I have seen this book mentioned a lot here in thos form. Where can I get a copy? Is it a new book? Still in print? Is it worth tracking down?

-- Grant Eversoll (thegrange@earthlink.net), May 03, 2000

Answers

As we haven't escaped the sidewalks yet, I think it is a fantastic book. I told my father that we were thinking about homesteading and he bought it last year for me. It has a little of everything, from looking for property, building, to making soap, wine etc. to raising animals and gardens and trees for wood heat. It is a overall good reference, but if you want really in depth you will need different books. It is still in print and I bet Amazon has it, or you can order it from a bookstore if they don't carry it.

-- Carleen (netorcs@pacbell.net), May 03, 2000.

Grant, also check used book sellers. Someone mentioned on a thread that the newer version wasn't as good as the older, but I don't know what the differences between the two are or when the book was changed. You wouldn't expect it, but a lot of the Reader's Digest books are very good. There are a couple on home repairs, and one on crafts that are very helpful. Gerbil

-- Gerbil (ima_gerbil@hotmail.com), May 03, 2000.

I'm with Gerbil - I love the Reader's Digest do-it-yourself books and I never expect them to be any good. I got my "Back-To-Basics" through Amazon recently.

-- Deborah (ActuaryMom@hotmail.com), May 03, 2000.

Once again: try (all www.) bibliofind.com, abebooks.com, bookfinder.com, . They have found stuff for me, and are relatively reasonable. GL!

-- Brad (homefixer@mix-net.net), May 03, 2000.

I tried a couple months ago to order it thru Amazon & they were unable to get it at that time. Personally, I prefer the older edition over the newer one. I feel it has alot more basics for homesteaders. Try to look at both of them to compare and decide for yourself. That's a good idea about a used book store. I'm gonna look there!

-- Pat (pmikul@pcpros.net), May 03, 2000.

Our local libraries carry the book believe it or not! We live in a very rural area where books are hard to find. I really like that book too but my all time favorite is Carla emery'sencllopedia of Country Living.

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), May 03, 2000.

You can order it through Amazon.com new and also check bookfinder.com and bibliofind.com which also lists locations of used copies often for less than new. I just ordered a $17 book for $8.95 through bookfinder.com. You also may want to check your local and state library system. Our library has a copy. I often check out books to review before buying ones I really want to keep.

-- Derrick Comfort (dcomfort@ccnmail.com), May 03, 2000.

Bernice, have you checked out Carla Emery's web site?

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), May 04, 2000.

I have the book, it is fun to read, I have learn a few basic from the book. I now have a homestead and I only use it for initial reading. I probably get more out of Carla's Emery's book (if you needed to choose between the two). Both books get you started thinking. I have collected books on the subjects we need. Say sheep, we raise sheep, I may have gotten a page or two infor from both of their books, but needed to buy sheep raising books, vet type books in order to really raise sheep. Also, we raise bees, Readers Digest shows a picture of the hive. I had to buy a book on bees to really raise bees. If your still in the city, the book both books are great and get you excited about your future.

-- debbie W. (bwolcott@cwos.net), May 04, 2000.

I got a nice copy from Ebay a few months ago. If they don't have one available now, they just might have one tomorrow. Nice book.

Blessings

-- Judy Murray (jmurray@mailhost.tcs.tulane.edu), May 04, 2000.

I got my copy from my dad -- who had bought it (probably used) years ago. It's the original, not the new one -- anyone read both??? Any notable differences???? I like mine because it's got a "used" feel to it -- and the fact that it was my Dad's -- who probably could have WRITTEN it, so I'm not sure why he ever bought a copy!!! I got a bunch of really great books from him when he and mom sold the farm and moved into a small house in town.

-- Tracy (trimmer@westzone.com), May 05, 2000.

Cindy,

Could you please send me the website addy? I would love to see her site. she was a guest of ours for a few weeks a few years ago. she is a very nice lady and I felt blessed and honored to have her visit. I still keep in touch but not as much.

Bernice

-- Bernice (geminigoats@yahoo.com), May 06, 2000.

Bernice, the address is www.carlaemery.com It must have been great having her for a guest.

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), May 07, 2000.

I was browsing the Lehman's website the other day (www.lehmans.com) and noticed this book. I have the older version and I just love it. It has a broad array of topics. Best of luck to you.

Greenthumbelina

-- Greenthumbelina (sck8107@aol.com), May 08, 2000.

Grant, you might try half.com they have all kinds of used books, movies, and music. A co-worker who is just getting into the homestead life was looking for 5 Acres and Independence and I found the book there fro $2.75 plus shipping. I have the Readers Digest book and have always liked it. I had the original Carla Emery book, actually loose leaf, but gave it to some goat club friends as a wedding gift.(he had always wanted it). I've been doing this for so long that I know a lot of what to do and my old worn paperback called The Homesteaders Handbook by Isreal Slay has been the best, most read, most used book. It is out of print but I would love another copy of it. My second batch of boys really mutilated it when they were toddlers If you run across a copy of it buy it, everything in the book that I tried worked, that is saying a lot for any how-to-book. karen

-- Karen Mauk (dairygoatmama@hotmail.com), May 08, 2000.

Grant, This is a TERRIFIC book! I had my library borrow it from another library for me. The librarian was so impressed with it that she purchased a copy for our small library to keep. I bought two copies. One for me and one for my brother who had just moved into his first home. You just can't go wrong with this book (homesteader's bible - one of two). Carla Emery's book is the other must have. Happy reading, learning and doing!

-- Pam Pitts (msjanedoe@hotmail.com), May 08, 2000.

Karen, what a great website for books. I'll have to buy some. Thanks.

-- Colleen (pyramidgreatdanes@erols.com), May 08, 2000.