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The Self-Sufficiency Bible
In today's economic climate, self-sufficiency is increasingly seen as a viable means of taking control of our lives and safeguarding for the future. This work focuses on key topics for living a more self-sustainable life.
- GenresNonfictionGardening
208 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
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183 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
November 14, 2019
Our family lives a very self-sufficient lifestyle so I was excited to read this book. I have to say that I was pretty disappointed, unfortunately. There are no photos and few illustrations, other than in the very extensive animal slaughtering section (we eat vegetarian so this was not helpful for me). Not enough information was given on anything other than slaughtering and cutting up animals, strangely. For instance, the author has a section on making rag rugs but he uses two paragraphs to say that you basically use a not too pointy tool to push strips of cloth up and down, or that there's another way. There are no real instructions, no drawings, nothing to actually teach you how to make a rag rug. Knitting is given even less instruction in its section -- Dawson basically says that knitting is vogue again and that it will save you money and get you great clothes. It is in vogue again, but he doesn't provide any information on how to get affordable yarn and it's honestly not going to save you money over getting a nice sweater at a thrift store if you're buying new yarn to make your own. I have a friend who spins wool from her sheep, rabbits, alpaca and other livestock and of course that's the ultimate in self sufficiency, but Dawson doesn't even mention this is an option.
The book goes into little bits of advice about what to plant and how to do things well, but it's sort of scattered all over the place and is not at all a "bible." It reminds me a bit of 1970's books I'd read from the library when I was young, but those were actually much more detailed. It's an interesting book, but I'm not sure how practical it is as a primer for folks who want to take homesteading seriously.
I admire the author for embarking on a self sufficient lifestyle with his wife, but I think this could have used some more finessing.
The book goes into little bits of advice about what to plant and how to do things well, but it's sort of scattered all over the place and is not at all a "bible." It reminds me a bit of 1970's books I'd read from the library when I was young, but those were actually much more detailed. It's an interesting book, but I'm not sure how practical it is as a primer for folks who want to take homesteading seriously.
I admire the author for embarking on a self sufficient lifestyle with his wife, but I think this could have used some more finessing.
November 9, 2021
A very basic book that has been done better before, and really just an update on a previous mediocre book.
If you’ve never done anything environmentally friendly, never planted a seed in a cup or a cut down bottle, never used a milk jug to water your plants, then this will have some ideas for you, but you can find better by googling, reduce reuse recycle ideas.
The point of this book is that the author is still living in a “caravan” and want to finance building a house without having to really work for it, so he just re-edited his old book.
If you’ve never done anything environmentally friendly, never planted a seed in a cup or a cut down bottle, never used a milk jug to water your plants, then this will have some ideas for you, but you can find better by googling, reduce reuse recycle ideas.
The point of this book is that the author is still living in a “caravan” and want to finance building a house without having to really work for it, so he just re-edited his old book.
February 13, 2021
Thank you to Netgalley, Simon Dawson, and Watkins Publishing for an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!
If I hadn’t thought about being self-sufficient before, I sure am now! What an interesting book with ideas on how to live a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle and touching on so many different areas of everyday life (and products we use!) This book is just full of suggestions of things to try, recipes, plans for building certain structures, and is a really great overview!
I think my favourite thing was the author discussing how you can still be self-sufficient in some ways even if you live in an apartment! I sometimes feel books of a similar topic stress too much about getting some property of your own and building a small house, however that is not everyone’s reality, so I really appreciated that aspect! All things, big and small, make a difference and have an impact, so it is important to make everyone feel as though they can make that difference! I also like that the author basically says to be realistic and don’t go gung- ho making changes. Pick a few ideas, start with those for a month or so, and work your way up. The point is to continue with this kind of lifestyle, because that is exactly what it is - a lifestyle!
I look forward to using this book as a reference for changes to come in my future! My family and I already do some of these things, so I can’t wait to try out some more!!!!
If I hadn’t thought about being self-sufficient before, I sure am now! What an interesting book with ideas on how to live a self-sufficient and sustainable lifestyle and touching on so many different areas of everyday life (and products we use!) This book is just full of suggestions of things to try, recipes, plans for building certain structures, and is a really great overview!
I think my favourite thing was the author discussing how you can still be self-sufficient in some ways even if you live in an apartment! I sometimes feel books of a similar topic stress too much about getting some property of your own and building a small house, however that is not everyone’s reality, so I really appreciated that aspect! All things, big and small, make a difference and have an impact, so it is important to make everyone feel as though they can make that difference! I also like that the author basically says to be realistic and don’t go gung- ho making changes. Pick a few ideas, start with those for a month or so, and work your way up. The point is to continue with this kind of lifestyle, because that is exactly what it is - a lifestyle!
I look forward to using this book as a reference for changes to come in my future! My family and I already do some of these things, so I can’t wait to try out some more!!!!
February 25, 2012
--The Self Sufficiency Bible, from window boxes to small holdings, hundreds of ways to become self sufficient. Simon Dawson, Watkins Publishing London.
(To be honest I didnt like this book, my wife was given it as a present, the major problem is over half of it is dedicated to animal husbandry and slaughter and meat preperation etc. so not great from the vegan perspective, also the author writes in quite a condesending manner, the 1/4 of the book that was of interest was fine but I wouldnt reccommend this book.) --2/10--
(To be honest I didnt like this book, my wife was given it as a present, the major problem is over half of it is dedicated to animal husbandry and slaughter and meat preperation etc. so not great from the vegan perspective, also the author writes in quite a condesending manner, the 1/4 of the book that was of interest was fine but I wouldnt reccommend this book.) --2/10--
April 7, 2014
Interesting, with useful advice for anyone from a flat-dweller to a smallholder, but I found it didn't go into enough detail on some topics, and into too much detail on others such as animal husbandry. It would benefit greatly from practical illustrations and photographs. Sadly, it doesn't stand up well compared to the old John Seymour book on the same topic.
Reviewed in exchange for a preview Kindle copy.
Reviewed in exchange for a preview Kindle copy.
February 22, 2021
This is a book you will need to refer back to time and time again.
A lot of hard work needs to go into making these changes.
My favourite chapters were:
* Natural Solutions: Health, Beauty and the Home
* Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
* Greener Energy
Defiantly worth a read if you are wanting to be more eco-friendly!
A lot of hard work needs to go into making these changes.
My favourite chapters were:
* Natural Solutions: Health, Beauty and the Home
* Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
* Greener Energy
Defiantly worth a read if you are wanting to be more eco-friendly!
March 30, 2017
Solid introduction to self-reliance and smallholding; however, it serves best as introduction to subjects you would like to pursue further rather than as a stand-alone resource guide.
January 20, 2022
Sehr bodenständige Tipps und Tricks zur Selbstversorgung, die auch ein Neuling nachvollziehen kann. Ich kann es kaum erwarten, dass es Frühling wird!
January 17, 2021
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
The Self-Sufficiency Bible: Window Boxes to Smallholdings is a collection of tutorials and tips for more self reliant lifestyle whatever the reader's current situation. First published in 2011, this reformat and re-release second edition is due out 9th Feb 2021 from Watkins Publishing. It's 337 pages and will be available in paperback format (other editions available in various other formats).
This is a very well and logically laid out book with hundreds of tips and small (to larger) tutorials. It's not a step by step manual for self-sufficiency to be followed slavishly. In fact there are so many small changes from which to choose that virtually all readers will find something to incorporate into their daily lives to move in a more self sustaining and self-reliant direction.
The way consumerist society is set up is an unsustainable cycle of buy-use-discard which has to move ever faster to maintain forward momentum. The very scary reality is that the vast majority of urban dwellers have nearly zero food security. This book provides numerous tips for increasing food and resource security and diminishing reliance on transport and resource heavy supply chains (which eat up even more of the scarce resources and increase costs astronomically).
The author is a former urbanite who made a paradigm shift to self sufficiency in the early 2000s and now teaches other how to life more simply and self-sustainably.
This book is a goldmine of good advice from homemade dog biscuits to building a hoop house to setting up the first vegetable garden to butchering small stock. There are stops along the way to revisit crafts (basketry, tanning, jewellery-making, candle & papermaking, woodcarving and the like) as well as cooking, preserving, and sausage making. The tutorials and crafts are -very- basic and will need further elaboration to really make much progress, but it does provide a starting point for further research.
In a lot of really good ways, this book reminds me of John Seymour's iconic Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency , but with a lot more humor and, frankly, understanding for the modern lifestyle. There is no photography included in this volume; it's illustrated with clear retro-feeling line drawings. Most of the instruction is very brief and basic.
Four stars. Heartily recommended to all smallholders, dreamers, and readers looking for a more independent life with less reliance on commercial sources. This would also make a superlative selection for makers' groups, community/cooperative gardens and allotment collectives.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Self-Sufficiency Bible: Window Boxes to Smallholdings is a collection of tutorials and tips for more self reliant lifestyle whatever the reader's current situation. First published in 2011, this reformat and re-release second edition is due out 9th Feb 2021 from Watkins Publishing. It's 337 pages and will be available in paperback format (other editions available in various other formats).
This is a very well and logically laid out book with hundreds of tips and small (to larger) tutorials. It's not a step by step manual for self-sufficiency to be followed slavishly. In fact there are so many small changes from which to choose that virtually all readers will find something to incorporate into their daily lives to move in a more self sustaining and self-reliant direction.
The way consumerist society is set up is an unsustainable cycle of buy-use-discard which has to move ever faster to maintain forward momentum. The very scary reality is that the vast majority of urban dwellers have nearly zero food security. This book provides numerous tips for increasing food and resource security and diminishing reliance on transport and resource heavy supply chains (which eat up even more of the scarce resources and increase costs astronomically).
The author is a former urbanite who made a paradigm shift to self sufficiency in the early 2000s and now teaches other how to life more simply and self-sustainably.
This book is a goldmine of good advice from homemade dog biscuits to building a hoop house to setting up the first vegetable garden to butchering small stock. There are stops along the way to revisit crafts (basketry, tanning, jewellery-making, candle & papermaking, woodcarving and the like) as well as cooking, preserving, and sausage making. The tutorials and crafts are -very- basic and will need further elaboration to really make much progress, but it does provide a starting point for further research.
In a lot of really good ways, this book reminds me of John Seymour's iconic Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency , but with a lot more humor and, frankly, understanding for the modern lifestyle. There is no photography included in this volume; it's illustrated with clear retro-feeling line drawings. Most of the instruction is very brief and basic.
Four stars. Heartily recommended to all smallholders, dreamers, and readers looking for a more independent life with less reliance on commercial sources. This would also make a superlative selection for makers' groups, community/cooperative gardens and allotment collectives.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
December 22, 2020
Excellent and timely guide to self-sufficiency in everything from home canning to setting up a smallholding and learning survival skills.
Dawson writes in a light-hearted, engaging tone that makes you feel up to the challenge - whether large or small - and his hilarious anecdotes about country living break up what could otherwise have been a stodgier read.
Recommended for anyone who feels they want some more 'real world' skills, those interested in greater self-reliance, or those wanting to make the most out of their existing veg / fruit patch, tiny bit of arable land (or patio space) or indeed those looking to make the first forays into keeping livestock.
Advance reader copy kindly provided by Watkins Publishing.
Dawson writes in a light-hearted, engaging tone that makes you feel up to the challenge - whether large or small - and his hilarious anecdotes about country living break up what could otherwise have been a stodgier read.
Recommended for anyone who feels they want some more 'real world' skills, those interested in greater self-reliance, or those wanting to make the most out of their existing veg / fruit patch, tiny bit of arable land (or patio space) or indeed those looking to make the first forays into keeping livestock.
Advance reader copy kindly provided by Watkins Publishing.
December 31, 2020
This was an enjoyable book, however the subject of self sufficiency is so huge, I didn't really feel like the authors spent much time on any one subject. If you are looking for in depth knowledge on a certain topic, you will be disappointed. If you were looking for more of a idea book to get your started on the road to self-sufficiency but don't know what your interests in the field are, this might help point you in the right direction. The authors are English but do a good job of putting in both American and European measurements so all readers can enjoy. Topics range from baking, butchering, crafts, renewable energy, and gardening, to name a few. Many recipes throughout. I won a preview Kindle copy of this book from NetGalley.
February 17, 2021
What a treasure trove of knowledge! This book covers anything and everything you can think of to become self-sufficient. In my personal journey to become more self-sufficient, I find this book to be one of the greatest books and I see myself referencing this book often to help my family along. I was really happy about all of the gardening, plant knowledge, livestock, preservation and canning and all the crafty bits! I can't wait to implement some of the ideas. The range of information is also very great from homemade hair conditioner to curing meat to making a homemade irrigation system. The Self-Sufficiency Bible would make a great addition to anyone's library and it is surely treasured in mine.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.
November 25, 2020
This book is such a gem. It is written in a practical way with a touch of humour, which makes it incredibly readable. All sorts of topics are covered in great detail from growing your own vegetables, to rearing animals, to brewing and a section on greener energy.
The book aims to help anyone become more self-sufficient, whether they have a window box, garden, allotment or a small holding. It is so interesting to realise that by some small changes, we can make a difference. I will be taking plenty of tips from this to our allotment and can't wait to try out the recipes.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review, with thanks.
The book aims to help anyone become more self-sufficient, whether they have a window box, garden, allotment or a small holding. It is so interesting to realise that by some small changes, we can make a difference. I will be taking plenty of tips from this to our allotment and can't wait to try out the recipes.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in return for an honest review, with thanks.
April 2, 2020
Great book
I was looking for a book to help with the shortages of things during the Coronavirus Pandemic. I have also always been interested in the ideas that come from self-sufficiency. This book is a great book to have - I have made my own butter, recycled countless items, worked on my garden - it's been great.
I was looking for a book to help with the shortages of things during the Coronavirus Pandemic. I have also always been interested in the ideas that come from self-sufficiency. This book is a great book to have - I have made my own butter, recycled countless items, worked on my garden - it's been great.
May 1, 2020
I liked this book, but I think it was overly hyped up. While it was definitely helpful at parts plus charming to read, I felt that he tried to cover too many topics instead of simply doing a deep dive on a few topics. I think I’ll revisit parts of this, but need to find an in-depth gardening book instead.
March 28, 2022
A comforting and low intensity scan of various household DIY topics. It helps you get a flavour of whether something like making your own soap is practicable as an individual. Most of the instructions are cursory. Illustrations are minimal. It made for perfect bedside reading in that it was soothing and I didn't worry too much about what I was missing.
December 1, 2023
This felt a bit disjointed. Some sections were interesting, some were far too in-depth, and some were not in-depth enough. I would consider the section on beauty ill-informed and even dangerous (please don't use sesame oil as 'natural sunscreen'!)
December 31, 2020
Lots of information on a wide variety of subjects and skills - unfortunately most of it was in narrative form, and I was hoping for more images or bullet-pointed lists of instructions for the various skills and projects outlined in the book.
April 6, 2021
This book was fairly informative, but calling it The self-sufficiency Bible, is quite a stretch. Maybe something is lost in the UK translation, it was mildly interesting and I did learn a few things.
April 14, 2013
This book details many suggestions on how an individual can be more self-sufficient. There are tips for everyone that can be used whether they live in the city or a farm. The author has provided detailed instructions on many topics including - baking, brewing, butchery, curing, and renewable energy - and there are even several recipes to try.
What I enjoyed the most about this book is the information presented is useful, and it works. When I was much younger, I would spend time with my grandparents who did many of the things the author described in this book. It was like going back in time and remembering all the gardens they grew, the canning, knitting, reusing items, and trading with neighbors.
My maternal grandmother told me how they were self-sufficient on their family farm during the 30s, and that is why the Depression barely affected their family. In fact, they were considered rich by their neighbors. They grew their own fruits, veggies, crops, and livestock. Everyone worked hard but they always had meat and bread on their table.
Since my grandparents have passed away, I am excited to have a copy of this book so I have some help in figuring all this out for myself. I doubt I will be raising animals, but I liked the sections about gardening and canning. I also mentioned the apple cider recipe to my mom and sister and there was immediate interest from them. They want me to give it a try and see how it goes. I will also try making some bread.
I think this book has a lot of great ideas for self-sufficiency, but how much of it can be used will depend on the reader's physical location. Since I am in the city, I won't be able to do as much as someone who lives on a farm, but I feel that I can make some big changes even so.
I received a copy of this book for free from NetGalley. Thank you!
What I enjoyed the most about this book is the information presented is useful, and it works. When I was much younger, I would spend time with my grandparents who did many of the things the author described in this book. It was like going back in time and remembering all the gardens they grew, the canning, knitting, reusing items, and trading with neighbors.
My maternal grandmother told me how they were self-sufficient on their family farm during the 30s, and that is why the Depression barely affected their family. In fact, they were considered rich by their neighbors. They grew their own fruits, veggies, crops, and livestock. Everyone worked hard but they always had meat and bread on their table.
Since my grandparents have passed away, I am excited to have a copy of this book so I have some help in figuring all this out for myself. I doubt I will be raising animals, but I liked the sections about gardening and canning. I also mentioned the apple cider recipe to my mom and sister and there was immediate interest from them. They want me to give it a try and see how it goes. I will also try making some bread.
I think this book has a lot of great ideas for self-sufficiency, but how much of it can be used will depend on the reader's physical location. Since I am in the city, I won't be able to do as much as someone who lives on a farm, but I feel that I can make some big changes even so.
I received a copy of this book for free from NetGalley. Thank you!
June 18, 2013
The Self-Sufficiency Bible: Window Boxes to Smallholdings - Hundreds of Ways to Become Self-Sufficient by Simon Dawson is a all around book about how to live a life in a self-sufficient manner. This book can guide in in all aspects of homesteading, from animal husbandry to crafting your own beauty products and apple cider. For those that want to depend on the grid as little as possible, this is the guide to have, even if you are not going to go as far as slaughtering and preparing your own meat.
The Self-Sufficiency Bible offers readers exactly what the title suggests, a comprehensive guide in living a life that is as close to self sufficient as possible. Whatever the reason you might want to learn these skills; going green, decreasing your carbon footprint, saving money, not trusting store bought foods, or just wanting to learn survival skills, this book will can you started. Making beer, cider, crafts, natural cleaning products and beauty products were the portions I had interest in, but there is much more here for interested individuals. I have no interest in the animal husbandry, slaughter, and meat preparation however I have family that have raised a few head of cattle and might have been interested in this portion of the book. It is certainly packed with information and a useful tool. However, I did find the tone and wording to border on condescending. Which almost made me stop reading on more than one occasion.
I recommend The Self-Sufficiency Bible to those that are serious about homesteading of living a self-sufficient lifestyle. However, if you are not interested in raising and slaughtering your own meat, I say borrow the book from a local library rather than buying it, since a good portion of the book will not be of much use to you.
The Self-Sufficiency Bible offers readers exactly what the title suggests, a comprehensive guide in living a life that is as close to self sufficient as possible. Whatever the reason you might want to learn these skills; going green, decreasing your carbon footprint, saving money, not trusting store bought foods, or just wanting to learn survival skills, this book will can you started. Making beer, cider, crafts, natural cleaning products and beauty products were the portions I had interest in, but there is much more here for interested individuals. I have no interest in the animal husbandry, slaughter, and meat preparation however I have family that have raised a few head of cattle and might have been interested in this portion of the book. It is certainly packed with information and a useful tool. However, I did find the tone and wording to border on condescending. Which almost made me stop reading on more than one occasion.
I recommend The Self-Sufficiency Bible to those that are serious about homesteading of living a self-sufficient lifestyle. However, if you are not interested in raising and slaughtering your own meat, I say borrow the book from a local library rather than buying it, since a good portion of the book will not be of much use to you.
May 9, 2019
Have now read Simon Dawson's book - The Self-Sufficiency Bible right through to the end for a THIRD time.
Each time I learn more and I've been in smallholding for years.
Excellent book for any aspiring or existing smallholder or rural food producer.
Well done Simon.
Each time I learn more and I've been in smallholding for years.
Excellent book for any aspiring or existing smallholder or rural food producer.
Well done Simon.
April 10, 2025
A really good eye opener for beginners getting into homesteading or self sufficiency and giving a broad overview of all the things. However if you have intermediate or more knowledge about this, I don't think you would learn anything as it isn't specific enough at all.
August 27, 2012
Supposed to be THE book, but limited applicability outside of Britain. Decent ideas, though, and a very engaging writer.
March 23, 2013
Dawson's is a sound introduction to improving one's self-sufficiency around the home, with lots of references and resources to boot.
December 28, 2013
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!!! Packed with loads of ideas and suggestions. I wouldn't be without it.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews