Self-sufficiency books?

[smallblueplanet]

Okay peeps I'm having a 'funny' half hour - its the sunshine!

The OH is thinking of doing a job that could be relocated 'anywhere' (ie la belle France!!!) and I wondered about small-holdings and self-sufficiency, so can anyone recommend some good books please.

[Two_Sheds]

John Seymour is the classic

[smallblueplanet]

John Seymour what? No real idea about small-holdings and such-like, wanted to do some research about what to expect/what it takes.

[Hilary B]

John Seymour is the classic

Yep, but a bit prone to rose tinted specs.......
Most GYOers who have kept chickens as well will recognise the areas where he skims over the less appealing aspects of failure, economic skimping, etc, but it is essential to realise that he DOES do exactly that!

[Snadger]

John Seymour what? No real idea about small-holdings and such-like, wanted to do some research about what to expect/what it takes.

Loads of energy and a strong back. Being youthful could be an advantage, along with a bottomless pit full of money, and the wherewithall to 'Live off the land' whatever the land cares to give you with a bit of cajoling.

Oh and learn French of course!

Failing that, HFW could be on the look out for a missus!

[NOG]

You would have great dificulty being self sufficient. You will need capital to buy the land, then cash to pay the Rates. Then you will need cash to replace the tools. No going to start on Gas/Elect.

Then you need to grow enough food to feed you and the animals all thru the year.

[smallblueplanet]

Just recommend some books please, not make comments on my financial status which you don't know...

[cwipnip]

the self sufficientish bible is quite a good book to get started, just google it

[SarzWix]

The New Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency: The Classic Guide for Realists and Dreamers: John Seymour, Will Sutherland, E.F. Schumacher: Amazon.co.uk: Books

The Self-sufficiency Handbook: Alan Bridgewater, Gill Bridgewater: Amazon.co.uk: Books

I've got both of these Manda - the Seymour one is my favourite, but is slightly more old-fashioned. The second one is more modern, and slghtly more realistic.



ETA... Are you sure you have enough money to invest in these books...?

[smallblueplanet]

...ETA... Are you sure you have enough money to invest in these books...?

I was hoping I could borrow your copy?!

[SarzWix]

I was hoping I could borrow your copy?!

Aaaah, if only I could afford to post them to you...

[bobleponge]

The Seymour is the classic as TS said, however very idealistic. Its a great book to read though, to give you an idea.
Without making any reference to your fiscal status, its not easy to do, but try looking on here for houses with a decent amount of land.
Petites annonces gratuites d'occasion - leboncoin.fr

[Snadger]

Just recommend some books please, not make comments on my financial status which you don't know...

Oooh! Get her!

If you're a Politician you'll probably be able to get the books on expenses anyway!


I've bought , read and sold the Seymour classic..........im my opinion it was good for it's time, (I read it about 20 years ago) but if you have more than a rudimetary knowledge which I suspect you have, it may seem a bit patronising at times!

[smallblueplanet]

...Without making any reference to your fiscal status, its not easy to do, but try looking on here for houses with a decent amount of land.
Petites annonces gratuites d'occasion - leboncoin.fr

Thanks Bob. But don't worry about my fiscal status, we intend to live on love!

@Snadger Lol!

But at least I won't put my church donation on my expenses!

Maybe I'll check out some websites too - is anyone on HFW's forum? Or is there a section on the Living France forums?

[bobleponge]

[QUOTE=smallblueplanet;464927]Thanks Bob. But don't worry about my fiscal status, we intend to live on love!

Buerk, good luck.
Make sure you supplement that with some potato's.