2 stars (good gift) - I bought this for myself, but would not do again. A much to large tome, very confusing at times and boring. Maybe for a serious farmer it MIGHT be interesting, but for the average consumer it is to dry and boring. I find myself using it as a reference on a rare occasion for some recipe related item, but mostly collecting dust. Might be donated to the local public book source soon, not worth the shelf space in my opinion. Spend your precious cash elsewhere. 5 stars (Country life) - Great information for anyone wanting to get back to the basics, Carla has mastered the country life, mixed with family, experience and farmlife passion. 5 stars (Something for everyone) - Ignore the title....this is a must-have for every home. Ms. Emery doesn't just tell you how to live off the land or live simply. She gives cooking/canning info, gardening advice, how to select-care-for-butcher livestock, care for the sick, housekeeping advice, even how to deliver a baby. This book has useful advice for every homemaker as well as "doomers" who want to prep for complete self-sufficiency and people who want to go back to a simpler lifestyle. ... Sasquatch Books :: Reference :: Home economics :: Handbooks :: manuals :: etc :: Gardening&Plants :: Gardening :: Cooking & Wine :: Carla Emery :: :: The Encyclopedia of Country Living- An Old Fashioned Recipe Book