I just finished reading this well written and informative text.
In my opinion, it is a highly valuable book to those that are brand new to the ideas of
permaculture, those with some (or lots of?)
experience, and those who are looking to transition existing farms into what Mark describes as Restoration Agriculture.
I learned a lot about: the long term development patterns of the north american continent's plant and animal assemblages, the history of
bees and beekeeping (
honey bees aren't
native to north america?!), the real economics of farming, the difference between silvopasture/alley cropping and a ton of other tidbits and bricks that are highly useful for me.
Most of the book is dedicated to cold climate ideas, yet his ideas have application in other biomes as well.
Mark has a simple way of explaining complex ideas in a way that works well for me.
He packs his book with tons of info but you won't be beaten over the head with didacticisms.
He even has a fun joke that he continues to refer to in a variety of subtle and obvious ways, something about nuts and chocolate.
I have read all of
Sepp Holzer's
books, much of
Bill Mollison's,
Toby Hemenway, and P.A Yoeman.
I would put this book solidly on the same shelf as these other informative authors.
His writing might be described as existing in an area between Sepp's disregard for the ideas of others, and Mollison's textbook style (although Mollison has a conversational tone at times).
Mark credits the work of others and mentions useful books for further reading.
It is an enjoyable, funny book.
I laughed out loud more than once. I have read tons of books, this doesn't happen all that often in my experience (maybe I read the wrong books?).
I have read much of Mark's currently published work and watched some interviews with him. Some of the info in the book is an expansion of those ideas. I found it useful, but not necessary to have those reference points.
You can order it at www.acresusa.com
I have no connnections to Mark or Acresusa, but I do like Mark's style and I hope to visit New Forest Farm one day.
What a great example of stability he and his wife have created -- thanks! for documenting it for those of us interested in moving in that direction.
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