Permaculture in a Nutshell by Patrick Whitefield

I give this book 8 out of 10 acorns.

This very short book is a perfect gift for those asking you what the hell permaculture is, especially if you are living in the UK. In less than 100 pages it gives you the basics, both theory and practical tips you can instantly use, along with recommendations on getting started, further education and reding, contact points in the UK and useful organization list. I especially like Chapter 7 "Some Questions Answered", it is very useful when talking to those non-permie guys and gals. I wish this book was a bigger nutshell.

9 out of 10 acorns

This is the second book I read about permaculture, and I found it wonderful. Reading this book helped me refocus on some points that the first one had too much shifted in my mind. The first one had been Gaia's garden, that for a newbie was somewhat to mindreshaping. It opened up so many different worlds. So it was nice just to stop a moment and take it slowly. Patrick Whitefield walked me through permaculture essentials for temperate climates in a way that he only could.
The importance of this work, even if it is focused on temperate climates, is undeniable by the fact it has been translated in seven languages. I can't find all the editions, and the languages but I think this is something that should make us think about the importance of some books.
The message this book passes to the readers is strong and the fact so many small and indipendent editors have undertaken the effort to translate it, underlines it's effectiveness. The author has been capable of recalling in a brief work so many points that are directly and clearly explained.
The book in it's italian translation has some inserts on specific aspects for the permaculture movement in Italy, the first is a brief article by John Button on: Why Italy needs permaculture; or one on acorn bread, different little glimpses on different themes. The book arrives to the italian reader with an increased index that just makes it more interesting.
I haven't read the english version but this nonetheless can't stop me form saying that Patrick Whitefield is my preferred author. His nutshell has opened up to the world and now he is everywhere, for sure he will be on my shelf as an inspiration and guide for ever.

I found this brief article on Patrick Whitefield and I thought it interesting to link it here:
http://www.permaculture.co.uk/articles/20-things-you-don%E2%80%99t-know-probably-about-permaculture%E2%80%99s-patrick-whitefield