This book has a lot of great information, expanding on proven concepts from the first book. Some information seems a bit dated (it's from the early 90s), but in a good way, if that makes sense. Mostly, the difficulties in finding certain supplies and dealing with codes/financing. We're 30 years in the future and things have gotten easier.
Some more information about earthship building, with even more details about the systems featured in them, such as water collection, lighting, temperature regulation, etc. A really great reference material. The only thing is, it is a bit dated when it comes to specific technology related info, such as light fixtures. For example, it goes into great lengths explaining the types of fluorescent light-bulbs available, and where to get them, but LED lighting is not even mentioned. All this is understandable, however, and doesn't take away anything from the usefulness of the rest.
so parts of it made me giggle. & honestly, sometimes it bugs me HOW Reynolds mentions getting around building codes--instead of showing the local code enforcement types how it's a viable or (more accurately) a desirable building concept. knowing what I know about some of the Earthship history in the US, he got a lot more accomplished when he made it more presentable to less adventurous types. But I did get quite a bit out of the book.
While volume 1 talks about the structure and placement of an earthship, volume 2 goes into the systems that make it work. It feels a little dated in that technology has improved since Reynolds published, but the principles seem solid. I liked his gray water recycling ideas and there's even more diagrams of nifty things to do with tin cans.