The Contrary Farmer (Real Goods Independent Living Book)
By:
Gene Logsdon
Buy it now at Amazon.com!
Lowest New Price: $7.95
List Price: $19.95
Average Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Description:
Gene Logsdon has become something of a rabble-rouser in progressive farm circles, stirring up debates and controversies with his popular New Farm magazine column, The Contrary Farmer. One of Logsdon’s principle contrarieties is the opinion that—popular images of the vanishing American farmer, notwithstanding—greater numbers of people in the U.S. will soon be growing and raising a greater share of their own food than at any time since the last century. Instead of vanishing, more and more farmers will be cottage farming, part-time.
This detailed and personal account of how Logsdon’s family uses the art and science of agriculture to achieve a reasonably happy and ecologically sane way of life in an example for all who seek a sustainable lifestyle. In The Contrary Farmer, Logsdon offers the tried-and-true, practical advice of a manual for the cottage farmer, as well as the subtler delights of a meditation in praise of work and pleasure. The Contrary Farmer will give its readers tools and tenets, but also hilarious commentaries and beautiful evocations of the Ohio countryside that Logsdon knows as his place in the universe.
Description:
Gene Logsdon offers an alternative to the decline of the family farm by explaining how to successfully engage in what he calls "cottage farming" part-time for enjoyment as well as profit. This book gives readers the tools and information they need to grow their own food in a sustainable and Earth-friendly fashion, but it also tells some great, hilarious stories and includes some truly beautiful and evocative writing. This is not a dry, "how-to" book; it's a really great read even if you haven't a clue about (or any interest in) farming.
Publisher: Chelsea Green
Customer Review: 5 out of 5
The Contrary Farmer - While journalist minions report the family farm is dying or dead. Gene Logsdon proves that the family farm is thriving. Not only is the family farm thriving, but it is the solution to the current food crisis, a way to bring families closer together and make a small profit as well.
This book is part instruction manual, and part life changing stories for anyone with the courage to follow their dream to own a small farm.
Customer Review: 5 out of 5
Buy this book, buy a small farm, buy some chickens... - If we could look back at all the enormous changes to American life since WW2, I think the incredible move from an agrarian society to an industrial, urban society is the one thing most responsible for a vast majority of the ills of our Nation.
Removing average people, many of whom have no great aspirations, from their rural life where they can at least work honorably to feed themselves and perhaps sell a few eggs, or tomatoes, or whatever - to an uncaring welfare-supported (in one way or another) urban life-of-hell - is just wrong from so many points of view.
Lack of meaningful employment, of exercise and fresh air, of the satisfaction of improving your own small patch of earth is a terrible blow to civilation.
I know many will argue against the small farmers life, saying "it's too hard, and only the poor "must" do it so it must be discrimination against SOMEONE". Bother and Poppycock. There is NO more important undertaking than providing healthy food for yourself and your family, and perhaps a bit of excess occasionally that can be sold or traded to a neighbor for a bit of something you don't have.
Buy this book. Re-connect to nature, to your neighbors, and to a lifestyle that is full of meaning and of all that is good about this country and this earth.
Customer Review: 5 out of 5
The Contrary Farmer - This book is full of advice that's as good as it gets! The humor and common sense are non stop!! Buy a copy for yourself and buy another one for any friend who smiles at the thought of farming!
Customer Review: 3 out of 5
Heavy on philosophy and light on How-to - I have read 3 books by this author and find them all to run a little thick on the philosophy side and much to thin on the how-to side. The authors passion and moral integrity literally drip from every page and if I was looking for a good read sprinkled with some general farming knowledge I would highly recommend this or any other books by the author. I was looking to compare his farming techniques to others so I needed more specific information which was unfortunately not included.
Customer Review: 5 out of 5
the best small farm book availabel - I've purchased every small farm book out there and this is the only book i'd recommend to anyone interested in starting a "small" farm. It gives you insight for pretty much everything you need to know to get started. Don't waste your time on any other books just get the Contrary farmer.
--> Find out more about "The Contrary Farmer (Real Goods Independent Living Book)" at Amazon.com or Order Now
| 