A Living from the Land

"A Living from the Land" by William Budington Duryee is a handbook for those dreaming of swapping city life for a rural homestead in the early 1900s. It speaks to the growing number of families leaving cities in search of a connection to nature. Filled with advice for beginners, it prepares them with what they need to know to make that dream a reality. The tone is one of practical optimism, assuring readers that with the right knowledge, a rewarding life is within reach. Early on, the writing reflects on the importance of farming in America's story, highlighting the need to go back to the land to find economic stability, suggesting that those who seek a quieter existance can take it. The initial considerations for moving to the country are highlighted: where to find the right piece of land, how to understand the soil beneath their feet, and installing living necessities.