Storey, John and Martha. Storey’s Basic Country Skills: A Practical Guide to Self Reliance. Edited by Deborah Burns. Storey Publishing, 1999. (ISBN 13:978-1-58017-202-8; ISBN 10: 1-58017-202-4) — This book covers everything from advice on selecting a rural site or a home and how to maintain it to wisdom regarding animals and gardening and the construction of related “out buildings” and landscaping. In addition to the wisdom contained in this book, it is (rather than contains) a great bibliography in itself. Diagrams and step-by-step instructions are included. Pages: Approximately 500; Cost: Approximately $25.
Robinson, Ed & Carolyn. The “Have-More” Plan: “A little land–A lot of living”. Storey Publishing, 1973. (ISBN 13: 978-0-88266-024-0; ISBN 10: 0-88266-024-1). Originally published in the 1940’s (I think), this is one of the original “back-to-the-farm” books of which I am aware. With a goal of moving toward self-sufficient living, the Robinsons describe, in detail, how one can purchase and live on as little as 2 acres. This illustrated, 70-page booklet is quoted in many other resources, including the one above. It is well worth the $10 to read the original authors.
