The Self-Sufficient Life

“We don’t bother to do a lot of things in our garden.  We let things take their chance, and every year some crops are good and others are bad; but at least there is always enough to eat and we always get a taste of everything” –John Seymour 1976

I am an avid collector of cookbook and homesteading books.  My goal is to create a library which increases my overall knowledge, but also one that I enjoy to use on a daily basis.  The Self-Sufficient Life and How To Live It  By: John Seymour is a “classic” in the homesteading world.  The first publication of this guide was back in 1976 and is the newest addition to my collection.  I had put of buying this book for quite sometime.  I have numerous “back to basics” books ranging from The Encyclopedia of Country Living and the Foxfire Series to name a few.  I was not sure if I really needed another in my collection.  Well, I am glad I did my research and made the investment!  This book is amazing.  Full of valuable information and so visually beautiful. 

I am such a visual person.  If you saw my 2012 Garden Plans you understand that I learn and think best with pictures.  This makes me sound like I am a second grader, but I am ok with that.  To me, this is the world’s best picture book for adults.  The illustrations are gorgeous and so informative.  From sheep shearing, canning, making beer, woodworking, and home building there is a step by step picture guide for each skill.  There is also a beautiful picture index of vegetables, fruits, and herbs that could compete with the finest art book.






If you are interested in homesteading, gardening, self-sufficiency, or just love a good book, I can not recommend this one enough.  I have loved my early morning coffee flipping through the pages and dreaming.  I can’t wait to try some of the recipes and garden projects…maybe even a little wine making may be in my future.  Hope you are having a great day and thanks again for stopping by Throwback Road.

What is your favorite homesteading/back to basics book?