Essential Media about Permaculture Design, for your Research Library

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Thinking in Systems: A Primer
by Donella Meadows
$20, 2008, 240pp.

“Dana Meadows’ exposition in this book exhibits a degree of clarity and simplicity that can only be attained by one who profoundly and honestly understands the subject at hand--in this case systems modeling. Many thanks to Diana Wright for bringing this extra legacy from Dana to us.” —Herman Daly, Professor, School of Public Policy, University of Maryland at College Park

“When I read Thinking in Systems I am reminded of the enormity of the gap between systemic thinkers and policy makers. If this book helps narrow the gap, it will be Dana’s greatest contribution.” —Lester Brown, founder and President, Earth Policy Institute

“Thinking in Systems is required reading for anyone hoping to run a successful company, community, or country. Learning how to think in systems is now part of change-agent literacy. And this is the best book of its kind.” —Hunter Lovins, founder and  President of Natural Capital Solutions and coauthor of Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution

The Holistic Life: Sustainability Through Permaculture
by Ian Lillington, 144pp, 2007, $25

In this timely book, the author sets out the vision for a sustainable planet as well as methods we can all use to get there. The time has now come to get very serious about using alternatives and conserving what we already have, rather than living as if there is an unlimited supply of what we all know to be limited resources. Within this book are simple starting points which, when implemented, will be a small but significant change.

$75, 2004,  480pp, 206 black and white photos, 43 color photos, 145 line diagrams & numerous tables.

Seven years in the making, this is the long awaited study of permaculture specifically for cooler climates. It takes a detailed view of designing sustainable systems both large and small, urban and rural.

This book builds on the extraordinary success of the permaculture concept and global permaculture movement (over the last 25 years), to provide a more cerebral and controversial contribution to the sustainability debate. David Holmgren is an ecological pioneer destined to have a major influence on permaculture's evolution.

"If the 'Permaculture Principles' that David Holmgren discusses in this extremely important book were applied to all that we do, we would be well on the road to sustainability, and beyond." Professor Stuart B Hill (Foundation Chair of the Social Ecology University of Western Sydney)

Are there ways to live within nature's limits while providing a secure future for our children and justice for everyone? We think so. Read this book.

Gaia's Garden 2nd Edition:
A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture
by Toby Hemenway
2001, 238pp, $30

The first book published in the US in a generation to embrace ecological design of the home landscape, Gaia's Garden is a snapshot of Permaculture in America at the turn of the century. Toby Hemenway is a scientist, trained in genetics, who shares with his readers his rapturous enjoyment of the garden.

Basics of Permaculture Design
by Ross Mars, 2005, $25, 170 pages

The Basics of Permaculture Design, first published in Australia in 1996, is an excellent introduction to the principles of permaculture, design processes, and the tools needed for designing sustainable gardens, farms, and larger communities.
Packed with useful tips, clear illustrations, and a wealth of experience, it guides you through designs for gardens, urban and rural properties, water harvesting systems, animal systems, permaculture in small spaces like balconies and patios, farms, schools, and ecovillages. This is both a do-it-yourself guide for the enthusiast and a useful reference for permaculture designers.

Robert Kourik; Foreword by Rosalind Creasy
1986, $49.00, 45 b&w photographs, 204 illustrations, 382 pp 

First published in 1986, this classic is back in print by popular demand. It is the authoritative text on edible landscaping, featuring a step-by-step guide to designing a productive environment using vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs for a combination of ornamental and culinary purposes.

The basic argument for permanent agriculture: how to feed and house yourself in any climate with the least use of land, energy, and repetitive labor. Supersedes Permaculture One and Two

Principios y ejemplos para disenar pueblos, casas, y huertos sostenibles. Traducido de la edicion ingles original, contiene las mismas ilustraciones y listas de plantas y tambien un glosario de palabras que son unicas en la Permacultura.

1988, 576 pp. $105 Global treatment of cultivated ecosystems. Resource for all landscapes and climates. Lucid illustrations by Andrew Jeeves bring Mollison's concepts to life. Essential, in-depth look at earth repair and practical design.

1993. 75 pp. $13   The perfect gift to introduce friends & family to permaculture. Brief, concise, comprehensive, it shows how permaculture works in the city, the country and on the farm. Explores ways in which people can work together to recreate real communities.

Completely revised and expanded, this popular primer tells how to design a garden of any size from balcony bench to country acreage. With chapters on seed saving, Pc at work, integrated pest management, water usage, and design for disaster. The author's experience with women and communities in crisis (Cambodia, Albania, Afghanistan, and Vietnam) ensures a practical approach.

Peer reviewed and years in development, this essential guide supplies an overview, learning objectives, suggested graphics, terms, thorough syllabus content, student activities, resources, and references for 40 subjects from ethics, ecology, climate, and earthworks, through creative problem solving, bioregions and suburban Pc.

A working document for a new theory of architecture, building, and planning which forms the basis for a new traditional post-industrial architecture created by people. It introduces the archetypal language which allows lay person to design for themselves. "Brilliant....Here's how to design or redesign any space you're living or working in--from metropolis to room. Consider what you want to happen in the space, and then page through this book. Its radically conservative observations will spark, enhance, organize your best ideas, and a wondrous home, workplace, town will result"--San Francisco Chronicle

"[This book] is a gift . . . With curiosity, wit, and a spare and graceful style, Krafel notes why birds in flocks land as they do, how islands can move upstream in a river, how kelp forests, swaying gently, break the force of the sea's power, how tundra plants create whole ecosystems on bare rock from mere specks of life. Yet there are no long-winded sermons about the woods, or cute anthropomorphizations of animals.