem.

Virtually everything in your house is included:

• Electrical - circuit breakers and grounding, service, outlets, lamps and fixtures.
  
• Heating and Air conditioning - gas, electrical and oil - ductwork and piping, thermostats, central and window AC units, humidifiers and dehumidifiers, and air filtering systems.
  
• Plumbing - kitchen and bath fixtures, piping, water heaters, traps and vents, septic tanks, pumps and water softener systems - even sprinkler systems and swimming pool filters/heaters.
  
• Major household appliances - from kitchen to laundry.
  
• Foundation, framing, doors and windows - including issues like drainage and radon, types of framing and how it supports the house, and all types of doors and windows.

One Year to an Organized Life: From Your Closets to Your Finances, the Week-by-Week Guide to Getting Completely Organized for Good

Regina Leeds

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Subjects -> Health, Mind & Body -> Self-Help -> Time Management

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 20 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Who would you be if you felt at peace and had more time and money? An organized life enables you to have more freedom, less aggravation, better health, and to get more done. For nearly twenty years, Regina Leeds-named Best Organizer by Los Angeles magazine-has helped even the messiest turn their lives around. Anyone can get organized-she’ll prove it to you! One Year to an Organized Life is a unique week-by-week approach that you can begin at any time of year. Regina helps you break down tasks and build routines over time so that life becomes simple, not overwhelming. Master time management Make your kitchen efficient Permanently organize closets and drawers Deal with your finances Reclaim “dumping grounds” like the guest room, garage and basement Declutter the kids’ rooms Organize your travel plans-and the vacation photos and souvenirs Entertain with joy Regina reveals her magic formula for organizing anything, plus her method to stop the chronic cycles of clutter, misplaced items, and lateness. Whether you’re living in chaos or just looking for new ways to simplify, this essential book will help you get the whole household organized-and stay that way.

Solar Power Your Home For Dummies (For Dummies (Home & Garden))

Rik DeGunther

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> How-to & Home Improvements -> Do-It-Yourself

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Want to take advantage of solar power in your home? Whether you’re looking to save on your energy costs by adding a few solar components or you want to build a solar-powered house from the ground up, Solar Power Your Home For Dummies takes the mystery out of this energy source and shows you how to put it to work for you!

This friendly, hands-on guide is packed with tips for making your home more energy-efficient though solar power—and helping the planet at the same time. You’ll see how to survey your home to determine your current household energy efficiency and use, and evaluate where solar power would best benefit you. You’ll also calculate what the return on your investment will be before you make any decisions. Once you’ve decided on a project, you’ll see whether it’s best to hire a contractor or do it yourself. We leave no stone unturned—you’ll also discover how to:

• Choose and install your best solar system
• Handle small to large solar projects
• Heat and cool your house with solar energy
• Install exterior solar lighting
• Handle swimming pool, water heater, or ventilation solar projects
• Create greenhouses or solar rooms
• Build, buy, or sell a solar home
• Finance your solar investments
• Take advantage of tax rebates and incentives associated with solar power
• Avoid the worst solar mistakes

Featuring ten of the easiest and cheapest do-it-yourself solar projects, Solar Power Your Home For Dummies is the fun and easy way to meet your energy needs with this clean power source!

Clean House Clean Planet

Karen Logan

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> How-to & Home Improvements -> Cleaning, Caretaking & Relocating

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 81 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good book but poorly organized 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I really do love the recipes given in this book! Every one that i have tried has really worked. I also appreciate the honesty the the author uses when it comes to her rating system. The begining of the book tells you about all the scary chemicals that are in our everyday cleaning products and what harm they can do to you and/or your things. It really is horrible what they sneak in there. The whole book is very informative. The only complaint is that it isn't organized so well. When I want to know a recipe for a good floor cleaner I want to be able to just go to the front and look up "Floor cleaners" and see what page it's on and go there. Instead it is set up in like Chapters. You get a whole chapter on what's in your store bought cleaners, why it's bad, and then the homemade recipe. I just want to know exactly where the recipe is. So I have to say that the organization of the book is a bit strange.I am not a very organized person so it looks like something that I would have arranged. I would want more professional arrangement. But like I said....great book, great info and great recipes! It has helped me totaly change my cleaning habits!

Editorial Review:

How many times have you said you're killing yourself trying to keep your house clean? You might have been joking, but you're closer to the truth than you think if you're using expensive commercial cleansers. Karen Logan, an environmentalist with years of experience developing and selling her own line of eco-friendly cleaning products, reveals the secret of using simple, ordinary ingredients life baking soda, vinegar, soap, lemon juice, and salt to make safe, inexpensive cleaners.

The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy: Achieving Energy Independence through Solar, Wind, Biomass and Hydropower (Mother Earth News Wiser Living)

Dan Chiras

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The coming energy crisis caused by a peak in global oil and natural gas production will profoundly affect the lives of all North Americans. As the price of these vital fuels rises, homeowners will scramble to cut their fuel bills. Two options for meeting the upcoming challenge are dramatic improvements in home energy efficiency and efforts to tap into clean, affordable, renewable energy resources to heat and cool homes, to provide hot water and electricity, and even to cook. These measures can result in huge savings and a level of energy independence.

The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy tells you how. It starts by outlining the likely impacts of fossil fuel shortages and some basic facts about energy. It then discusses energy conservation to slash energy bills and prepare for renewable energy options. Focusing carefully on specific strategies needed to replace specific fuels, the book then examines each practical energy option available to homeowners:

Solar hot water, cooking, and water purification
Space heat: passive and active solar retrofits
Wood heat
Passive cooling
Solar electricity
Wind-generated electricity
Electricity from microhydropower sources
Emerging technologies-hydrogen, fuel cells, methane digesters, and biodiesel

The Homeowner's Guide to Renewable Energy gives readers sufficient knowledge to hire and communicate effectively with contractors and, for those wanting do installations themselves, it recommends more detailed manuals. With a complete resource listing, this well-illustrated and accessible guide is a perfect companion for illuminating the coming dark age.

Dan Chiras has studied renewable energy and energy efficiency for three decades and has installed several renewable energy systems. He lives in a self-designed passive solar/solar electric home. An award-winning author of over 20 books, he is a sustainability design consultant who teaches courses on renewable energy, green building, and sustainability at Colorado College.