Books & Offline Knowledge
Two books cover most of what a homestead needs to know, and both are on The Prepared's survival library list. Carla Emery's The Encyclopedia of Country Living, now in its 50th anniversary edition, runs over 900 pages on gardening, livestock, butchering, food preservation and old-fashioned know-how. John Seymour's The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It is the illustrated classic on growing food, keeping animals, brewing and crafts. One is a deep reference; the other is the inspiring overview that gets you started.
Why it's hereThe Prepared calls it a classic, beloved reference: 900+ pages on gardening, livestock, food preservation and doing it yourself.
Recommended by The PreparedPaperback.
| Rank | Product & source | Key note | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ Top Pick | The Encyclopedia of Country Living, 50th Anniversary Edition (Carla Emery)Recommended by The Prepared | The Prepared calls it a classic, beloved reference: 900+ pages on gardening, livestock, food preservation and doing it yourself. | ~$29.95Price checked Oct 20, 2026at barnesandnoble.com View product | |
| Runner-up | The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It (John Seymour)Recommended by The Prepared | On The Prepared's short list: the classic illustrated guide to growing food, keeping animals, preserving, brewing and crafts. | ~$40Price checked Oct 20, 2026at barnesandnoble.com View product | |
