The Encyclopedia of Country Living

I just can't believe this book. Well written, lots of good useful information, and a TERRIBLE printing job. As someone who works in the printing/publishing business, I find this unacceptable. The problem begins with the paper - dull, low-contrast newsprint that makes reading painful. The cheap paper is so fragile that my book was warped when I received it, and it's hard to turn the pages without tearing them. The binding is equally poor quality. If this were a mass-market paperback that you read once and then throw away, it might be forgiveable. But this is a reference book that most readers will want to keep for years - I find it difficult to believe that this book can least even a few weeks under normal use.

It's such a pity to see Ms Emery's fine work ruined by a bad printer. I would have given this book a five-out-of-five star rating if the printing had been at least mediocre, but now I can only give it three stars. I urge the author to visit a good bookstore or library and browse the selection of reference books and see what a GOOD printing job looks like. And after that, I suggest she finds a new printer.


good content, but spoiled by a terrible printing job   August 16, 1999
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Review of "The Encyclopedia of Country Living; An Old Fashioned Recipe Book" by Carla Emery.

I just can't believe this book. Well written, lots of good useful information, and a TERRIBLE printing job. As someone who works in the printing/publishing business, I find this unacceptable. The problem begins with the paper - dull, low-contrast newsprint that makes reading painful. The cheap paper is so fragile that my book was warped when I received it, and it's hard to turn the pages without tearing them. The binding is equally poor quality. If this were a mass-market paperback that you read once and then throw away, it might be forgiveable. But this is a reference book that most readers will want to keep for years - I find it difficult to believe that this book can least even a few weeks under normal use.

It's such a pity to see Ms Emery's fine work ruined by a bad printer. I would have given this book a five-out-of-five star rating if the printing had been at least mediocre, but now I can only give it three stars. I urge the author to visit a good bookstore or library and browse the selection of reference books and see what a GOOD printing job looks like. And after that, I suggest she finds a new printer.


The most amazing story plus real information!   August 11, 1999
 4 out of 6 found this review helpful

I bought one of the first edition from an ad in a goat husbandry magazine nearly 30 years ago. I could just kick myself that I lost track of that book somewhere in the course of many moves. I can't wait to see what this new edition looks like. I'm betting it has the same down to earth advise and information interspersed with the author's personal story and unique outlook on life.


a lovely story very informative   August 8, 1999
 2 out of 4 found this review helpful

i have followed carla for many years.her personal struggles makes me feel so happy for her.she wanted this book so badly,and she achieved success...very inspiring as well as informative.everyone should read this book.it is one you'll always remember.


A must-have guide to preparing food "from scratch"   August 6, 1999
 2 out of 4 found this review helpful

I have owned a copy of the Bantam edition for almost 20 years and consult it at least weekly. The book is incredibly dog-eared and the newsprint pages faded. After reading the reviews here I think I must get myself a copy of the current edition as well!