Thousands of years ago the land is one dark forest. Its people are
hunter-gatherers. They know every tree and herb and they know how to
survive in a time of enchantment and powerful magic. Until an ambitious
and malevolent force conjures a demon: a demon so evil that it can be
contained only in the body of a ferocious bear that will slay everything
it sees, a demon determined to destroy the world. Only one boy can stop
it - 12 year old Torak, who has seen his father murdered by the bear.
With his dying breath, Torak's father tells his son of the burden that
is his. He must lead the bear to the mountain of the World Spirit and
beg that spirit's help to overcome it. Torak is an unwilling hero. He
is scared and trusts no one. His only companion is a wolf cub only
three moons old, whom he seems to understand better than any human.
Theirs is a terrifying quest in a world of wolves, tree spirits and
Hidden People, a world in which trusting a friend means risking your
life.
The six essays and one address in this volume outline the great transcendentalist s moral idealism as well as hinting at the later scepticism that colored his thought. In addition to the celebrated title essay, the others included here are "History," "Friendship," "The Over-Soul," "The Poet" and "Experience," plus the well-known and frequently read Harvard Divinity School Address.
Imagine a year without spending or even touching money. Former businessman Mark Boyle did just that and here is his extraordinary story. Going back to basics and following his own strict rules, Mark learned ingenious ways to eliminate his bills and discovered that good friends are all the riches you need. Encountering seasonal foods, solar panels, skill-swapping schemes, cuttlefish toothpaste, compost toilets and - the unthinkable - a cash-free Christmas, Boyle puts the fun into frugality and offers some great tips for economical (and environmentally friendly) living. A testament to Mark's astounding determination, this witty and heart-warming book will make you re-evaluate your relationship to your wallet.
A revised handbook for amateur brewers containing full instructions and 110 detailed recipes to recreate the flavour and quality of beers which are served in the pub - for a fraction of the price. Draught ales, bottled and keg beers, lagers and stouts are included. The recipes are based on information provided by the commercial brewers who produce some of the most famous beers: Youngers Tartan, Carling Black Label, Carlsberg Special Brew, Budweiser, Stella Artois, Lowenbrau, Grolsch, Whitbread Best, Newcastle Amber and Brown Ales and Mackeson. The book has been revised to take account of modern equipment and homebrewing techniques, with recipes adapted for contemporary ingredients and tastes.
Looking for an alternative way of living, Nick Weston left London to live in a treehouse and off the land in a secret location deep in the woods of mid-Sussex for six months. "Wild in the Woods" chronicles this amazing real life Boy's Own adventure - from the original construction of his tree-house - complete with hot shower, compost loo and double bed - to the planting of his vegetable patch. Practical information on every project undertaken, details of his delicious recipes and photographs are displayed throughout. Witness all of Nick's trials and errors and the highs and lows of treehouse. Best of all finishing his day with a glass of home brewed nettle beer and looking forward to the time when the elderflower champagne can be popped open! "Wild in the Woods" is an inspiring tale of how it is entirely possible to unplug from the rat race and live the dream off grid.
A compendium of organic architecture past and present; a how-to book that includes over 1,250 illustrations; and a Whole Earth Catalog - type sourcebook for living in harmony with the earth.
A fascinating guide to homemade shelter presents images and ideas culled from across the globe, including bottle homes in the Nevada desert, tree houses on the South China Sea, Japanese stilt houses, and much, much more. Original.
This book is a description of the fascinating process that would lead through the design of the structure, the detailing, the construction and the fitting out. It is not a technical treatise in any sense, though the basic sketches could be used to build a similar structure. There are many good photos to back up the text, and they give a better sense of scale than the line illustrations. The book is well written with a good deal of wit and logical explanation, by a permie who is obviously in tune with living sustainably and willing to eschew much of the baggage we take for granted, but is still able to live simply and luxuriously.
"Earth-Sheltered Houses" is a practical guide for those who want to build their own underground home at moderate cost. It covers all of the various construction techniques involved including details on planning, excavation, footings, floor, walls, framing, roofing, waterproofing, insulation and drainage. Specific methods appropriate for the inexperienced owner-builder are a particular focus and include: pouring one's own footings and/or floor the use of dry-stacked (surface-bonded) concrete block walls post-and-beam framing plank-and-beam roofing, and drainage methods and self-adhesive waterproofing membranes. The time-tested, easy-to-learn construction techniques described in "Earth-Sheltered Houses" will enable readers to embark upon their own building projects with confidence, backed up by a comprehensive resources section that lists all the latest products such as waterproofing membranes, types of rigid insulation and drainage products that will protect the building against water damage and heat loss.
Everything you need to know about modern-day self-sufficient living from stars of the BBC series – It’s Not Easy Being Green – Dick & James Strawbridge Want to save on your fuel bills, ready to grow your own, reduce your carbon footprint, and take the self-sufficient plunge? Dick and James Strawbridge show how to make the practical changes that will have a big impact on your life – without having to transform your lifestyle. Sharing their experiences, tips and techniques, the Strawbridges provide all the step-by-step advice you need for successful eco projects, large and small. Learn to grow your own fruit & veg, make a wormery, build a chicken ark, install solar panels and more. Each undertaking is realistic, achievable and sustainable. You won’t need to go the whole hog – just pick and mix to suit your needs, for long-lasting dividends.
Discover over 1,000 species of animal, plant and fungi found in Britain From the humming-bird Hawk moth to the False Deathcap Fungi, spot common British animal, plant and fungi species with this pocket-sized guide. In-situ photographs and no nonsense notes will help you identify them in the field quickly and accurately. Maps show you what animals, plants and fungi to find where and species are categorised so you can plan your spotting and make the most of your surroundings, whether you are on a holiday browse or serious quest. An ideal guide for all the family.
