Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability

by David Holmgren
Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability
book data
62 ratings, 4.08 average rating, 12 reviews (more data...)
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published
December 2002 by Holmgren Design Services

binding
Paperback, 286 pages

isbn
0646418440    (isbn13: 9780646418445)

description
David Holmgren brings into sharper focus the powerful and still evolving Permaculture concept he pioneered with Bill Mollison in the 1970s. It draws t...more




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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 119)

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Red
05/08/09
Red rated it: 3 of 5 stars

This is an excellent book on permaculture theory, as defined by permaculture’s co-creator David Holmgren. However, this is not the title that one should be picking up if they are interested in learning the specifics of sustainable horticultural practice. For that, I would direct you to works authored by the likes of Toby Hemenway and Eric Toensmeier

-Red

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Alice
07/08/08
Alice rated it: 3 of 5 stars

bookshelves: currently-reading
This is a thick, slow read. That's partly because I keep hoping to get to a part that's actually about gardening, and haven't yet. Don't think I will, either.

This book is more about the theory and reasoning behind permaculture, which isn't a bad thing to know. That said, you can probably get the gist of the concept reading one of the more hands-on books while also getting concrete examples of how to permaculture your own space.

I'll eventually plow my way through this one,...more
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Avrel Seale
03/18/08
Avrel Seale rated it: 4 of 5 stars

Read in March, 2008
This is not light reading, and not for those looking for practical advice about what to plant where in the home garden. It is an extremely high-level analysis of everything from agriculture to politics to religious fundamentalism. Holmgren, one of the co-founders of the permaculture movement, also makes extensive use of charts and graphs, for which I'm a sucker. This is written in a textbook style and will require multiple readings to really grasp the depth and breadth of the subject matter. Lov...more
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Chris
05/20/08
Chris rated it: 3 of 5 stars

recommends it for: permaculture fans
Useful and interesting info in here, but hard to read. The writing is dense and often comes across as preachy and polemical. If you're into the permaculture thing then this is worth while, but if you haven't been introduced to those ideas before then this is NOT the place to start - read something a little lighter and more focused, like Gaia's Garden, to begin with and follow it up with this or/and one of the other denser books.
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Laura
01/18/09
Laura rated it: 4 of 5 stars

bookshelves: permaculture
A deeply philosophical book. I enjoyed it, but was also depressed by it.
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Jenn
04/28/08
Jenn rated it: 5 of 5 stars

bookshelves: nature, social-change
Read in May, 2008
recommends it for: humans
Very thorough and readable. Permaculture seems like a cohesive, functional philosophy on how to live in the world, especially post-fossil-fuel. Lots of these ideas are common sense, but how many people really use common sense? This kind of common sense requires being still and watching nature (for a long time)...even if you are doing that, you should read this book. It is very helpful.
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Tom Winkler
04/11/07
Tom Winkler rated it: 5 of 5 stars

bookshelves: sustainability
Read in January, 2007
recommends it for: Everyone!
I was lucky to meet the author of this book and have a number of conversations with him about it. It is completely underecognised. It is a revolutionary dedication to the philosphies of Permaculture. A very important message about sustainability, systems ecology and an empowering vision towards our inevitable 'energy descent' future. The nature of the subject makes it a heavy going read.
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Martinxo
10/13/08
Martinxo rated it: 4 of 5 stars

Read in February, 2009
recommended to Martinxo by: Rob Hopkins
recommends it for: transition towners
An important book for anyone concerned with sustainability, peak oil and creative ways of living. Permaculture is an important element of the Transition Towns approach and tool kit.

I would have given it five stars if not for the overly dry writing style which turned some chapters into something of trudge.

Still, pretty essential reading.
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Kelda
02/16/08
Kelda rated it: 5 of 5 stars

bookshelves: permaculture
Read in July, 2005
Thank you David! how wonderful that this whole design system isn't just about plants, but about changing ourselves and our communities.
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Crystal
03/04/08
Crystal rated it: 5 of 5 stars

Read in February, 2008
Very good reference for any community activist or home gardner.
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Asa
02/21/08
Asa rated it: 3 of 5 stars

dense read.
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Tom
07/03/09
Tom marked it as to-read

bookshelves: to-read

Elizabeth Hills
06/18/09
Elizabeth Hills marked it as to-read

bookshelves: to-read

Carla
06/16/09
Carla rated it: 4 of 5 stars


Milton
06/16/09
Milton rated it: 4 of 5 stars


Amy
06/16/09
Amy marked it as to-read

bookshelves: to-read

Phaethusa
06/09/09
Phaethusa marked it as to-read

bookshelves: to-read

Ogam
06/08/09
Ogam rated it: 5 of 5 stars


Jenni Halverson
06/08/09
Jenni Halverson marked it as to-read

bookshelves: to-read


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