A reader recently asked for a review of Travis J.I. Corcoran’s massive homesteading guide, Escape the City, and I joked that I’d have to get through the first 5 or 6 pounds. That’s not far from the truth: the two-volume set is over 1,200 pages thick, with each volume measuring 8x10 inches and weighing more than six pounds together. I’m mulling a review of Escape the City, but I have to get through the first 5-6 pounds or so. @theprepared — Josh Centers (@jcenters) July 22, 2021 After some controversial posts got him in trouble, Corcoran left Massachusetts nearly a decade ago and settled on a 56-acre homestead in New Hampshire. When he’s not writing award-winning science-fiction novels or trying to dismantle his neighbor’s illegal barn, he raises sheep and pigs, cuts firewood, brews beer, maintains orchards, builds shelves, grows crops, and does all the other tasks you'd expect from a full-time homesteader. When the pandemic pushed many people out of cities and into the countryside, Corcoran decided to compile his years of homesteading experience into a book—eventually resulting in two massive volumes. I’ve wanted to review Escape the City since backing it as a Kickstarter project. The problem? How do you even begin to review something this big? The table of contents alone is over 35 pages long, and the introduction actually gives tips on how to read the pair. Truth is, these books cover just about everything. From adjusting to rural life, building infrastructure, raising animals, maintaining vehicles, woodworking, blacksmithing, and more. It's an exhaustive guide to self-sufficiency, written by someone who has lived it. More: Pandemic panic in the city? A country boy on what to expect from rural life Summary: More: See Escape the City and other great titles in our updated guide to the best survival and prepper books Escape the City belongs to a long line of books I call “homestead encyclopedias.†These are comprehensive guides aimed at teaching everything you need to know about running a homestead. Other notable entries include John Seymour’s The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It, Back to Basics, and Carla Emery’s The Encyclopedia of Country Living. These books fall into two categories: single-author guides and anthologies. I prefer the former because they tend to be more consistent and grounded in real experience. Corcoran, for example, writes from a place of practicality and no-nonsense advice, which sets him apart from many idealistic homesteading authors. He’s not shy about his reliance on diesel, gasoline, and glyphosate. In one essay, he even calls Roundup “next to Godliness,†a stark contrast to the organic-focused approach of many others in the genre. Corcoran also doesn’t hold back when it comes to criticizing others in the field. He’s particularly harsh on John Seymour, calling his article on starting a small homestead “a theoretical castle in the air†built on wishful thinking rather than real-world experience. You won’t find hippie ideals here. Corcoran is brutally honest about the realities of homesteading, including the risks of home distilling or preparing for TEOTWAWKI without proper financial planning. With such a massive book, the layout matters. There are three editions: paperback, hardcover, and Kindle. I opted for the paperbacks, which feel like oversized phonebooks. They’re heavy, but easy to flip through. Hardcovers might be too unwieldy, and the digital versions are too large for my devices. Despite the size, the structure is logical. It’s organized like a wiki, with sections and subsections that make navigation easier. The table of contents is long (over 35 pages), but it’s well-organized. The index is also thorough, though computer-generated and occasionally quirky. Some sections are missing or brief, like raising meat rabbits, while others are exhaustively detailed, like animal slaughter and butchering. Overall, it’s a strong reference for anyone serious about homesteading. One standout feature is the inclusion of QR codes linking to external resources. While not perfect, it’s a modern touch that adds value. Escape the City isn’t perfect. Some topics are underdeveloped, and others are missing entirely. But for the most part, it delivers on its promise of being a comprehensive guide to homesteading. It’s especially strong on mechanics, like tractor use, chainsaw maintenance, and workshop organization. If you're looking for a go-to guide on these subjects, this book may be all you need. There are also sections on economics, gardening, and traditional skills like blacksmithing and scything. While not every topic is covered in depth, the book provides a solid foundation for anyone interested in moving toward self-sufficiency. That said, if you're leaning toward organic methods or have a smaller plot, you might want to start with another book like The Encyclopedia of Country Living. But for those ready to dive into the gritty, mechanical side of homesteading, Escape the City is a must-have. If you're interested in homesteading or DIY, this book definitely belongs on your shelf. Especially if you're considering a move later in life, as Corcoran did at 42. But is it the only book you need? Maybe, if you live in a similar environment and follow his methods. Otherwise, you’ll likely want to supplement it with other guides. And is it the first book you should buy? If you're into organic or small-scale living, you might be better off starting with something like The Encyclopedia of Country Living or The Resilient Farm and Homestead. My main concern is preparedness. While Corcoran’s methods are efficient, they rely heavily on technology and supply chains. What happens if those break down? That’s something to consider before fully committing to his approach. Still, if you're looking for a comprehensive, no-nonsense guide to homesteading, Escape the City is one of the best options available. Whether you're just starting out or already on the path, it's a valuable resource that can help you build a more self-reliant lifestyle. Sofa Sets,sofa set for living room,recliner sofa set,leather sofa set Guangzhou LoPhiDa Co.Ltd , https://www.gzwidinlsa.com
Where Escape the City fits in the genre of homestead encyclopedias
The layout of the book
The actual content
Is Escape the City for you?