The Foxfire books are a famous collection of stories about living in old Appalachia, in self-sufficient communities that took care of their needs locally. These stories provide a wonderful link between the practical experience of self-sufficient living of the past and our desire for the same in the present. Here is the world of our grandparents and great-parents, in which DIY was less a believe and more a necessary way of life. These are classic books, great if you're interested in cultural history or DIY as it actually existed, nested in a community. In the Foxfire books, practical tips for self-sufficiency are mingled with a living philosophy of community support and shared work.
The Table of Contents for book 2:
Maude Shope
Sourwood Honey
Beekeeping
Spring Wild Plant Foods
Happy Dowdle
Making an Ox Yoke
Wagon Wheels and Wagons
Making a Tub Wheel
Making a Foot-Powered Lathe
From Raising Sheep to Weaving Cloth
How to Wash Clothes in an Iron Pot
Anna Howard
Midwives and Granny Women
Old-time Burials
Boogers, Witches, and Haints
Corn Shuckin's, House Raisin's, Quiltin's, Pea Thrashin's, Singin's, Log Rooli's, Candy Pullin's, and...
Kenny Runion