What do you think?
Rate this book
The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It: The Complete Back-To-Basics Guide
The only book that teaches all the skills needed to live independently in harmony with the land, from harnessing natural forms of energy to raising crops and keeping livestock to basketry, carpentry, and much more. Author John Seymour, the father of the back-to-basics movement, shares his singular vision to transform lives and create communities. More relevant than ever in our hi-tech world, The Self Sufficient Life and How to Live It is the ultimate practical guide for realists and dreamers alike.
312 pages, Hardcover
First published May 1, 1973
144 people are currently reading
5655 people want to read
About the author
John Seymour
111 books149 followersJohn 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.
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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
April 4, 2010
I never want to be a farmer. It is HELLA hard work. But, when the zombies come, I will be ready. oh, I will be ready.
January 29, 2008
John Seymour outlines and describes the steps one can take to a more self-sufficient and, by his account, fulfilling lifestyle.
The brilliance of this book really comes out in its scope. Seymour details the start to such a life on a ranging scale - a home vegetable garden, a community plot, or a five acre farm. Possible plans, common pitfalls and the basic how-to's are all described and illustrated: types of crops and when/where to plant them; how to care for livestock and how to use/process it; the home skills (weaving, brewing, and other homesteadary) that people living centuries ago knew but we today don't because of convenience.
Whether you just want to know the nuances of 'living off the land,' want to act on your aspirations, or just want to dream about a different kind of life than the one you live today, I highly recommend picking up The Self-sufficient Life and How to Live it. I've already read through this book twice and still feel as though I haven't uncovered all there is to find in its pages.
The brilliance of this book really comes out in its scope. Seymour details the start to such a life on a ranging scale - a home vegetable garden, a community plot, or a five acre farm. Possible plans, common pitfalls and the basic how-to's are all described and illustrated: types of crops and when/where to plant them; how to care for livestock and how to use/process it; the home skills (weaving, brewing, and other homesteadary) that people living centuries ago knew but we today don't because of convenience.
Whether you just want to know the nuances of 'living off the land,' want to act on your aspirations, or just want to dream about a different kind of life than the one you live today, I highly recommend picking up The Self-sufficient Life and How to Live it. I've already read through this book twice and still feel as though I haven't uncovered all there is to find in its pages.
January 17, 2011
If there were some sort of world crisis and I had to live on just my property and my hard work, this is the book that I would consult. It's not so much of a survivalist manual, but how to live well in a self sufficient way for a long period of time. It teaches you how to do everything from planning and preparing your land, to growing crops, animal care (and slaughter), canning, living with zero waste....everything. If you were really into it, you would want to go a little more in depth into your particular area of interest, but this covers it all on at least some level and would be a great starting point to leading a self sufficient life.
January 7, 2013
P 7 – Forward to the first edition (1976), Dr. E. E. Schumacher, CBE
We can do things for ourselves or we can pay others to do them for us. These are the two “systems” that support us; we might call them the “self-reliance system” and the “organization system.” The former tends to breed self-reliant men and women; the latter tends to produce organization men and women. All existing societies support themselves by a mixture of the two systems; but the proportions vary…
John Seymour can tell us how to help ourselves, and in this book he does tell us. He is one of the great pioneers of self-sufficiency. Pioneers are not for imitation but for learning from. Should we do what John Seymour has done? Of course not. Total self-sufficiency is as unbalanced and ultimately stultifying as total organization. The pioneers show us what can be done, and it is for every one of us to decide what should be done, that is to say what we should do to restore some kind of balance to our existence.
August 5, 2007
My husband and I have a fantasy that one day we will buy a farm and grow our own food (and have pet goats and pigs). So this book lives on our coffee table, where I can easily dive into it after a tough day in the office.
December 10, 2009
This book like "The Backyard Homestead" covers a large amount of topics for a self-sufficient lifestyle. This book, however, goes into better detail about its many topics. Still, if you're serious about any of this I think you may want to do further research.
The author makes some comments about a true homestead having no waste and I probably took the comment too literally but I do have to wonder how that is achieved. Wouldn't one still need to buy deodorant or does he make that too? And what about birth control packaging, old shoes, broken glasses? I don't think you should feed that stuff to the pigs. . . I find it very difficult to imagine a life with no waste being a reality but it is a wonderful dream. In reality, I'm guessing you'd eventually have quite a stash of broken things hanging around. Despite that one comment I find his advice on everything from beginning a garden to building a chicken coop very practical and helpful. If you dream of buying a small plot of land and raising your own food and animals this is a book chock full of good old fashioned info. for getting you started the natural way.
This has to go back to the library before I get to finish it but I'll be on the lookout for my own copy to keep. It's one of those books you really need on hand for it to be truly useful unless you've got a spectacular memory and I don't!
The author makes some comments about a true homestead having no waste and I probably took the comment too literally but I do have to wonder how that is achieved. Wouldn't one still need to buy deodorant or does he make that too? And what about birth control packaging, old shoes, broken glasses? I don't think you should feed that stuff to the pigs. . . I find it very difficult to imagine a life with no waste being a reality but it is a wonderful dream. In reality, I'm guessing you'd eventually have quite a stash of broken things hanging around. Despite that one comment I find his advice on everything from beginning a garden to building a chicken coop very practical and helpful. If you dream of buying a small plot of land and raising your own food and animals this is a book chock full of good old fashioned info. for getting you started the natural way.
This has to go back to the library before I get to finish it but I'll be on the lookout for my own copy to keep. It's one of those books you really need on hand for it to be truly useful unless you've got a spectacular memory and I don't!
March 4, 2010
If you dream about moving out into the country and living off the land, this is a great book. I bought it for Mark years ago and we loved reading through it, choosing what kind of chickens and pigs we would have, what vegetables we would grow, etc. It's not really an in-depth sort of book. I think it's better for dreaming and planning than for when you're actually trying to live self-sufficiently. John Seymour is really opinionated and I love it when he throws in his 2 cents. Love, love, love this book.
October 14, 2011
This has recently been my back to basic bible. With today's everything being unsure, I like how John Seymour shares how to start a self sufficient lifestyle. He describes how, when, where to start certain vegetables, raising live stock where and how to organize it all. I enjoy reading about the simple household crafts needed in the home. He provides illustrations for a back to basic lifestyle.
September 19, 2017
When I feel like the zombie apocalypse is upon us, I will calmly visit my local library and withdrawal this book. I will NOT pay my fines and if Gladys wants to get all snippy with me, she'll finally get a piece of my mind.
Want to read
August 13, 2024i'm done with this world
July 19, 2015
Didn't quite expect this to be an encyclopedically written book on farming, but wasn't turned off by this. The topics covered were pretty exhaustive, and this is definitely a must-buy guide for anyone looking into farming. It covers practical implementation of maintaining 1, 5, and larger acre farms.
Note: this book doesn't expect you to be 100% self-sufficient. Generators, equipment, and low-value crops (like grains) are expected to be purchased elsewhere. It also does not cover medical treatment.
Coming from a non-farming, urban-life background, I have two problems:
1. Outdated - There has been a lot of advances in farming, especially in energy production, that have not been covered.
2. Relevancy - The author assumes ample access to water because he is from Wales. As a drought-experienced californian, most of his farm architectures are non-transferable to this part of the states. I'd imagine that farmers in developing countries, where knowledge like this is much needed, will also find his techniques impossible to replicate. Also, for those desiring vegetarian lifestyles, count this book out. Every farm is designed around raising animals for meat.
Perhaps this book can be valuable to old-fashioned farmers in certain climates, but to the rest of the world, it's worth a skim at best.
Note: this book doesn't expect you to be 100% self-sufficient. Generators, equipment, and low-value crops (like grains) are expected to be purchased elsewhere. It also does not cover medical treatment.
Coming from a non-farming, urban-life background, I have two problems:
1. Outdated - There has been a lot of advances in farming, especially in energy production, that have not been covered.
2. Relevancy - The author assumes ample access to water because he is from Wales. As a drought-experienced californian, most of his farm architectures are non-transferable to this part of the states. I'd imagine that farmers in developing countries, where knowledge like this is much needed, will also find his techniques impossible to replicate. Also, for those desiring vegetarian lifestyles, count this book out. Every farm is designed around raising animals for meat.
Perhaps this book can be valuable to old-fashioned farmers in certain climates, but to the rest of the world, it's worth a skim at best.
February 24, 2013
Headed to store to buy it! Wonderful book
January 19, 2022
The best things about this book are its comprehensiveness, dry humour and that it covers lots of obscure topics in detail. It starts out kind of dry and basic, then gets funnier as it goes. There are lots of great ideas here and enough detail to get you started if you’re really interested.
The worst things about this book are the opaque explanations requiring much assumed knowledge by the reader (this is not a “how-to” book but rather a “how-to start” book), and the “scare asterisks” that some editor saw fit to add to the text to denote non-PC garden chemicals. This was, of course, done posthumously and therefore not the author’s fault.
The worst things about this book are the opaque explanations requiring much assumed knowledge by the reader (this is not a “how-to” book but rather a “how-to start” book), and the “scare asterisks” that some editor saw fit to add to the text to denote non-PC garden chemicals. This was, of course, done posthumously and therefore not the author’s fault.
May 3, 2024
Of course, the book covers everything involved in becoming self-sufficient, but inside, Seymour too packs a variety of subtle life lessons in places you don't expect. You could be reading a chapter on pickling and making chutney, then all of a sudden, he'll drop an anecdote from his experiences of farming in southern Africa during his youth and seamlessly apply it to the virtues of understanding nature's law of return or why you should get your friends shit-faced off your own homemade cider.
I wasn't expecting the prose to be so much fun too. It contained bits where he'll say mad-hatter things like "the indefatigable manner of worms" in the middle of explaining the technicalities of crop rotation and nitrogen fixation.
A really solid book with a Shackleton level of Deeplore behind it.
I wasn't expecting the prose to be so much fun too. It contained bits where he'll say mad-hatter things like "the indefatigable manner of worms" in the middle of explaining the technicalities of crop rotation and nitrogen fixation.
A really solid book with a Shackleton level of Deeplore behind it.
March 8, 2020
Comprehensive and accessible, but northern hemisphere-centric.
Could also do with some permaculture tips - all those annual fodder crops are a lot of work compared with growing perennials like tagasaste (tree lucerne).
Could also do with some permaculture tips - all those annual fodder crops are a lot of work compared with growing perennials like tagasaste (tree lucerne).
January 24, 2020
Really thorough guide to homesteading.
May 21, 2021
Very helpful when planning for and planting a garden
July 16, 2024
Must-have
November 23, 2024
I borrowed this from the library for the first 100 pages, “the self-sufficient gardener”. This is a great resource for planning, planting, growing, and all other things garden related.
September 6, 2025
Every person that wants to live off grid or self sufficient should have this on their shelves
March 31, 2021
I read this book by downloading it off the internet and read it on my Kindle. Living the "simple" life sounds great while you read it. I don't know if I would enjoy it as much as I would hope to, however. This is a good book, in which I doubt I will honestly ever use any of the ideas.
August 21, 2016
I'd heard so many good things about this book, which probably added to my disappointment. I jumped around in the book, reading the topics that most interested me.
For the things I haven't ever done and don't know how to do, I found the information insufficient to actually start doing that thing. For example, there are two paragraph on how to press oil, including the tantalizing line, "If you don't have a press, rig one up with a car jack" -- but that's it. This book feels like a launch point for Google searches instead of a trusty reference in and of itself.
But it was the outdated canning information that got me. No acid added to tomatoes, and no water bath canning for jams -- just covering with wax paper. There's no mention that this is not considered safe anymore. It made me wonder what else here might be terribly outdated or potentially hazardous, and I gave up on reading.
For the things I haven't ever done and don't know how to do, I found the information insufficient to actually start doing that thing. For example, there are two paragraph on how to press oil, including the tantalizing line, "If you don't have a press, rig one up with a car jack" -- but that's it. This book feels like a launch point for Google searches instead of a trusty reference in and of itself.
But it was the outdated canning information that got me. No acid added to tomatoes, and no water bath canning for jams -- just covering with wax paper. There's no mention that this is not considered safe anymore. It made me wonder what else here might be terribly outdated or potentially hazardous, and I gave up on reading.
July 21, 2011
I need glitz. I need loads of pictures and a magazine layout. Yes, I just called myself out as having ADD.
This book is full of great information though! It was interesting to know that farmhouses try to face due south so they take advantage of sunlight and pantries are always put in the north facing storeroom. My house faces north and my front porch is 10 degrees cooler than the rest of my house. This book is full of info like that. If you want to learn how to store harvest, make wine, build an outhouse or take advantage of the sun/wind/rain... then this book will teach you.
This book is full of great information though! It was interesting to know that farmhouses try to face due south so they take advantage of sunlight and pantries are always put in the north facing storeroom. My house faces north and my front porch is 10 degrees cooler than the rest of my house. This book is full of info like that. If you want to learn how to store harvest, make wine, build an outhouse or take advantage of the sun/wind/rain... then this book will teach you.
December 14, 2010
When I eventually escape from the city and have my little farmhouse and acreage, this book will be in the first box I unpack. Quite simply, this book contains at least something on EVERYthing one needs to know to squeak out a living on the land. While I don't know that I want to go to the extremes that John Seymour does in this book (grey toilets are out, thank you very much), it is nice knowing I could be a complete radical if I wanted to.
September 29, 2009
This is a fascinating book on how to live a self-sufficient life--doing just about everything one would need to do to survive without the benefits of the outside world.
It is a romantic picture, though not likely as simple as one would hope. This appears to be a good introduction to many topics, but would require much more extensive reading and further resources to make a real go of it.
It is a romantic picture, though not likely as simple as one would hope. This appears to be a good introduction to many topics, but would require much more extensive reading and further resources to make a real go of it.
September 10, 2011
All I want in my life is a commune.
Read
April 14, 2025Book Review: The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It: The Complete Back-to-Basics Guide by John Seymour
John Seymour’s The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It is a seminal work that captures the essence of the back-to-basics movement, offering readers a practical guide to living a self-sufficient lifestyle. This comprehensive handbook is more relevant than ever in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, as it encourages individuals to reconnect with the land and adopt sustainable practices.
A Comprehensive Resource for Self-Sufficiency
Seymour’s book serves as an exhaustive resource for anyone interested in becoming more self-reliant. It covers an impressive range of topics, including organic gardening, raising livestock, food preservation, and crafting homemade goods. Each section is well-organized, making it easy for readers to find specific information. The depth of detail provided makes it suitable for both beginners and those looking to expand their existing knowledge.
Practical Advice and Techniques
One of the book’s strengths is its emphasis on practical advice and techniques. Seymour shares step-by-step instructions for various activities, from planting a vegetable garden to making cheese and preserving fruits. This hands-on approach empowers readers to take actionable steps toward self-sufficiency, instilling confidence as they tackle new skills. The book also emphasizes the importance of understanding the environmental impact of our choices, advocating for sustainable practices that respect nature.
Inspiration for a Sustainable Lifestyle
Beyond practical guidance, The Self-Sufficient Life is inspirational. Seymour’s passion for self-sufficient living shines through his writing, encouraging readers to embrace a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle. He effectively communicates the idea that self-sufficiency is not just about independence from modern conveniences but also about fostering a deeper connection with the environment and the community.
Timeless Wisdom for Modern Readers
Originally published decades ago, the book has stood the test of time, remaining popular among those seeking to reduce their reliance on industrial systems. Seymour’s insights into the benefits of self-sufficiency—such as increased resilience, improved mental well-being, and a greater sense of purpose—resonate strongly with contemporary readers who are looking for alternatives to consumer culture.
Conclusion: A Must-Read for Aspiring Homesteaders
In conclusion, John Seymour’s The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It is a must-read for anyone interested in embracing a self-sufficient lifestyle. Its comprehensive content, practical advice, and inspirational tone make it a valuable addition to any person’s library, especially for those aspiring to live more sustainably. Whether you are a seasoned homesteader or a curious newcomer, this book offers the tools and inspiration needed to embark on your journey toward self-sufficiency.
John Seymour’s The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It is a seminal work that captures the essence of the back-to-basics movement, offering readers a practical guide to living a self-sufficient lifestyle. This comprehensive handbook is more relevant than ever in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, as it encourages individuals to reconnect with the land and adopt sustainable practices.
A Comprehensive Resource for Self-Sufficiency
Seymour’s book serves as an exhaustive resource for anyone interested in becoming more self-reliant. It covers an impressive range of topics, including organic gardening, raising livestock, food preservation, and crafting homemade goods. Each section is well-organized, making it easy for readers to find specific information. The depth of detail provided makes it suitable for both beginners and those looking to expand their existing knowledge.
Practical Advice and Techniques
One of the book’s strengths is its emphasis on practical advice and techniques. Seymour shares step-by-step instructions for various activities, from planting a vegetable garden to making cheese and preserving fruits. This hands-on approach empowers readers to take actionable steps toward self-sufficiency, instilling confidence as they tackle new skills. The book also emphasizes the importance of understanding the environmental impact of our choices, advocating for sustainable practices that respect nature.
Inspiration for a Sustainable Lifestyle
Beyond practical guidance, The Self-Sufficient Life is inspirational. Seymour’s passion for self-sufficient living shines through his writing, encouraging readers to embrace a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle. He effectively communicates the idea that self-sufficiency is not just about independence from modern conveniences but also about fostering a deeper connection with the environment and the community.
Timeless Wisdom for Modern Readers
Originally published decades ago, the book has stood the test of time, remaining popular among those seeking to reduce their reliance on industrial systems. Seymour’s insights into the benefits of self-sufficiency—such as increased resilience, improved mental well-being, and a greater sense of purpose—resonate strongly with contemporary readers who are looking for alternatives to consumer culture.
Conclusion: A Must-Read for Aspiring Homesteaders
In conclusion, John Seymour’s The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It is a must-read for anyone interested in embracing a self-sufficient lifestyle. Its comprehensive content, practical advice, and inspirational tone make it a valuable addition to any person’s library, especially for those aspiring to live more sustainably. Whether you are a seasoned homesteader or a curious newcomer, this book offers the tools and inspiration needed to embark on your journey toward self-sufficiency.
April 2, 2023
I liked this book, although I'll be upfront that I didn't read it cover to cover. This came up on my radar because of two different things: one was a quote from the author about self sufficiency being a source of joy (which I don't remember well enough to try to Google) and the other was a response to a question like "what book would you choose if you had to survive forever (in the context of survival, not entertainment)."
This is essentially a homesteading book, and it covers a lot, but maybe not in depth enough for some sections if you wanted to really use it as a reference.
I like the tone a lot - a lot of self sufficiency stuff has a libertarian tone and a lot of books like this include guns as a must-have. This book has suggestions for living in a community; like if you own some expensive/complicated machinery, and your neighbor wants to borrow it, you're better off loaning your time as a favor, not just the machine, to make sure nothing breaks. I also enjoy that the author talks a lot about entertainment, and celebrates having parties, and making music and relying on friends. Also, there's a whole chapter on beer & wine making.
The other thing I really enjoy is that the author does encourage real self sufficiency and a truly zero waste farm, but also encourages whatever is plausible. Like if all you're interested in as a city dweller window box garden and composting, that's still something. I'm encouraged to do a little more this year.
This is essentially a homesteading book, and it covers a lot, but maybe not in depth enough for some sections if you wanted to really use it as a reference.
I like the tone a lot - a lot of self sufficiency stuff has a libertarian tone and a lot of books like this include guns as a must-have. This book has suggestions for living in a community; like if you own some expensive/complicated machinery, and your neighbor wants to borrow it, you're better off loaning your time as a favor, not just the machine, to make sure nothing breaks. I also enjoy that the author talks a lot about entertainment, and celebrates having parties, and making music and relying on friends. Also, there's a whole chapter on beer & wine making.
The other thing I really enjoy is that the author does encourage real self sufficiency and a truly zero waste farm, but also encourages whatever is plausible. Like if all you're interested in as a city dweller window box garden and composting, that's still something. I'm encouraged to do a little more this year.
October 4, 2020
This book is great to get you excited about, and thinking about all the possibilities of how to live a self-sustained life, so to that extent, it is wonderful and I very much recommend it. On the other hand, it purports to be a "how-to" book, but it covers countless topics, (gardening, brewing, machining, spinning, etc.), but only very superficially. In short, you will not actually learn how to do anything from this book alone, as there is not enough detail on any single topic. So, get it if you're interested in exploring the possibilities, but be forewarned that you will almost certainly need to follow up on any single topic with more in-depth material.
April 1, 2023
There's a lot of great info in this book. I actually read it cover to cover! Some sections were certainly over my head, though I did have some takeaways such as how to rotate your crops and why, the benefits of having different animals on your land, the fact that you can grow potatoes in a bucket, etc. Also, the illustrations are beautiful and made the reading experience much more enjoyable. My only criticism would be that I wish he provided a step-by-step beginners guide to self sufficiency - maybe providing the top 5 most important lifestyle changes and how to implement them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews