The Self-Sufficiency Bible - by Simon Dawson (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A fully revised and updated edition of the self-sufficiency classic. Packed with practical information and expert advice on everything from gardening to cooking, and from health and beauty to raising livestock, this is the indispensable guide to living more sustainably, whether you live in a city apartment block or on a rural smallholding.

"A treasure-trove of brilliant ideas and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions" - Adam Henson, BBC One's Countryfile

In our current era of pandemic and environmental crisis, self-sufficiency is a means of taking control of our lives and safeguarding for the future - and this new, fully updated edition of the sustainability classic will help every householder do just that. You'll find all the practical information and expert guidance you need on every aspect of self-sufficiency, from gardening and baking through health, beauty and cleaning to foraging and livestock, whatever your needs, circumstances and resources. This means that the gardening chapter, for example, is appropriate both for people with an urban back yard or a more substantial plot of land.

Written in a down-to-earth, engaging and often amusing style, and charmingly illustrated with line drawings, the book will appeal to anyone who wants to be more creative, resourceful and independent, who wants to rediscover their inner hunter-gatherer, to single people as much as to large families, and to parents looking to equip their children with basic life skills.

Review Quotes

"A treasure-trove of brilliant ideas and easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions."
- Adam Henson, BBC One's Countryfile

"The book captures Simon and Debbie's passion for food, and the land it comes from."
- Gary Rhodes, OBE

In a world obsessed by innovation and technology, he's discovered that our path to salvation is rooted in the simplicity of the past.
- David Kennard, author of A Shepherd's Watch and Channel 4's Mist: Sheepdog Tales

"The proof is in the pudding, and I can testify that Simon's bacon is delicious. Therefore he is clearly doing something right!"
- Tom Hodgkinson, Sunday Telegraph

"I just love the philosophy which they bring to Hidden Valley Pigs and now through this wonderful book, which is all about great, local food and its relationship with the land."
- Michael Caines, MBE, two-star Michelin chef

"Self sufficiency is all about having a go ... Simon has actually been there and done that' so this book is essential reading if you are planning your idyllic future or actually living it now."
- Dick Strawbridge

About the Author

Aged just 32, Simon Dawson took a risk, sold his London flat and moved with his wife, Great Dane and horse to a cottage on Exmoor. Scraping every penny together they bought 20 acres of scruffy but beautiful Exmoor, and built from scratch a smallholding where they still live, self-sufficient and happy. Simon is a radio presenter on The Voice of North Devon and the author of Pigs in Clover, among other books.