Book suggestions by the Nearings?

[Mountaineer]

I went to the Chapters in the city this weekend, turns out all the Nearings books are either unavailable or need ordering. Meaning I can't scan through and see if they're what I'm looking for.
I'm interested in their method of homesteading. Seeing that they were vegetarian- I don't really understand that as animals seem to be such a big part of it. I'm thinking they'd have been right into a lot of things other homesteaders wouldn't be into... etc.
I'm right into veggie gardening too and hoping they have a book that gets in depth into what they were up to.
Anyone? Thanks.

[Jerngen]

I personally think they have a lot of good information to share even today. In "Living the Good Life" they deal with quite a few topics and have a LOT to say about composting, gardening year-round, building stone houses/structures, and of course their political views. Even tho I don't agree with some of what they had to say, I intend to purchase a copy of several of their books for my personal library.
I would purchase "Living the Good Life" first (or check it out from the library) and if you like what they have to say, then collect the others.

[Mountaineer]

Thanks, I'll look that one up to start. I did notice some political-sounding books too so I'll steer clear of that till I really know what they're all about.
Thanks!

[MaineFarmMom]

Originally Posted by Farmer Joe

Thanks, I'll look that one up to start. I did notice some political-sounding books too so I'll steer clear of that till I really know what they're all about.
Thanks!

That's what they were really all about. Homesteading was part of their social activism. Their home in Maine is now the Good Life Center and is a hub of social activism and education.

The house is wonderful inside and out. If you look at the photo gallery, take a look at the slate flooring. I'd love to have that in my home! They lived in beauty. They worked very hard to build the house and wall around the garden. I tried to picture them working on the garden wall while I was looking at it, and while I could, it's still hard to imagine all the hours they spent.


These pics were taken April 29. There wasn't much growing except on the garden wall but you can see the result of their work with rocks.


There are more pictures in the photo gallery. I'm a visual person - seeing what someone is doing is much more helpful to me than reading.

Having animals is part of homesteading for some people but it's not a requirement. They can be expensive on your time and cash. One of the joys of homesteading is the freedom to pick and choose what you do and how it's done.

[Mountaineer]

Thanks Robin fpr the pics! And thanks for the link, I think I'll be able to get what I need through it.

[Charleen]

I think I have most all of Nearing's books. Both Scott's & Helen's and the ones they wrote together.
One of my favorites is Our Sun Heated Greenhouse.
If you're mostly interested in how they grew their food, this would be the book for you.

Check your local library, or do an inter-library loan.
I found most of mine at yard sales. I've searched ENDLESS boxes of books for just the ones I want. It takes a lot of time to search but it will payoff.

Or check ebay.

[RandB]

Farmer Joe-

Look for an edition of their books called "The Good Life".

It has 2 books in 1 - the original "Living the good life" and the follow-up "Continuing the good life" all in one edition - it might be a better buy, and these are the 2 of their books with the most homesteading info.

[Mountaineer]

Thanks again!