The Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency

by John Seymour

Seymour and his wife have proved that self-sufficiency can and does work, writing with authority and sensitivity about their experiences and how their example can be followed. Beautifully illustrated. If you are interested in the countryside, rural life, growing things and craft skills, an engrossing book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Gardening, History, Food, Agriculture, Environment

Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

About the author

John Seymour was an idealist - he had a vision of a better world where people aren't alienated from their labours. As a young man, he travelled all over Africa and fought in Burma in World War II. Returning penniless to England, he lived in a trolley bus and on a Dutch sailing barge before settling on a five-acre smallholding in Suffolk to lead a self-sufficient life. He continued this lifestyle with his companion Angela Ashe on the banks of the River Barrow in County Wexford, Ireland. The two had built up the smallholding from scratch over 19 years. In his last years John, Angela and William Sutherland had been running courses in self-sufficiency from their home at Killowen, New Ross. The courses were taken by students from all over the world, who come to Killowen to learn about his lifestyle and philosophies at first hand.

He was the author of over 40 books, including the best-selling The Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency, and he had made numerous films and radio programmes. Most of his later writing and public campaigning had been devoted to country matters, self-sufficiency and the environment.

In the last 18 months, he was back on his beloved Pembrokeshire farm with his daughter Ann, telling stories to his grandchildren and writing rhyming poetry, with an acerbic wit that was his last weapon against what he saw as our destructive era.

Reviews

[Sastha Prakash · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is more relevant at this age of globalization and open markets. Over dependence of super market sold food is burdening the food supply. The book has a lot of practical solutions to grow our own food with whatever land/space we have. A must read for all independent/aspiring homesteaders.

[Willow Rankin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great find in a second hand bookstore. This book whilst dated (originally published in the 1970s) this book covers everything you need to be self-sufficient. The amount of detail covered, everything from land size (recommends an acre) to animals, recipes, weaving and energy sources is an unbelievable resource.
Whilst the size of book is a bit unwieldy - the content is fantastic.

I skimmed read this as its not completely required for right now - but the section on herbs once my garden is ready is great. This is a book I will never get rid of.

[Hugues Le Gendre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Un peu old school, mais maintenant je suis prêt à vivre l’apocalypse : agriculture, élevage, chasse, artisanat, etc. Le parfait guide de l’autonomiste. L’édition plus récente est probablement un peu plus pertinente.

[Catarina]

I might have to buy this one (read it from the library)

[Ceren Hic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you need! Realistic and clear

[Anna Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

given this by my parents when I was 15! have had it in my bookshelves ever since - with a duplicate loan copy...sadly Mr Google is now more efficient

[Zeng Daria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old but gold.

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

An indispensable book for anyone planning a small holding or even starting a bit of self sufficiency.
Due to its large format it's not too handy when needing to take reference whilst doing a task, more take a few notes and leave it behind.
Would like to see it in a smaller format and split into separate volumes for different topics.
Or perhaps again in smaller format and ring bound so you could put the relevant pages in a pocket size binder to take with you, rather on the Filofax principle

[Mary Marsell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the title says, this is a practical guide. It is everything you ever wanted to know about traditional, sustainable and organic living. I'm glad to have it within reach in our allotment to consult best gardening tips for every season, as well as ways to construct a farm or garden plot for the greatest productivity while respecting and working with nature in every way. Beautiful and educational illustrations as well. Highly recommend!

[Dee Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

My book was published in 1976 and has been a close companion through my various forays into smallholding. Many of the pages are rather soiled due to being held in one hand whilst trying to sort out a bit of meat in the other. It has helped me in the keeping and "processing" of hens, ducks, geese, goats, sheep,pigs and calves.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have planned my dream life/farm with the help of this book. :-) Great tips for gardeners and the illustrations are lovely.

[Catherine Topalovski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for anyone wanting to go self-sufficient.

[Amish Schulze]

I literally could not put down this book. I have been gardening the last 5 years, bigger and bigger each time, so this made me want to grab an acre or two and really go at it.

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best over-all guide to self sufficiency I have seen in a while. It's thurrough, complete, detailed, informative and well written, a switch from the books I've read in recent weeks.