How to Do Things by William Campbell, Brian Barth

How to Do Things by William Campbell (Editor), Brian Barth (Foreword) ISBN-13: 9781452171678 Hardcover: 272 pages Publisher: Chronicle Books Released: April , 2019

Source: ebook review copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

Book Description, Modified from Goodreads:
For anyone who wants to learn how to catch a runaway pig, mend a fence post, milk a cow, or throw an unforgettable barn party, this engaging volume delivers timeless advice on accomplishing tasks big and small around the house, garden, and farm. Featuring original text and illustrations from the 1919 first edition, this 100th-anniversary volume presents a new generation of readers with expert guidance on every facet of homesteading in a very handsomely crafted package. With projects that range from practical (ridding a yard of poison ivy) to downright bemusing (organizing a potato peeling contest), this delightful book is equal parts useful and entertaining. An ode to self-reliance brimming with wit, wisdom, and nostalgia, this is a must-have for anyone who enjoys doing things with their own two hands.


My Review:
How to Do Things was published in 1919 as a collection of the best articles from The Farm Journal. It's an interesting look at farming at a time when technology was changing things. They talked about a wide variety of topics, like how to best do various farming activities (relating to cattle, pigs, chickens, and horses) and pest control, or the most efficient way to wash dishes or clothing, or how to build an ice house or cellar, or the best layout for a barn or porch, or food recipes and information on canning, carving and preserving meat, or a long list of indoor and outdoor games (which usually only used common objects). It's an interesting read for those curious about how things used to be and, in some cases, useful advice on how to do things even now.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.