Wealth of Nations

Book Review: Wealth of Nations
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Adam Smith’s masterpiece, Wealth of Nations, was first published in 1776, is the foundation of modern economic thought and remains the single most important account of the rise of, and the principles behind, modern capitalism.

Written in clear and incisive prose, The Wealth of Nations articulates the concepts indispensable to an understanding of contemporary society; and Robert Reich’s new Introduction for this edition both clarifies Smith’s analyses and illuminates his overall relevance to the world in which we live.

As Reich writes, “Smith’s mind ranged over issues as fresh and topical today as they were in the late eighteenth century–jobs, wages, politics, government, trade, education, business, and ethics.”

This is not an easy read, but the concepts are valuable, and while many economic “experts” claim to know this book, their actions do not speak to the concepts found in the wealth of nations.

I do not think education is complete without reading this book at least once.

This book should sit on every self reliance advocates bookshelf, next to the Bible, Blackstone’s law, and 52 Prepper projects.

I’m kidding about the 52 prepper projects.  I think I would put an Audel’s handbook up there instead.  Its pretty useful as a reference.

Beekeeper’s Handbook

Book Review: Beekeeper's Handbook
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It is no secret that I believe that if it is possible then every prepper out to have a beehive or two.

The uses of beeswax, honey, and propolis are almost endless, a hive produces items used for food, alcohol, medicine, light, and craft purposes.

My only concern with beekeeping is that there is a lot to learn.

The book Beekeeper’s Handbook helps with that, it is very accessible, has good illustrations, and has information for the new as well as the experienced beekeeper.

I use this book a lot in my attempts to keep bees, I will admit that while I enjoy watching the bees fly in and out of my hives, I really don’t enjoy beekeeping as much as I enjoy using the products of the hive.

I only bee keep for the preparedness and self-reliance aspects – its not a hobby or a profession with me.  So I welcome any help I can get.  Especially when the manuals I use give me what I need in a very concise manner without a lot of fluff.

I hope that the beekeeper’s handbook is useful to you, as I think it is a pretty good book.

The Basic Butchering of Livestock and Game

Book Review: The Basic Butchering of Livestock and Game
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Basic Butchering of Livestock and Game is a book you need to have if you are going to try to become self reliant.

The ability to process your own food is vital. I find that of all the food skills, butchering is one that is often overlooked.

It seems simple to cut up a large chunk of meat into smaller pieces, but this in an area of endeavor that the more you know the easier the process becomes.

I like the Basic Butchering of Livestock and Game because it is practical, has lots of very clear illustrations, and is short enough to to save time, but detailed enough to be of use.

This is one of my favorite butchering books, and as I develop Dual Homestead, I hope I get to use it when I butcher my own meat.

I did get some goats, so I am getting closer to the butchering process.  I even am preparing to get a pig to raise to completion.

I did not do so good a job on my first butchering attempt.  My poor chicken was cut up using a dill knife, so for future attempts I will use the advice in this book and use sharp tools.

Tappan on Survival

Book Review: Tappan on Survival
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Tappan on Survival is one of the greatest books ever written on practical survival is back in print for the next generation of self-reliant citizens!

Mel Tappan was the godfather of the modern preparedness movement, and this classic collection of his writings is an indispensable resource for information on how to develop a survival mind-set, identify the best survival locations, store food, maintain communications, select firearms and much more.

A new foreword by Bruce Clayton, himself an important figure in the preparedness movement after the publication of his book Life After Doomsday in 1980, describes the unique appeal of Tappan’s writings and personality, puts Tappan’s role in the survivalist movement in historical perspective and explains why his work is still highly relevant today.

Some of this material is dated, but some things never change – food,water,shelter, and security are just as important now as when Tappan wrote this survival manual.  I feel it is important to learn from the classics as well as the modern preparedness books if you want to be well rounded.

There is a reason this book is back in print – and that is because Tappan on Survival is worth the time to read.