A Very Small Farm

by William P. Winchester, Carol Stanton (Illustrator)

It is still possible -- and immensely satisfying -- to grow or make with one's own hands just about everything one needs to live, as William Winchester shows in this eloquent journal of two years on his 20-acre prairie farm in northeastern Oklahoma. Winchester's day-by-day account of the trials and satisfactions of subsistence farming in the 1990s is reminiscent of Michael Pollan's Second A Gardener's Education, or perhaps even Peter Mayle's A Year in Provence.

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quiet memoir best appreciated by readers who have experienced life on a farm and would like to know about building and creating a farm from bare land and hard, hard work. Written by a man who loves the isolation, the challenge and the joy of making a life all of one's own. My favorite quote: " The best thing about my work is that it is of my own choosing and done in my own way. Under those circumstances even the most menial work is pleasure.
If you want to experience the world of chickens, cows, gardening, beekeeping and the actual building of a house complete with screened in front porch, this is the book to read.
Short and complete.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Memorable and enjoyable, as if we were visitors on his farm and he was taking us on a stroll through his homestead. It also provides insight on how to manage a small homestead or farm, which I found rather useful.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I used to go to church with this author. He is just as genuine and kind as he appears in the book. He lives exactly as he portrays in this lovely little story of his dedication to subsistence farming. There are a lot of details and his love of plants and nature comes through clearly. I find his style poetic his and embracing of nature and its bountiful sustenance delightful. His lifestyle choice is far removed from the hustle and stress of most of ours but he shares with the reader the peace and contentment that can be found if we are willing to seek it out and work hard enough to find it.

[Tuck · Rating 5 out of 5]

great and philosophical little book about small farming in oklahoma (it aint all its cracked up to be, but it IS quite)

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

The guy is too verbose. But I love how he explains specific trees, plants, and species on his farm in Collinsville, Oklahoma.