Back to Basics

June 1, 2008
This encyclopedic book covers various aspects of old-fashioned country living, from barn raising to animal husbandry. Originally published in 1981, with a second edition in 1997, this iteration boasts new photos and lots of homey advice. However, the text has not been updated since the first edition, ignoring many important changes and improvementse.g., the discussion of herbal remedies has nothing about drug interactions, and the first-aid section is dangerously out-of-date. Many of the illustrations, too, are dated and unattractive. While this might have been a fantastic book 27 years ago, it is now a liability and should not be on any library shelf. Instead, try John Seymour's "The Self-Sufficient Life and How To Live It".

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