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The Humanure Handbook: Shit in a Nutshell
An updated edition of an underground classic
This is the 4th edition of a self-published book that no respectable publisher would touch with a ten-foot shovel. The 1st edition was published in 1994 with a print run of 600 copies, which the author expected to watch decompose in his garage for the rest of his life. Now, 24 years later, the book has sold over 70,000 print copies in the U.S. alone, been translated in whole or in part into 21 languages and been published in foreign editions on four continents.
The book has won numerous awards, including the Foreword Magazine Gold Medal, Readers Favorite Awards Gold Medal, Independent Publisher Outstanding Book of the Year Award, deeming the book "Most Likely to Save the Planet."
The book has been mentioned on such diverse media outlets as: Mother Earth News, Whole Earth Review, Countryside Journal, The Journal of Environmental Quality, Natural Health, NPR, BBC, CBC, Howard Stern, The Wall Street Journal, Playboy Magazine, Organic Gardening Magazine, the History Channel, Tree House Masters, and many other national and international venues.
The 4th edition is a completely revised, expanded, and updated version of what has become an underground classic bestseller. The author draws from 40 years of research, experience, and travel, to expand and clarify your knowledge and understanding of... your poop!
Not only does the book address what to do with human turds, but it is also a priceless manual for anyone involved in composting or gardening, or looking for basic survival skills. There is no other book like this in print!
This is the 4th edition of a self-published book that no respectable publisher would touch with a ten-foot shovel. The 1st edition was published in 1994 with a print run of 600 copies, which the author expected to watch decompose in his garage for the rest of his life. Now, 24 years later, the book has sold over 70,000 print copies in the U.S. alone, been translated in whole or in part into 21 languages and been published in foreign editions on four continents.
The book has won numerous awards, including the Foreword Magazine Gold Medal, Readers Favorite Awards Gold Medal, Independent Publisher Outstanding Book of the Year Award, deeming the book "Most Likely to Save the Planet."
The book has been mentioned on such diverse media outlets as: Mother Earth News, Whole Earth Review, Countryside Journal, The Journal of Environmental Quality, Natural Health, NPR, BBC, CBC, Howard Stern, The Wall Street Journal, Playboy Magazine, Organic Gardening Magazine, the History Channel, Tree House Masters, and many other national and international venues.
The 4th edition is a completely revised, expanded, and updated version of what has become an underground classic bestseller. The author draws from 40 years of research, experience, and travel, to expand and clarify your knowledge and understanding of... your poop!
Not only does the book address what to do with human turds, but it is also a priceless manual for anyone involved in composting or gardening, or looking for basic survival skills. There is no other book like this in print!
300 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 8, 2020
11 people are currently reading
180 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 21, 2021
Good book. I've used compost toilets for years; the author wrote wisely, it seems to me.
May 16, 2021
Can't wait to try it. Finally an experience/ scientific proof book about compost that makes you want to build one and doesnt tell you how difficult it is or how dangerous it may be but rather how simple and magical, following some guidelines.
2 things I didnt appreciate:
The comment about sitting on the loo rather than squatting. I understand in some circumstances it might be more comfortable for elderly or cripled people but in general it seems to have proven many benefits to squat. It makes sense to me as before toilet existed for 1000s of years humans always squatted. A simple larger sides toilet allows you to squat or at least have you knees high to evacuate better. It goes hand in hand with a homemade toilet such as a compost toilet.
Second:
I don't understand why he keeps on pushing away city people who want to make this method work in the city. Wouldn't it actually be the solution? I think the lady who asked about how to have a compost toilet in an apartment in new york city, liked the idea and wanted to make it work where she lived. Maybe it would take some enginering to make it work, but I find it a fun challenge. Maybe he takes it as a critic of his book when I dont think it is, rather a compliment that we want it to work everywhere.
I didn't quite appreciate either that he just told that lady that had bad smells in her compost, to keep putting more cover material until she stopped writting. And he is proud of it. She pobably just gave up. He asumes she stopped writting because it ended up working but chances are she probably would have said thanks if it were the case.
And I didnt see the answer of what do you do if it gets too hot in your compost. He just says yes it can get too hot... So then what are suppose to do if that happens? Water it? Turn it?
Other than that I'm in love with the idea and the work he has put in. Thank you.
2 things I didnt appreciate:
The comment about sitting on the loo rather than squatting. I understand in some circumstances it might be more comfortable for elderly or cripled people but in general it seems to have proven many benefits to squat. It makes sense to me as before toilet existed for 1000s of years humans always squatted. A simple larger sides toilet allows you to squat or at least have you knees high to evacuate better. It goes hand in hand with a homemade toilet such as a compost toilet.
Second:
I don't understand why he keeps on pushing away city people who want to make this method work in the city. Wouldn't it actually be the solution? I think the lady who asked about how to have a compost toilet in an apartment in new york city, liked the idea and wanted to make it work where she lived. Maybe it would take some enginering to make it work, but I find it a fun challenge. Maybe he takes it as a critic of his book when I dont think it is, rather a compliment that we want it to work everywhere.
I didn't quite appreciate either that he just told that lady that had bad smells in her compost, to keep putting more cover material until she stopped writting. And he is proud of it. She pobably just gave up. He asumes she stopped writting because it ended up working but chances are she probably would have said thanks if it were the case.
And I didnt see the answer of what do you do if it gets too hot in your compost. He just says yes it can get too hot... So then what are suppose to do if that happens? Water it? Turn it?
Other than that I'm in love with the idea and the work he has put in. Thank you.
February 17, 2021
Very helpful for me in understanding sustainability and how it can be implemented in the field of composting and human excrement. Exposed the problems with our current system, including showing the harms caused by even the most sophisticated treatment plants, past sanitation mishaps, and explained the basics of composting humanure to prevent such occurrences in the future. I found this book very useful and will certainly be taking this knowledge with me when I move out to the wilderness. This book shows that the solution to the sanitation problems in even developing companies is not relying on billionaire philanthropists to implement modern flush toilets, but to take action ourselves and turn to compost for the answers. Microbes have long been feared, and Mr. Jenkins explains with both humour and accuracy the ways in which this has occurred and what the human race, with common people such as you and me in the lead, can do to combat the harms of "fecaphobia" and truly create a sustainable future in which human excrement is not put into drinking water, flushed, and forgotten - but harnessed for its nutritional value and rid of all pathogens by a surprisingly simple and natural process. I highly recommend this book. It is free online at humanurehandbook.com, and Mr. Jenkins' 40 years of experience composting humanure thermophilically should be enough to convince and assure you as well.
June 16, 2024
Very informative, written in an accessible (even casual and at times crass (for effect)) style, with obvious enthusiasm and personal expertise. Well referenced in a slightly haphazard style; not meant to be a thorough treatise but rather citations included so we know he’s not just making s**t up, which I appreciated. He waxed a bit political at times, but it’s hard to keep your personal biases under wraps when you’re this convicted; and ultimately not so much to be a distraction. The graphics alternate between corny cartoons and scientific information. The flow was generally well organized but with a fair bit of repetition in places. I left seriously contemplating the feasibility of the premise; as a wanna-be composter his comments on nitrogen sources are accurate, and the overall wastefulness of modern waste water management and flush toilets was very clear. Since starting it, I’ve not been able to use a toilet without contemplating the clean water in the bowl; I can’t drive by a body of water without thinking about where it might be contaminated (and by what); and I am stuck on just how close my own well is to our septic system….so the author definitely makes an impression. If you, like me, are intrigued by the microbiome, composting, gardening, soil health and waste reduction/recycling, this is a fun and thought provoking book.
December 19, 2022
The author could have written the book in three chapters without all the filler. What filler? Multiple tirades about the joys, benefits, and down right brilliance that is composting. The history of waste disposal probably could be dumped, no pun intended, without missing much. His almost religious fervor is a bit much. Here is a thought, the people who buy this kind of book pretty much know where they stand on composting and don't need lectures.
Make no mistake about it. The guy knows his poop. The parts of the book about the stated subject are well done. I believe that I could construct a composing bin and make it work with the information that he has in the book. The bottom line is that is the most important thing. The book is VERY readable and understandable. He has a question/answer section at the end of the book that makes it very simple to make sure you understand the basics.
If you have any interest in the subject, this book is the go-to reference. It is a subject that is misunderstood by many. This book gives you the details that you need to decide if you should start a composting system, how you should set it up, and some useful ideas as to how to approach the project.
Make no mistake about it. The guy knows his poop. The parts of the book about the stated subject are well done. I believe that I could construct a composing bin and make it work with the information that he has in the book. The bottom line is that is the most important thing. The book is VERY readable and understandable. He has a question/answer section at the end of the book that makes it very simple to make sure you understand the basics.
If you have any interest in the subject, this book is the go-to reference. It is a subject that is misunderstood by many. This book gives you the details that you need to decide if you should start a composting system, how you should set it up, and some useful ideas as to how to approach the project.
June 20, 2021
Know your $Hit
This book was part history, part science, part diy, and entirely diatribe. I found the constant refrains unbearable enough to skip around entire chapters of the book- but, I learned from it and I got the information I was looking for. This should be a must-learn topic for everyone. Much like sex as a topic, people don’t know how to handle the subject of $hit when it’s one of the most natural occurrences in the world.
Do yourself a favor, and know your $hit. It will be good for everyone.
This book was part history, part science, part diy, and entirely diatribe. I found the constant refrains unbearable enough to skip around entire chapters of the book- but, I learned from it and I got the information I was looking for. This should be a must-learn topic for everyone. Much like sex as a topic, people don’t know how to handle the subject of $hit when it’s one of the most natural occurrences in the world.
Do yourself a favor, and know your $hit. It will be good for everyone.
November 22, 2021
May I never flush another water toilet
Amazing, wonderful and resourceful read. We are finishing the construction of our compost toilet which was constructed from a repurposed lumber-core shelving unit (it's almost considered "fine furniture"). My only regret is that I read this after purchasing a urine diverting toilet seat. I also just want to say, that composting humanure is a simple process...but DON'T shortcut it. This book has changed the way I sit & think.
Amazing, wonderful and resourceful read. We are finishing the construction of our compost toilet which was constructed from a repurposed lumber-core shelving unit (it's almost considered "fine furniture"). My only regret is that I read this after purchasing a urine diverting toilet seat. I also just want to say, that composting humanure is a simple process...but DON'T shortcut it. This book has changed the way I sit & think.
November 3, 2023
If you have any interest in environmental issues, I would consider this book as a must read. Absolutely fascinating. Great simplification of the science, making it easy to read quickly. Practical and realistic advice - makes me reconsider charities I support given the impact. Not in a position to engage in humanure composting now, but if it ever occurred, I'd be excited by the prospect. As a side note, I now need a new word to describe my feelings on Howard Stern.
January 7, 2022
In rich countries, flush toilets and ineffective sewage treatment systems are causing monstrous water wastage and environmental pollution. In poor countries, open defecation, pit toilets and the like are sadly turning those once-beautiful places into disease-ridden cesspools.
The author's simple method recycles human urine/feces into safe, odorless compost that improves soil fertility.
The use of compost toilets and method of composting "humanure" really should be taught to everyone from childhood.
The author's simple method recycles human urine/feces into safe, odorless compost that improves soil fertility.
The use of compost toilets and method of composting "humanure" really should be taught to everyone from childhood.
June 21, 2022
This is the only book about composting, period, let alone people-produced items, that I've ever read and it answered every question I had about the process.
The book is edited and published by the author so I'm sure that there have to be a few opportunities for improvements, e.g. the Hunzas being superhumans.
Overall it's an excellent resource.
The book is edited and published by the author so I'm sure that there have to be a few opportunities for improvements, e.g. the Hunzas being superhumans.
Overall it's an excellent resource.
Read
December 10, 2022Super informative and surprisingly funny. Lots of detailed background information and actionable recommendations. I read the final chapter ("The Tao of Composting") first to get the gist of it. It has all the practical stuff in it and can be read as a stand-alone piece of writing. Then I read the rest of the book to get the details on why certain recommendations are made.
January 16, 2025
For my full review check it out on the Story Graph! It's a much better user experience than Goodreads that encourages you to review books in a far more descriptive way. This in addition to being a Black-woman owned company instead of this Amazon owned behemoth!
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...
https://app.thestorygraph.com/reviews...
September 11, 2022
Lot full of information
Why are some of the most simple and useful information not used? Well not so much here in the USA. But very useful and valuable in other countries. A great read even if you already have a pot. Oh be sure and add sawdust!
Why are some of the most simple and useful information not used? Well not so much here in the USA. But very useful and valuable in other countries. A great read even if you already have a pot. Oh be sure and add sawdust!
August 27, 2023
In dire need of an editor, this self-published book is ostensibly written in the "stream of consciousness" style. If one is willing to slog through the gratuitous stats and the spastic prose, however, an open-minded reader will be struck by the profundity of the author's message.
September 7, 2023
This should a required reading in schools. The best book on this subject. Jenkins has been doing humanure composting for decades and he knows his stuff. This book opened my eyes to a number of commonly held myths, regularly spread by the “experts” class.
September 20, 2023
Although repetitive, this book is a trove of knowledge on a seldom mentioned topic. I devoured it. I found Jenkins’ rants on the negligence of other commentators in the field to be hilarious. Now I just need to afford land and I’m ready to start humanure compost
June 8, 2024
So happy with this book. A lot of people doing dry toilet compost still share some erroneous beliefs about the process and hardly any of them (if any...) goes deep enough in the sanitization part and parasitic information when explaining it. This book is an exception!.
January 9, 2021
Great book to learn about humanure composting. Parts of the book are a bit repetitive but otherwise very interesting read and I'm looking forward to trying humanure composting in the future
October 24, 2022
Vital reading for everyone. Eye-opening for anyone who poops in their drinking water yet thinks they are extraordinarily civilized.
May 27, 2023
I have a whole new respect for composting.
June 11, 2023
Good information but the writer is very annoying
June 12, 2023
Now ‘this’ is a revolution! Humans creating something good, not more waste.
July 30, 2023
Wonderful low-tech solution to humanure management. Why complicate things?
I recommend this book to people who are grossed out by the idea of humanure composting.
I recommend this book to people who are grossed out by the idea of humanure composting.
April 2, 2024
Everyone should know about Humanure composting. And this is a great book to learn more about it.
April 26, 2024
One of those books that change your life
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews