With frequent warnings about water and energy shortages, or the potential dangers of pesticides and genetically modified foods, many people nurture a dream of living a self-sufficient life. This comprehensive yet easy-to-read addition to the Specialist series explains what it really takes to live off the fat of the land. It answers all the fundamental questions anyone considering a lifestyle change might ask, from the best way to warm your home off the grid to how much time and effort it takes to grow your own food and raise your own animals. Both the most fulfilling aspects and the hard work of self-sufficient living are revealed in full. Packed with informative illustrations and diagrams, this manual offers a wealth of useful advice for prospective small farm owners.