OUR 30+ HOMESTEADING BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS (FOR THE NOVICE OR PRO)

If you're a homesteader or wanting to learn homesteading skills, these are our top book picks!
Whether you're wanting to learn how to become a modern homesteader or to homestead the old-fashioned way, whether you have 40 acres or a tiny patio on a balcony apartment. These homesteading books are the best we've found and will help you on your journey to becoming a homesteader. (homesteadingfamily.com/best-h...)
Time Stamps
0:00 - Chit Chat
2:13 - Question of the Day - Where did we buy our water nozzle? (affiliate link:
3:38 - Special Announcements!
7:43 - Topic of the day - Our Top Homesteading Book Recommendations
8:08 - Basic Homesteading Books
11:44 - Top Gardening Books
16:40 - Preservation/Canning Books
20:00 - Raising Farm Animals Books
25:20 - Books on Dairy
28:48 - Permaculture Books
34:10 - Basic Cooking Books
26:23 - Extending the Garden Season Books
37:40 - Growing Herbs/Herbal Remedies Books
40:32 - Fun Fictional Books
42:28 - Our #1 Top Book Choice!
Hose Nozzle: amzn.to/2Zbc9rV
Books (affiliate links):
-The Encyclopedia of Country Living BY Carla Emory amzn.to/3efr4Fx
-Gardening When it Counts by Steve Solomon amzn.to/2AIPVUv
-The Intelligent Gardener by Steve Solomon amzn.to/2ZSUkgn
-Independence Days: Guide to Food Storage and Preservation amzn.to/2DsW20j
-Surviving Off Off-Grid by Michael Bunker (NOT BEYOND OFF GRID) amzn.to/3iRcJmu
-How to Grow More Vegetables BY John Jeavons amzn.to/2ZYxqE6
-The Market Gardener by Jean Martin Fortier amzn.to/38GEJEw
-Ball Blue Book amzn.to/31Evakg
-Ball Canning Book amzn.to/2N6ZQW7
-Complete Guide to Pressure Canning amzn.to/2ofSV4E (This is NOT mentioned in the video, but is regularly recommended through the webinars and the canning class)
-Preserving with Pomona's Pectin amzn.to/2Oc40x6
-Traditionally Fermented Foods by Shannon Stonger amzn.to/2BYaNYD
-Pastured Poultry Profits BY Joel Salatin amzn.to/3iN2Ypf
-Keeping a Family Cow BY Joann Growman amzn.to/3ehu0S9
-Grass-Fed Cattle BY Julius Rouchelle amzn.to/2Cn0Rri
-STEAK by Mark Schatzker amzn.to/3iPMqg8
-Milk Cow Kitchen by Mary Jane Butters amzn.to/2O7SuTe
-Art of Natural Cheesemaking BY David Asher amzn.to/322aYgc
-Introduction to Permaculture BY Bill Mollison amzn.to/3gLNcsG
-The Resilient Farm and Homestead by Ben Falk amzn.to/2ZPA8vI
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
WELCOME! We're so glad you're here! We are Josh and Carolyn Thomas. Together with our eleven children, we are The Homesteading Family where we’re living a self-sustainable life in beautiful North Idaho. Let us welcome you and show you a bit about us here: bit.ly/HFWelcomeVideo
- Healthy Healing at Home - Free 4 video workshop on our herb course Herbal Medicine Cabinet: Colds: homesteadingfamily.com/HHHyt
- Meals on Your Shelf- Free 4 video workshop on canning. The Abundant Pantry: Canning
homesteadingfamily.com/MOYS-f...
Click any of the links below for instant access to these free downloadable PDFs:
- 5 Steps to a More Self Sufficient Life- Simple PDF download on 5 steps anyone can take wherever they are to start a more self-sufficient lifestyle.
classes.homesteadingfamily.co...
- Thrive Wellness Checklist- A simple PDF download for healthy living.
homesteadingfamily.com/TWC_YT
- Permaculture for Your Homestead- PDF download that is an introduction to permaculture with some strategies for applying it to one’s homestead and garden.
homesteadingfamily.com/PFYH_YT
- Carolyn’s Cottage Garden herb list- PDF with Carolyn’s favorite herbs for growing at home.
homesteadingfamily.com/CGHL_YT
- Carolyn’s Make-Ahead Breakfast Casseroles- Carolyn’s favorite make-ahead breakfast casseroles.
homesteadingfamily.com/MABC_YT
- Your FREE Guide to Preserving Eggs- PDF download with multiple ways to preserve eggs.
homesteadingfamily.com/Eggs_YT
- 5 Steps to a Healthy Garden- PDF download with an explanation of what makes healthy soil and 5 steps you can take to improve your garden
homesteadingfamily.com/5Steps...
- Save the Crumbs- Several Recipes for using bread leftovers, a less committal entry to bread than the workshop.
homesteadingfamily.com/STC_YT
- Fearless Fermenting- A PDF on basic lacto-ferments.
homesteadingfamily.com/FF_YT
#homesteadingbooks #bookrecommendations #books #homesteading

[@rough-hewnhomestead5737]

Thank you for including the Bible on this list as it is THE most important book ever written! Great list of books. The first Cadfael book is on special on Kindle for a limited time right now! (I snagged it.) Although I love 'real' books, I like to buy the first in a series I'm trying on Kindle before diving in for them all. If I like the first one, I'll usually buy it, along with the rest of the series. Looking forward to reading it as I'm a homesteading herbalist and will probably enjoy it. I LOVE Be Your Own Doctor and will shop for Rachel's other books! I also bought Herbal Antivirals on your suggestion in a previous video. So many books....so little time. ;) God bless!

[@scottfamily865]

This is the channel I must watch when I’m by myself having my morning coffee, the company is unbeatable. Homesteading Family is comforting and encouraging and inspiring. A feel good, no nonsense learning experience. Thanks everyone!

[@dollyperry3020]

I'm so glad that you like my mama's book Encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery. She felt so strongly about sharing the information that was being lost and she would have been so happy to know that you found those "gems".

[@12pointlife51]

I had one of the very first editions many years ago. A very sacrificial effort that we can all benefit from!

[@dollyperry3020]

@@12pointlife51 I'm so glad. The first subscribers were mom's inspiration and encouragers for the most part.

[@EchoCanyonRanch1]

@@dollyperry3020 How is Esther and family doing? We sure miss their videos!

[@dollyperry3020]

@@EchoCanyonRanch1 They are all doing well and I admit to missing their videos as well. But things shifted and Esther is working now and so no time to make videos. We can treasure the ones she made though...and hopefully there will be more books!

[@PirouettingFox]

🥰

[@ashleyhall6287]

This was wonderful! I am going to be on the hunt for some of these. The Bible is absolutely our guidebook. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” God bless you guys and keep doing your good work!

[@TheSjlewis]

The same for us! Can't live without the word of God

[@shawnwesson1028]

you probably dont care at all but does any of you know of a method to get back into an instagram account?? I was dumb forgot my password. I would appreciate any help you can give me!

[@ralphpaxton3634]

@Shawn Wesson Instablaster :)

[@shawnwesson1028]

@Ralph Paxton i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and im trying it out now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

[@shawnwesson1028]

@Ralph Paxton it did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I am so happy! Thanks so much you really help me out !

[@LeeLynn-vq8yq]

Wonderful information, thank you so much! I was looking at that Bible front and center, and you did not disappoint on your presentation of it's value! Thank you for not being afraid to present the Word and the Gospel. God bless you!

[@NS-pf2zc]

Having stumbled through building a homestead that we then had to leave, and now building our new one...that bit about systems is just so so so important and we are trying (struggling?!) to get there. We do tend to jump into it all and learn from mistakes, but it is the harder way and I would highly suggest going the systems way the most. ETA: I just LOVE how you guys interact with one another. Your praise of each others strengths and your team approach exemplifies a loving and very cohesive marriage. It really shows and should be emulated. Your faith in God and your approach to life is obviously paramount and I just admire that so very much!

[@PirouettingFox]

You said exactly what I was feeling 😁

[@lisahenry1467]

The Little Britches series by Ralph Moody are a favorite at our house for non-fiction stories about Ralph’s family having a homestead and his creative ways of earning a living.

[@jbk1022]

Book that I love is “The Backyard Homestead” edited by Carleen Madigan. It gives you an idea what you can have base on size of your lot. Talks about the growing zones in USA; how to prepare your soil; planning out your garden; caring for your veggies, herbs, grain and fruit trees … plus preserving. It also covers how to start with animals from picking the right breed to butchering and preserving, as well as foraging some wild foods.

[@babyroot3479]

Congratulations on the upcoming podcast! That is very exciting news. I also wanted to say thank you SO MUCH for breaking down and time stamping your videos for quick reference. It's been absolutely invaluable and such a time saver for me. I always watch your videos in their entirety but often come back later to rewatch a particular section. Thanks again! ❤❤❤

[@HerHealthyHome]

Homesteading: a backyard guide The backyard homestead The family garden plan is a great book for if you just need to get things on paper and need a template for planning.

[@BeccaS1]

I come back to this video time and time again! Thanks for making it!

[@theresazelazny7445]

I love watching you two working together. Your presentation, content and smooth interaction shows us a wealth of valuable experience. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@HomesteadingFamily]

Thank you so much!

[@tinkerlong4556]

Thank y’all for sharing your knowledge, your joy and your faith. Y’all are a constant inspiration to me and my family! I believe fully you’ll hear “Well done...” one day. ❤️

[@melissanash6801]

Proud Homeschoolig family for 11 years! Looking forward to the pantry chat about that topic.

[@ianemeseferry4022]

Thank you for not shying away from your faith! Looking forward to diving deeper into some of your favorites. Although child training and homeschooling wasn't touched on, would love to hear some of your favorites on those topics. I've truly enjoyed Elisabeth Elliot books, including The Shaping of a Christian Family.

[@elainesgroi1709]

Love your channel and especially the last Book you talked about! God Bless !!!!

[@kellygeraghty6830]

Encyclopedia of Country Living is my absolute favorite not only for homesteading but also for those who are peppers. Just a great book to have on hand.

[@brightstarr57]

Very informative! And very nice that you included the Bible at the end! Thanks! 😊

[@vestimisner6376]

Great Information! Thank you, what I love most is you guys sharing that coffee cup! That's love!! My husband and I do it all the time. Glad you two had a get away. God bless you and your family!!

[@DaraRich]

Love so much you mentioned the Bible as your favorite book and the base of all. Greetings from Germany!

[@aliciabeasley3379]

So glad you guys shared and included the Bible! I keep up with yall and enjoy all the videos!

[@ANDRE-sp2mi]

Thank you for this video. I miss being outdoors and helping out restore the land. Appreciate your help

[@PatsyMellen]

Awesome library of books but the Bible is at the top of the list. God Bless you and your family.

[@ksay34]

Highly recommend The Nourishing Homestead by Ben Hewitt. Great book to gain inspiration and direction.

[@karenpelfrey6418]

Love this wealth of information and so happy to see you share the Bible as your favorite book.

[@VibrantHolisticLifeCoach]

The Ball Blue Books are some of my go-to books as well. I also love Steve Solomons books for gardening.

[@amelia-ireneinpdx2613]

I don't know if you watch "Off Grid with Doug & Stacy", but in the last couple of moths they have done 3 videos with Dr Leo (can't remember lsst name) on bee keeping & most recently why you should stop using the tradional American bee hive & switch over to the European beehive. Dr Leo has written several books on bee keeping & if I were to get into it, that is who I'd be following for it. Unfortunately, I'm allergic to bees, not really afraid of them unless people around me are hitting the panic button, but don't want to risk getting stung... Dr Leo will be at Doug & Stacy's event in Hannibal, Missouri in August if you're interested.

[@jennepic]

Thank you for putting the Bible front and center as it should be!

[@DixieLivingHomestead]

My FAVORITE comment.

[@shannonhopper8987]

I just love this too.

[@BRUtahn]

It literally was not at the front lol

[@patriciahammett4197]

I agree, ways #1.

[@PirouettingFox]

Agreed!

[@Kimberly-oo9dv]

Thank you for sharing these books; it is most helpful when you know a book will provide functional knowledge and not just lofty thoughts.

[@rhondawelker6742]

Thank you for sharing a lot of good information. You saved the best for last. 😃

[@MyLifeRefining]

REALLY great video! Thanks for sharing your favorite resource books from your library!

[@pamelaandrade6930]

Even though we are not Homesteaders, your videos take me back to a time when I was, in Australia. Thanks for your wonderful content and family videos.

[@JMK_Fam]

THANK YOU!!!! I listen while I milk the cows podcast will make it soooooo much easier

[@grandknit1016]

Great chat today! Thank you for sharing all your "go-to" books! So excited about the upcoming podcast!!! Blessings

[@leiatrappett2743]

“The lost book of herbal remedies” by Nicole Apelian & Claude Davis, is my 1st herbal book & I absolutely LOVE it!!!

[@waxingsustainable]

Well, my Amazon cart just grew! Thank you for the wonderful recommendations, and your boldness! God bless.

[@carolync4727]

just a suggestion, because amazon has literally put so many out of business and also deplatformed the president because they could, try as much as possible to buy on goodreads, thrift books, abe books and stuff like that. =)

[@marycoffin642]

Brother Cadfael is my hero!

[@marygallagher3428]

A "rare Benedictine" indeed ;-)

[@kmapel529]

I LOVE this pantry chat! And I too am looking forward to the podcast! Thank you

[@kristina63076]

One of my favorite garden planning books is Carrots Love Tomatoes by Louise Riotte. Companion planting, what plants help each other, how to get rid of certain pests, etc. I use it all the time. Every single year.

[@HerHealthyHome]

I have two other ball books and I've used their recipes more than any other book. I love that they let me use less sugar and give you ways to spruce it up.

[@janyhollo2197]

Appreciate you SOOOOOO much. Have used so much of your information!! You are such great people!!

[@szaffiforillo4538]

My husband introduced me to your channel and this was the first video I saw. I’m very impressed. Thank you for sharing your trusted resources. I’m planning to get some of these books. I just subscribed to your channel and looking forward to see more great content!

[@lisalowe6922]

I LOVE how you put the Bible front and center. It was Very appropriate for the favorite books list. Here are a few verses that are not included in the Bible, but were received in a revelation in the 1800's: " As all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom, yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning even by study and also by faith; organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of honor, a house of God; That you incomings may be in the name of the Lord, that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord, That all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High." As you gave your testimony of the Bible, I could hear all of these things from this verse. Indeed, the word of God is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto my path.

[@TheHornbrookGirls]

Thank you so much for your videos. I always am so encouraged!! We are new to homesteading. It's a new journey for our family and we couldn't be more excited about it. Your videos are so helpful as we learn a new way of living.

[@megmcginnis239]

Loved the Pantry chat. Amen on the Bible. Thanks for sharing. Some favorite books of our family are. KEEPING BEES WITH A SMILE-HORIZONTIAL HIVE METHOD BY DR. LEO, WINTER VEGETABLES BY CHARLES DOWDING, SEPP HOLZER'S PERMACULTER, BACK TO BACIS...ALL OF THE VOLUMES (OUR CHILDREN SPENT HOURS POURING OVER THESE BOOKS), and a fun one on sheep ADVENTURES IN YARN FARMING; FOUR SEASONS ON A NEW ENGLAND FIBER FARM BY BARBARA PARRY

[@tonibennett1397]

Home Food Systems by Rodale Press is excellent! Covers everything! Also, you can buy used books online with Thriftbooks App.

[@minze2001]

Bible #1

[@pamedajoch]

Love the Encyclopedia of Country Living. I've read it through and refer to it regularly. Also love the Ellis Peters books! I have them all and have read them more than once.

[@rachelhcrumpacker3439]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!! LOVED this information :) Can't wait for the podcast!!

[@franmoyer8527]

😮 I did not know they had a podcast! Which one is it, please?

[@ellenspn]

Agree with your choices. Emery’s book is invaluable and the cheese and dairy books are some of my favorite but my most used book by far is my study bible!

[@cynthia5018]

BOOKS Highly Recommended: "The doable off - grid Homestead" by Stewart and Shannon Stonger "Eco - Farm" an acres U.S.A. Primer by Charles Walters "Will Bonsall's Essential Guide To Radical, Self - Reliant Gardening" by Will Bonsall "Herbal Home Health Care" by Dr. John R. Christopher "Herbs to the Rescue" Herbal First Aid Handbook by Kurt King, M. H. Thank You Josh and Carolyn for Sharing. The Lord Bless You and Your Family.

[@jonathansheard2561]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience guys. I love the fact you've put your Bible in the centre! Praise the Lord!!

[@rosemarymusser3663]

Loved this topic. I am a book lover & have several of the books you mentioned. Look forward to all your videos!!

[@n.watson8497]

Love the recommendations, and especially the last one! I just ordered the First Cadfael ominbus edition. Looking forward to it. Thanks!

[@henna7216]

These are some great recommendations, thank you for sharing!

[@sewfit4you219]

In addition to some of the books you have mentioned, I also use "Small -Batch Preserving" by Ellie Topp & Margaret Howard.

[@frostybuttercupsllc]

Extremely helpful!! Thank you!

[@monicag.1527]

Great video! Have been waiting for you two to share your favorite books 😁

[@sweetjaybaby]

🌹Great Video 📚 I absolutely love this video! 👩🏻‍🌾

[@Beyondthisveil]

Thank you for not backing down or shying away from sharing the most important book in your arsenal of reading material. Too many folks are more concerned about what effect their declaration may have on their business if they show their connection to God and salvation in particular. I was so pleased I stumbled onto your KZbin channel last year; and, more importantly (not that I matter in your personal life) BUT as an older generation from you, I'm so proud to see how you are living. The amount of time you invest in each other, your children and even your parents / grandparents already is a huge testimony of your heart. You would almost have to be deaf and blind not to see where your guided from. So yes, you just sealed my level of respect for you and what you are doing. I will gladly continue to be part of this fine community.

[@davinakoehn2049]

Thanks for this video. I’m a book lover and this was very useful information for me. I love getting people’s favorite book recommendations. I have book shelves everywhere and find I need another bookshelf for my growing library. 😁

[@cynthia5018]

TRADITIONALLY FERMENTED FOODS by Shannon Stronger, YES, The BEST Fermented Foods Book EVER! LOVE IT!

[@12pointlife51]

Glad to know someone else enjoyed A Year In Provence!

[@holliebillecisaturdaymorni1606]

I love this episode! So informative!

[@shaunaferguson6102]

This was wonderful thank you for sharing! I especially appreciate the "last" (but first) book, thank you! 😘

[@thegoodoldways]

Thank you for this curated list. Wow.

[@loriannryder6274]

I truly can't wait to see your video on homeschooling. I know it will be a little different as I'm in Canada but after noticing my son slipping through the cracks and not getting the assistance he needs I feel it would be a better fit for our family. Also I have a daughter who suffers from anxiety and since being out of school she has changed and blossomed so much. I think covid has not only opened my eyes but has bin a small blessing in connecting and helping my daughter. I hope you have a blessed day.

[@joanxox4191]

I have been homeschooling in Canada for 27 years. Most of the curriculum resources come from the US

[@organoworm3146]

Loved that, and loved seeing a few books I already have! The Bible is definitely number 1 and I also love the farming insights into the past through the parables. x

[@arnorvca]

You guys are truly inspiring. Thank you.

[@outdoorgal9602]

Looking forward to learning Permaculture. There is a Permaculture place near to where I am looking to by land. I am looking forward to learning from them.

[@morginhammer1118]

Great video! I love Sally Fallon's "Nourishing Traditions". I love your channel and all the info you share!

[@jimmcintyre4390]

Somehow I had not heard of Brother Cadfael. So excited!

[@mariacorrea8269]

Great information from all the books recommended, thanks ,

[@honorshearing2821]

Love you guys. will purchase some of the books. I am just starting my fermenting journey. Have kept chickens before (the foxes got them) but will start again when I move house soon. I already have my Bible. Thank you from leafy Surrey in south east England. May God keep you and protect you and your family.

[@abbyb6741]

This was incredibly helpful!!! I have a couple of these and now I know what to add next. I would love to see more book reviews from you (since you mentioned you had a hard time narrowing it down)

[@sargefaria]

Great library indeed. Thought it was great that you saved the Best for last and was happy to see it and hear it mentioned

[@jennifersinclair6044]

I'm surprised, as a builder, that no book along those lines was suggested. If nothing else, but bc nothing is possible on a homestead unless you have some building knowledge & hopefully some skills. Especially if you're starting off on raw land. If I may, I'd like to suggest the Hand Sculpted Home. Apologies I don't recall the authors names. But it's a fantastic way to get the creative juices flowing, but more importantly to show that almost anyone can build their own home. I find that, that the most daunting part of building a homestead for most ppl. That they think they can't afford it. That the conventional modern form of building is the only way. When in reality societies around the world have been building their own homes & homestead infrastructure for centuries & it's absolutely possible for us to do it today still, just as other cultures still do. It's knowledge that has almost been lost in western countries, I think. Preserving that knowledge is just as important as any other homesteading traditional knowledge, if not more important, in my opinion. Anywho, maybe that could be covered in a video at some point?...

[@melissastrutzel7265]

I would love it if you made a video on your favorite kids' books as well. Thanks for another great video. Your content is outstanding.

[@peggyoconnell7118]

A great episode! I loved it! Thank you! I am really looking forward to your homeschooling lepidocrocite!

[@kathypadgett8588]

I injoy your chats they are fun and nolligable

[@donnap587]

You don't need an egg chicken book but I do

[@Make.it.yourself]

Love that you included the Bible ❤

[@EricaD61]

BOOKS!!! My favourite subject! Great array of books. I havent heard of any of them. Some are probably difficult to get in Australia atm. Really keen to check some of them out. Thanks😍😍

[@gracechadi]

Thank you for sharing 🙂!

[@dr_bullseye]

Thanks, have started buying these! Bible is #1!

[@amomto4]

I love Justin Rhodes' book "The Rooted Life" and Joel Salatin's "Folks this ain't normal"

[@glory3670]

Carla Emery book - my intro to dreaming. I love that book.

[@KylaMattonOsborne]

I discovered the Cadfael books through the TV series on PBS, years ago. Thanks for reminding me about this series of books. I really would like to start at book one!

[@Mrs.Patriot]

Hentopia is a good one for some tips on chicken systems that allow freedom for the chicken keeper. Thanks for this video! I love books!

[@Wendybil1]

My Bible is by far my favorite (66) books! Thank you for putting it on top of your list

[@cynthia5018]

PRAISE THE LORD! "THE BIBLE" FOR IT IS HE ALONE WHICH SUSTAINS US!

[@BootsandBountyHomestead]

Omg, lots of great information. I honestly dislike reading, just the type of person I am, but I'm getting better. I have gardened all my life but have gotten into many other methods and ideas of gardening since getting into my 30s. I am building my knowledge now with an acre that I have maxed out to prepare myself for many acres in our next home in the near future. That's for the helpful information, my amazon wish lost just got longer, lol. Thanks again!!!

[@LifeOnShiloh]

Love you guys so much!

[@kelleygrantham2071]

Thanks so much for doing what you do and sharing it! Mother Earth is crying out for people like you. I hope this channel and your other resources is welcoming to all religions because the information you’re sharing is so important to all humanity. Blessed Be!

[@jimmylittle9393]

Will definitely tune in for the podcasts, can't wait! Where do you find the time though haha

[@connorflanagan9329]

You may already have one, but you should make an Amazon page, where you can add all of the books, tools and products that you use?

[@savedraven5522]

Thank you both so very much for this most wonderful list of informative books! And Amen, to Gods Word being number one and our most perfect help and guide to life and life eternally! May God continue to richly bless you and your beautiful family with health, strength, peace, wisdom, Love and more Love! What you share of your lives has deeply enriched our lives! Thank you. Love and Prayers Buck & Raven

[@thanehelton6295]

Thank you so much!

[@roxannern9393]

Wonderful pantry chat! I was surprised that I have a few of those books and read from the Bible as well. Thanks.

[@carriechambless]

Great info. Thanks for sharing your ideas and experiences. And yes, I agree, the absolute greatest book of all time is the Bible. Blessings to you and your family.

[@coltcash1123]

Foxfire Series, hands down best. If you havent read them, grab a copy of the first one. Its basically a group of high school kids that went into appalachia and interviewed older people. Its got eveything from detailed instructions on building a log cabin to building a still. Lots of entertaining stories. I just cant recomend them enough