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The Encyclopedia of Country Living, 10th Edition
by Carla EmeryNo home is complete without this one-of-a-kind encyclopedia! For more than thirty years, people have relied on the thousands of recipes, detailed how-to instructions, and personal advice provided in this definitive classic. It is the most complete source of step-by-step information about growing, processing, cooking, and preserving homegrown foods from garden, orchard, field, or barnyard. This book is so basic, so thorough, so reliable, that it deserves a place in every home whether country, city, or in between. Carla Emery started writing The Encyclopedia of Country Living in 1969 during the back-to-the-land movement of that time. She continued to add content and refine the information over the years ad the book went from a self-published mimeographed document to a book published by Bantam and then Sasquatch. The 10th Edition reflects the most up-to-date and the most personal version of the book that became Carla Emery's life work. It is the original manual of basic country skills that have proved essential and necessary for people living in the country and the city, and everywhere in between. The practical advice in this exhaustive reference tool includes how to cultivate a garden, buy land, bake bread, raise farm animals, make sausage, can peaches, milk a goat, grow herbs, churn butter, build a chicken coop, catch a pig, cook on a wood stove, and much, much more.
The Encyclopedia of Country Living, 40th Anniversary Edition: The Original Manual for Living off the Land & Doing It Yourself
by Carla EmeryThe essential resource for modern homesteading, growing and preserving foods, and raising chickens, The Encyclopedia of Country Living includes how to cultivate a garden, buy land, bake bread, raise farm animals, make sausage, can peaches, milk a goat, grow herbs, churn butter, build a chicken coop, catch a pig, cook on a wood stove, and much, much more. This comprehensive resource is the most authoritative guide available to a sustainable lifestyle and living off of the land. Carla Emery started writing The Encyclopedia of Country Living in 1969 during the back-to-the-land movement of that time. She continued to add content and refine the information over the years, and the book went from a self-published mimeographed document to a book of 928 pages.This 40th Anniversary Edition reflects the most up-to-date resource information and the most personal version of the book that became Carla Emery's life work. It is the original manual of basic country skills that have proved essential and necessary for people living in the country, the city, and everywhere in between.Carla Emery's The Encyclopedia of Country Living contains 1,000,000 words, 2,000+ recipes, and 1,500+ mail-order sources (for everything she tells you how to do, she also tells you where to get the supplies to do it). This book is so basic, so thorough, so reliable, that it deserves a place in every home.From the Trade Paperback edition.
The Encyclopedia of Country Living, 50th Anniversary Edition: The Original Manual for Living off the Land & Doing It Yourself
by Carla EmeryThis is an update of the #1 best-selling title on the Sasquatch Books list with an incredible backlist rate of sale that shows this book's ability to constantly appeal to new audiences. The Encyclopedia of Country Living is the original manual of basic skills and country wisdom for living on the land--whether it's a farm or homestead, suburb or city. Continually updated since its inception in 1969, the 50th Anniversary Edition is complete with updated resource and contact information. From craft culture to survivalists, preppers, homesteaders, urban farmers, and everyone in between there is a desire for a simpler way of life—a healthier, greener, more self-sustaining and holistic approach to modern life. The knowledge you need to survive and thrive off the grid is at your fingertips in The Encyclopedia of Country Living, the best-selling resource for the homesteading movement. With its origins in the back-to-the-land effort of the late 1960s, Carla Emery&’s landmark book has grown into a comprehensive guide to building your sustainable country escape haven, while lowering your carbon footprint in the process. The 50th anniversary edition offers up-to-date and detailed information on the fundamentals of topics like homegrown food; raising chickens, goats, and pigs; beekeeping; food preservation; mail-order supply sourcing; foraging; and much, much more (even how to deliver a baby)—everything you need to lead a self-sufficient lifestyle in the 21st century. Basic, thorough, and reliable, this book deserves a place in urban and rural homes alike.Table of Contents1 Oddments2 Introduction to Plants3 Grasses, Grains & Canes4 Garden Vegetables5 Herbs & Flavorings6 Tree, Vine, Bush & Bramble7 Food Preservation8 Introduction to Animals9 Poultry10 Goats, Cows & Home Dairying11 Bee, Rabbit, Sheep & Pig12 Appendix
The Encyclopedia of Cut Flowers: What Flowers to Buy, When to Buy Them, and How to Keep Them Alive Longer
by Calvert CraryFrom Calvert Crary and Bruce Littlefield, The Encyclopedia of Cut Flowers is a comprehensive, gorgeously visual guide that answers every question you've ever had (and a few you didn't know to ask!) about buying, caring for, and prolonging the lives of more than 140 different varieties of commonly available cut flowers.The Encyclopedia of Cut Flowers dives deep into the world of fresh-cut flowers, featuring unique entries for 143 different varieties of commonly available cut flowers that readers can buy at their local grocery store or flower market. Each flower entry offers authoritative tips for conditioning methods (eg–cut flowers should never be put near fresh fruit because fruit produces ethylene gas which will shorten the flowers' life), as well as scientific and common names, best seasons for buying (eg—lilies in spring, dahlias in summer) and fascinating facts about each bloom. An introductory section offers basic tips for styling arrangements at home, and for keeping flowers hydrated and alive for as long as possible. By the time readers are done flipping through the pages of The Encyclopedia of Cut Flowers, which features more than 150 gorgeous color photographs of flowers, they'll be experts in the field!
Encyclopedia of Furniture Making
by Alan Peters Ernest JoyceHobbyist and professional will find this book to be a handy reference on woodworking in general and furniture making in particular.
Encyclopedia of Garden Plants for Every Location: Featuring More Than 3,000 Plants
by DKDiscover everything you need to transform your empty plot into a stunning garden oasis with this gardening encyclopedia.This horticultural gem includes more than 2,000 recommendations from gardening experts and features valuable information and advice to expand on your gardening ideas. Planning your garden has never been this easy with this informative planting guide that every gardener needs on their bookshelf. Here&’s what you&’ll find inside: • Includes planting suggestions for over 30 types of sites, from notoriously dry ground by a hedge or fence to cracks in walls or paving • Explains how to assess site and soil, and presents a stunning range of plant partners and planting schemes • Includes a comprehensive range of more than 3,000 plants organized by size and situation • Simple recipes show you how to create beautiful beds, borders and garden designs • A &“Special Effects&” section helps you find plants with fragrant, colorful or architectural properties and offers solutions to common gardening problems and pests, like slugs, rabbits and deer Whether you have a small urban garden or sprawling acres of land, this gardening guide will help you every step of the way to create your garden masterpiece! You&’ll discover a wealth of information on sections like which plants thrive in shady spots or whittle away in bright sunny areas, or &“Special Effects&” themes like Asian or Greek-inspired garden designs.The Encyclopedia of Garden Plants for Every Location is produced in association with the Smithsonian Institution, whose Smithsonian's Gardens creates and manages the Smithsonian's outdoor gardens, interiorscapes, and horticulture-related collections and exhibits.Your dream garden is within reach thanks to this helpful gardening reference book, perfect for gardeners looking to make the most out of their plot.
Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments
by Andrew ChevallierDK brings you an all-encompassing herbal handbook to fulfill your every ache and ailment!Introducing the newly revised Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine, a one-stop healing book with everything you need to know about herbs, featuring a detailed layout of over 550 plants and their medicinal properties, with advice on how to sow, grow, and harvest your very own herb garden!A must-have volume for self-sufficient herbalists, the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine features tons of tips and tricks on planting and propagating a diverse range of herbs with the core focus on improving your health and treating your ailments with a little help from nature!With passion in every page, this handy herbalism book includes:- An informative guide to 100 key herbs and their traditional vs current uses- 450 further plant entries listing their properties and practical remedies for a range of ailments- Stunning photography to complement the broad variety of herbs featured throughout A recent study suggests the average home gardener in the US will spend about 5 hours a week in a garden. However, the ever-growing pressure of balancing family life with a career makes way for an array of ailments, including stress and anxiety, not to mention a lot of today&’s green-fingered gardeners simply lack time for growing herbs! We believe it&’s time to change that!Dive deep into the pages of this handy herb book, and discover easy-to-follow guides to growing a plethora of plants and herbs that will change your life for the better! The ideal gift for the green-fingered gardener in your life with a niche for natural remedies, or those who prefer complementary therapies over conventional medicines. This easy reference book is well-suited to herbal medicine practitioners and students alike.From researching how medicinal plants work, to making your own herbal remedies and nurturing natural skincare, from aloe vera to avocado, this one-stop herbal handbook has it all and will leave you with a wellbeing garden to be proud of.Ready, set, let&’s grow!
The Encyclopedia of Herbs: A Comprehensive Reference to Herbs of Flavor and Fragrance
by Thomas DeBaggio Arthur O. TuckerThis meticulously researched compendium provides every aspect of growing, identifying, harvesting, preserving, and using more than 500 species of herbs. Thorough profiles provide a plant's botanical name and family, whether it is an annual or perennial, its height, hardiness, light requirements, water consumption, required soil type, and pH. The often fascinating history of the plant, the chemistry of its essential oils, and its culinary, landscape, and craft uses are also included, as is advice on how to propagate. For the first edition of their work, both authors received The Gertrude B. Foster Award for Excellence in Herbal Literature from the Herb Society of America. This new edition adds important species and includes updated nomenclature.
The Encyclopedia of Herbs & Spices
by P. N. RavindranThe Encyclopedia of Herbs and Spices provides comprehensive coverage of the taxonomy, botany, chemistry, functional properties, medicinal uses, culinary uses and safety issues relating to over 250 species of herbs and spices. These herbs and spices constitute an important agricultural commodity and are indispensable for pharmaceuticals, flavoring foods and beverages, and in the perfumery and cosmetic industries. More recently, they are increasingly being identified as having high nutraceutical potential and important value in human healthcare. An invaluable reference tool, this book: • Presents easily accessible information, including up-to-date nomenclature and taxonomy • Is beautifully illustrated with over 250 figures • Begins with an introductory chapter on the definition, classification, history, and applications of herbs and spices worldwide • Is written by a well-known authority within the field This encyclopedia is an excellent resource for researchers, students, growers and manufacturers, in the fields of horticulture, agriculture, botany, crop sciences, food science and pharmacognosy.
Encyclopedia of Landscape Design: Planning, Building, and Planting Your Perfect Outdoor Space
by DKTransform your outdoor garden into a picturesque Garden of Eden with this comprehensive garden design encyclopedia!The garden you&’ve always wished for is achievable with this practical gardening bible for all your horticultural needs. Whether you are new to gardening or a seasoned expert, this design book filled with beautiful illustrations and guides will bring all your design ideas to life.From planning to planting, find all the gardening ideas and advice you need to redesign and revamp your garden. Here&’s what you&’ll find inside: • Explains every stage of the design process, from assessing the space to drawing up detailed plans • Showcases a wide range of landscape styles, identifying key elements needed to create the look • Includes a quick-reference visual directory of plants and materials • 32 new pages added, featuring 16 insightful case studies of RHS gold medal-winning landscapes, each analyzed through stunning photographs This landscape design encyclopedia is packed with vital information needed to achieve a healthy, thriving garden. It has valuable advice to guide you from the initial stages of preparation such as choosing the correct materials for your structures and assessing your drainage, to laying patios, making ponds and planting perennials. Discover a magnitude of inspirational portfolios including modernist, sustainable, Japanese, urban, family and cottage gardens to recreate your garden into a modern horticultural masterpiece. Understand the unique features of each garden style, create your own plan and marvel at case studies showcasing the gold standard of each garden type.This stunning landscaping book comes with a visual dictionary and coverage of all the latest gardening trends, and effortlessly combines style with substance to guide you along the way as you plan and plant your perfect outdoor space. It&’s perfect for beginner gardeners and those looking for a bit of inspiration.
Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers
by Christopher BrickellFind new gardening inspiration with this compelling updated encyclopedia for all gardening enthusiasts!Achieve that beautiful garden oasis you&’ve always dreamed of, and find endless inspiration and guidance for your garden to thrive with this gardening guide! This fully comprehensive yet easy-to-use informative planting guide is what every gardener needs on their bookshelf. Here&’s what you&’ll find inside: • A photographic catalog of 4,000 plants and flowers grouped by type, size, then color, allowing readers to browse and find the best plants for their garden • A detailed &“Plant Dictionary&” describes more than 8,000 species and varieties, and their ideal growing conditions • In the Introduction, a &“Plant Selector&” section lists ideal plants for particular growing conditions, like coastal areas, shady spots and different soil types • Fully updated text from garden plant specialists, with more than 1,380 new plants added, including the latest and most popular cultivars Discover perennials, bulbs, shrubs, trees, succulents and ornamental shrubs, all showcased in beautiful, full-color photography to help elevate your garden to the next level. Use the extensive plant dictionary to look up more than 8,000 plant varieties and the best growing conditions.Written by a team of more than 15 top horticultural specialists under the guidance of internationally renowned gardener and botanist Christopher Brickell, this gardening encyclopedia appeals to all levels of gardeners and continually inspires with achievable garden ideas.This informative yet inspirational book about gardening will appeal to beginners or more experienced gardeners interested in the latest cultivars and horticultural advice.
The Encyclopedia of Spices & Herbs: An Essential Guide to the Flavors of the World
by Padma Lakshmi Judith SuttonFrom the Emmy-nominated host of the award-winning Top Chef, an A-to-Z compendium of spices, herbs, salts, peppers, and blends, with beautiful photography and a wealth of explanation, history, and cooking advice.“A beautiful book by Padma Lakshmi featuring an extensive catalogue and helpful recommendations on how best to use these ingredients to create full-flavored dishes. A great resource for any chef or home cook.” -- Eric RipertAward-winning cookbook author and television host Padma Lakshmi, inspired by her life of traveling across the globe, brings together the world’s spices and herbs in a vibrant, comprehensive alphabetical guide. This definitive culinary reference book is illustrated with rich color photographs that capture the essence of a diverse range of spices and their authentic flavors. The Encyclopedia of Spices and Herbs includes complete descriptions, histories, and cooking suggestions for ingredients from basic herbs to the most exotic seeds and chilies, as well as information on toasting spices, making teas, and infusing various oils and vinegars. And no other market epitomizes Padma’s love for spices and global cuisine than where she spent her childhood—lingering in the aisles of the iconic gourmet food store Kalustyan’s, in New York City.Perfect for the holiday season and essential to any well-stocked kitchen or cooking enthusiast, The Encyclopedia of Spices and Herbs is an invaluable resource as well as a stunning and adventurous tour of some of the most wondrous and majestic flavors on earth.
The Encyclopedia of Wood
by AgricultureTimber is one of our most precious, versatile, and vulnerable resources, so using it effectively is important. Knowing your material inside and out is the first step to doing just that. Read about the structure of wood itself, from growth rings to its chemical composition. Learn wood's physical and mechanical properties, including everything from elasticity to nuclear radiation. This extensive manual includes a section on stress grading as well as thorough descriptions of which fasteners to use and when. It has information on adhesive bonding, biodeterioration, control of moisture content, preservation, fire safety, specialty treatments, and much more. The Encyclopedia of Wood is an essential resource for builders, architects, engineers, and woodworkers.
Energetisch Sanieren für Dummies (Für Dummies)
by Katharina RiedererMachen Sie Ihr Haus zukunftsfit – nachhaltig und energiesparend Wenn Sie Ihr Haus energetisch sanieren möchten, dann liegen Sie mit diesem Buch goldrichtig. Die Autorin begleitet Sie zunächst bei der systematischen Bestandsaufnahme Ihres Hauses. Dabei erhalten Sie wertvolle Informationen und Entscheidungshilfen, die Sie dabei unterstützen, Ihre Sanierungsmaßnahmen zu planen. Sie bekommen Hintergrundinfos und Ausführungstipps zu den einzelnen Maßnahmen, wie beispielsweise zur Sanierung der Gebäudehülle (Stichwort: Dämmung) oder zu technischen Lösungen wie Heizung, Photovoltaik und Co. Damit können Sie Ihr Haus Schritt für Schritt klimafit machen. Sie erfahren Was es mit Energieeffizienz auf sich hat Welche Maßnahmen nötig und welche möglich sind Wie Sie Sonnenenergie nutzen, Heizung, Kühlung und Lüftung planen Wie Sie Ihr Projekt angehen, Vorschriften einhalten und Förderungen erhalten
Energía Renovable: Algunos aspectos de las energías renovables (Cómo hacer... #85)
by Owen JonesEnergía Renovable Algunos aspectos de las energías renovables Espero que la información le resulte útil, precisa y rentable. La información de este libro electrónico sobre cómo implementar una estrategia de energía sostenible en el hogar está organizada en 19 capítulos de aproximadamente 500 a 600 palabras cada uno. Espero que sea de interés para aquellos que quieran hacer algo para crear su propia energía para uso doméstico. Como beneficio adicional, le otorgo permiso para usar el contenido en su propio sitio web o en sus propios blogs y boletines, aunque es mejor si los reescribe primero con sus propias palabras. También puede dividir el libro y revender los artículos. De hecho, el único derecho que no tiene es revender o regalar el libro tal como se le entregó.
Energia Renovável: Você também pode fazer a diferença! (Como faz... #85)
by Owen JonesEnergia Renovável Você também pode fazer a diferença! Espero que ache as informações úteis, convenientes e rentáveis. As informações contidas nesse ebook sobre como implementar uma estratégia para ter energia solar em casa estão organizadas em 19 capítulos de aproximadamente 500-600 palavras cada. Espero que interesse a todos aqueles que gostariam de fazer algo relacionado a criação de energia própria para suas residências. Como bônus incluído, estou concedendo permissão para que use o conteúdo em seu site ou em blogs e newsletter, embora seria melhor que reescrevesse o conteúdo com suas próprias palavras. Você também pode dividir o livro e revender os artigos. Na verdade, o único direito que você não possui é revender ou doar o livro na forma em que o mesmo está sendo entregue a você.
Énergies renouvelables: Aidez à sauver la race humaine! (Comment faire... #85)
by Owen JonesÉnergies renouvelables Aidez à sauver la race humaine! J’espère que vous trouverez ces informations utiles et qu’elles vous permettront de faire des économies. Ce livre numérique aborde la façon de mettre en œuvre une stratégie énergétique durable chez soi. Les informations y sont organisées en 19 chapitres d’environ 500 à 600 mots chacun. J’espère qu’il intéressera ceux qui souhaitent agir en produisant eux-mêmes leur énergie domestique. En prime, je vous donne la permission d’utiliser le contenu de ce livre sur votre site internet, pour vos blogs ou vos bulletins d’information. Il est toutefois préférable que vous les réécriviez d’abord avec vos propres mots. Vous pouvez également sélectionner des articles et les revendre. En revanche, il est interdit de revendre ou de donner le livre tel qu’il vous a été livré.
Energy
by Jon Clift Amanda Cuthbert100 energy saving tips for everything in your home or business. Did you know . . . bull; Heating and cooling account for about 56% of the energy use in a typical home bull; Energy-efficient light bulbs last about 12 times longer than ordinary bulbs, and consume about 1/5 of the energy bull; If we all turned off our TVs and other gadgets that are kept on stand-by, we could shut down a couple of power stations in the United States, with huge reductions in CO2 emissions bull; Our energy use is projected to increase 17% from 1995-2015 bull; Our homes produce even more CO2 emissions than our cars This book gives you 100 energy-saving tips for the home-from simple things like switching off unnecessary lights and having a shower instead of a bath, to more drastic measures such as installing a condensing boiler. If each one of us acts on just a few of these suggestions, we can save money-and help slow down climate change.
Energy: 100 Energy-saving Tips for the Home
by Jon Clift Amanda Cuthbert100 energy saving tips for everything in your home or business. Includes suggestions on heating and cooling, lighting, cooking, appliances and much more. Also provides an overview on renewable energy options.
Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies
by Rik DeguntherHands-on, practical solutions to save money by making smart energy changesOne of the best and most affordable strategies people can employ to combat global warming is to improve the energy and water efficiency of their homes. Energy Efficient Homes For Dummies provides homeowners with advice, tips, and projects to reduce costs, increase energy efficiency, and cut down on waste and pollution. After performing a do-it-yourself home energy audit, readers create an action plan based on their personal goals. Readers are presented with a wide range of potential solutions, from making better use of blinds and awnings to exploring geothermal options in order to reduce household costs and their impact on the planet.Rik DeGunther (Rescue, CA) is the founder of Efficient Homes, an energy consulting firm that focuses on home energy audits and the design of efficient heating and cooling systems.
Energy-Wise Landscape Design
by Sue ReedResidential consumption represents nearly one quarter of North America's total energy use and the average homeowner spends thousands of dollars a year on power bills. To help alleviate this problem, Energy-Wise Landscape Design presents hundreds of practical ways everyone can save money, time, and effort while making their landscapes more environmentally healthy, ecologically rich, and energy efficient.Combining general guidelines with tips, techniques, and actions, this fully illustrated guide explains the many opportunities our landscapes provide for conserving energy. Readers will learn how to: Lower a home's heating and cooling costs Minimize fuel used in landscape construction, maintenance, and everyday use Choose landscape products and materials with lower embedded energy costs Make a positive difference without a major investment or change in lifestyle Intended for homeowners, gardeners, landscape professionals, and students, the design ideas in this book will work in every type of setting--large or small, hilly or flat, urban or rural. Written in non-scientific language with clear explanations and an easy conversational style, Energy-Wise Landscape Design is an essential resource for everyone who wants to shrink their energy footprint while enhancing their property and adding value to their home.Sue Reed is a registered landscape architect and a specialist in ecological landscape design who has helped hundreds of homeowners create comfortable, livable, and beautiful landscapes that save energy. She is also an experienced writer and teacher whose work specifically focuses on environmentally sound, energy-efficient, and sustainable landscape design.
EnerPHit: A Step by Step Guide to Low Energy Retrofit
by James TraynorIn order to meet UK Carbon reduction commitments for 2020 and 2050 building owners will be required to upgrade their buildings to meet an increasingly stringent set of energy performance requirements. In the absence of any clear advice from UK Government on how this can be achieved, the EnerPHit standard offers a very clear methodology. This is a practical guide that gives architects the tools to retrofit buildings to the highest EnerPHit standard. It equips the reader with the key information on EnerPHit (as the most effective benchmark for performance), the practical know-how and tips to ensure effective retrofit throughout all Plan of Work stages of a project to the EnerPHit standard. Backed with real-life case studies, it enables you to understand how to achieve successful outcomes tailored to suit available budgets and programmes.
Engaging Children and Young People in Planning: A Handbook for Transformative Practice (ISSN)
by Teresa StrachanEngaging Children and Young People in Planning places planners’ skills for engagement with children and young people centre stage by discussing several projects delivered or supported by planning students to young people in the Northeast of England. Urban or town and country planning is a largely unfamiliar concept to children and young people. Moreover, in England, the environment in which young people live, play and go to school is shaped by a local planning process which lacks their input. This book explores the nature of the gap between that planning process and the voice of the younger members of the community, as well as the barriers that impede this engagement. It highlights why an engagement process is beneficial for those young people, for the wider community and for the planning process itself. At a time when our relationship with and impact on, the environment is being re-examined, this book challenges the planning professional to identify, develop and reflect upon the engagement skills that will help to transform planning into a more inclusive practice. It will be of use to scholars and practitioners in urban planning, community planning, engagement and children’s rights, whilst supporting their academic and professional development pathways.
Engendering Cities: Designing Sustainable Urban Spaces for All
by Inés Sánchez de MadariagaEngendering Cities examines the contemporary research, policy, and practice of designing for gender in urban spaces. Gender matters in city design, yet despite legislative mandates across the globe to provide equal access to services for men and women alike, these issues are still often overlooked or inadequately addressed. This book looks at critical aspects of contemporary cities regarding gender, including topics such as transport, housing, public health, education, caring, infrastructure, as well as issues which are rarely addressed in planning, design, and policy, such as the importance of toilets for education and clothes washers for freeing-up time. In the first section, a number of chapters in the book assess past, current, and projected conditions in cities vis-à-vis gender issues and needs. In the second section, the book assesses existing policy, planning, and design efforts to improve women’s and men’s concerns in urban living. Finally, the book proposes changes to existing policies and practices in urban planning and design, including its thinking (theory) and norms (ethics). The book applies the current scholarship on theory and practice related to gender in a planning context, elaborating on some critical community-focused reflections on gender and design. It will be key reading for scholars and students of planning, architecture, design, gender studies, sociology, anthropology, geography, and political science. It will also be of interest to practitioners and policy makers, providing discussion of emerging topics in the field.
Engineering for Cats: Better the Life of Your Pet with10 Cat-Approved Projects
by Mac DelaneyThere may be 100 million pet cats in this country, but who says that means they’re domesticated? Sure, they clean themselves, use a litter box, and hunt rodents, but cats are also territorial beasts who think furniture is meant for claw sharpening, and that running water is always better than still. In this inventive, surprisingly funny, and highly entertaining and practical book, Mac Delaney addresses the quirks of cat behavior through the mindset of an aerospace engineer (because that’s what he is!)—and gives us 10 projects that solve the most common sources of friction affecting cats and their doting owners. Take that preference for running water. Because cats don’t trust still water (in the wild, a stagnant pool can harbor disease), they’re often dehydrated and cranky. Here’s how to build not one but two different fountains that will provide fresh, moving water. Or another problem: Cats, diminutive in stature, can feel inferior around humans, causing them to act out in negative ways. The solution: Erect a cat shelf on your wall, giving your pet a prime perch and a height advantage. And that furniture scratching problem? Construct the Cat Cave—it has angled surfaces for optimal scratching, a curved top for ergonomic lounging, a carpeted interior for perfect napping, and an escape route out back for emergency exits. For any cat lover with a modicum of DIY skills, here’s a whole new approach to living happily ever after with your pet(s).