Green Books – serie

A fascinating manifesto, proposing that the world should be split into smaller regions to distribute power more evenly.Written by one of the most original political thinkers of the 20th century, in The Breakdown of Nations, Leopold Kohr shows that throughout history people living in small states are happier, more peaceful, more creative and more prosperous. He argues that virtually all our political and social problems would be greatly diminished if the world’s major countries were to dissolve back into the small states from which they sprang. Rather than making even larger political unions, in the mistaken belief that this will bring peace and security, we should minimise the aggregation of power by returning to a patchwork of small, relatively powerless states where leaders are accessible to and responsive to the people.Originally published in 1957, this new edition features forewords by Neal Ascherson and Richard Body. The material has been noted for its striking relevance to the current political situation, with globalisation, war, nuclear weapons and the rise of electronic gadgets leading to concern over whether we should re-examine the implications of the size of political groupings, whether they be states, nations or federations.In these turbulent times, recognise the beauty and potential in small political nations with this inspiring read.

A toolkit for effective change, packed with useful information on how to influence the behaviour of human beings for the better. The pressing issues of today clamour for solutions, yet to a surprising degree past and present efforts to effect social change have been based on little more than hunches. This book dispels many of the myths that prevent social change projects from succeeding, and replaces them with the best of what we know from social and motivational psychology and lessons from projects that have worked.Changeology simplifies a vast body of theory and practice into six principles: buzz, hope, enabling environments, sticky solutions, ‘can do’ and the right inviter. These are explained with fascinating real-life stories and a look at the hard evidence, with amusing anecdotes and stories throughout.This fascinating book is relevant to change projects both large and small, and in almost any area of activity but with an emphasis on key topics such as climate change, poverty, obesity, AIDS, tobacco and drug use. Written in an easy, accessible style by change facilitator Les Robinson, it is aimed at a worldwide audience of professionals and individuals who are acting to make change in their corporations, cities and neighbourhoods, as well as in their own lives.

How do you cook heartnuts, hawthorn fruits or hostas? What’s the best way to preserve autumn olives or to dry chestnuts? Forest gardening – a novel way of growing edible crops in different vertical layers – is attracting increasing interest, for gardens large or small. But when it comes to harvest time, how do you make the most of the produce?From bamboo shoots and beech leaves to medlars and mashua, Food from your Forest Garden offers creative and imaginative ways to enjoy the crops from your forest garden. It provides cooking advice and recipe suggestions, with notes on every species in the bestselling Creating a Forest Garden by Martin Crawford. The book includes more than 100 recipes for over 50 different species, presented by season, plus raw food options. It also provides information on the plants’ nutritional value, with advice on harvesting and processing, as well as detailed instructions on preserving methods, from traditional preserves such as jams to ferments and fruit leathers. With beautiful colour photographs of plants and recipes, this book is an invaluable resource for making the most of your forest garden – and an inspiration for anyone thinking of growing and using forest garden crops.

An accessible and comprehensive guide, filled with everything you need to set up your own mini-farm and live more self-sufficiently.With the help of this handy book, you can grow all the fruit and vegetables your family needs, raise animals for meat and eggs, keep fish and bees, and even produce firewood on a plot of land of just one acre or less – all alongside your work and family life.Whether you have a garden, a paddock or perhaps the corner of a field, Sally Morgan guides you through various useful topics, including growing fruit and vegetables throughout the year, producing fish with aquaponics, and keeping livestock – poultry, pigs, sheep and goats. There is also helpful information on how to layout your plot, including fencing, poly tunnels or greenhouses, and tips on managing soil fertility. This updated edition also includes a chapter on coping with extreme weather conditions.Filled with practical advice, Living on One Acre or Less is essential reading for anyone who aspires to take control of their food supply or who wants to do more with the land they've got.

‘Mandatory reading for everyone in our design practice.’ CHARLIE LUXTON‘A deeply fascinating book.’ MARK BRINKLEYDrawing from extensive experience, award-winning architect Jon Broome and design engineer Nick Grant celebrate undervalued ideas that have stood the test of time.The Good Building Book provides provocative and empowering insights, along with critical analysis, to help rethink design and construction.- Guides readers through project development, from single home to larger projects.- Examines performance standards and navigates commercial aspects such as budgets, contracts, and consultants.- Explores strategic design and principles of good details for building elements, weaving together aesthetics, performance, and value in context.- Offers practical principles and design strategies relevant for a rapidly changing world.- Features more than 150 photos and a further 90 diagrams.Whether you’re a designer or contractor, building user or client, student or teacher, this solution-focused book provides a new way of thinking about how we shape the built environment for a sustainable future.