Synopses & Reviews
Self Sufficiency for the 21st Century takes its inspiration from John Seymour's 1970s', bestselling, classic, The Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency, but DK's new category killer has been created completely from scratch - with totally new commissioned photography and artworks, and drawing on the authors' own experiences and expertise of the latest technologies. Self Sufficiency for the 21st Century tells what it's really like to aim for self-sufficiency in the 21st century, and brings the subject up to date by laying an emphasis on ways to live a more sustainable life that everyone can access, whether living in the city, the suburbs, or the country.
The book is broken down into various styles of spreads: "concept" spreads outline broad options and ideas to help you plan; "technique" spreads have detailed practical explanations on each topic and accompanying explanatory artworks; "project" spreads show you how to achieve a specific task from start to finish through clear step-by-step instructions and photographs; and easy-reference "directory" spreads have plant-by-plant and animal-by-animal identification, and growing or raising instructions.
The authors show how to make the practical changes that will have a big impact on your life-without having to transform your lifestyle. Sharing their experiences, tips, and techniques, this book provides all the step-by-step advice you need for successful eco projects, large and small.
Review
"British father and son Dick and James Strawbridge (cohosts, It's Not Easy Being Green, BBC, UK) share their years of experience working Newhouse Farm, their smallholding in Cornwall, England, describing how everyone, including urban and suburban dwellers, can become more self-sufficient and environmentally conscious. They cover everything from conserving energy, harnessing energy from wind and water, gardening, and keeping livestock, to cheese making and creating willow baskets. Using step-by-step instructions and numerous useful photographs, the two show the reader, in just a few pages per subject, how to perform often complex tasks. Their enthusiastic, engaging style makes for easy reading, and the book paints a realistic picture of what it would be like to live as self-sufficiently as possible on a small farm. Many of the subjects they include, however, such as raising livestock, rate an entire book by themselves. VERDICT This is a useful overview of the range of possibilities for becoming more self-sufficient, written by knowledgeable authors, with the understanding that beginners would need additional instruction to handle many of the tasks." Sue O'Brien, Downers Grove P.L., IL Library Journal, October 1, 2010
Review
"This book has it all for the man or woman who might be considering starting his or her own country." Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
About the Author
Dick Strawbridge, a retired lieutenant colonel and former army engineer, has always been fascinated by how things work. His desire to lead a greener life led him to put his practical and leadership skills to use in converting Newhouse Farm in Cornwall, UK, into an ecologically friendly, but completely modern, place to live. The family's journey to a sustainable, self-sufficient lifestyle was documented in the BBC series It's Not Easy Being Green.
James Strawbridge, Dick's son, has inherited his father's enthusiasm for DIY and ecological issues. Co-presenting It's Not Easy Being Green allowed him the opportunity to fully pursue both interests. James continues to work with his father on the green living courses, as well as gardening and engineering projects. He is a regular contributor to magazine and newspaper discussions on green issues.