We make and sell books for learning by doing. Please visit the bookstore for a list of titles… (If you order a book, we’ll send you a gift. Details at the bookstore).
Here's a new oven at The Blue Goat Restaurant, in Amity, Oregon (amitybluegoat.com). Kiko Denzer, oven, Cassie Van Domelen, photo
Our most popular book so far has been Build Your Own Earth Oven, which first came out in 1998 – or was it ’97? Now in a much-improved third edition (for a simpler, more efficient, more useful oven, and better bread), the author and others continue to make new ovens, develop new methods and techniques, as well as answering and asking new questions. Look here for what’s “hot from the oven”.
Our newest publication comes from Argentina (via friend and collaborator Max Edleson). It’s a marvelous DVD that describes and explains both the principles of natural building, as well as a myriad of methods by which to apply them. Watch Mud, Hands, A House — and build your own.
Another recent addition is space for readers and builders to share what they’re doing, whether it’s building ovens, working with kids, or teaching or organizing workshops. The site is a work-in-progress, so let us know what you think and we’ll try to make it better.
Interest in wood-fired ovens, real food, community and school gardens, and earthen building (aka natural building, or cob construction) has been growing far and wide. We claim only as much responsibility as a raindrop claims for the sea. It has been fascinating to participate. Much of what we learn comes to us through readers and other friends, so do keep in touch, whether you have a recipe, a creative project related to any of our titles, or something else of interest.
Publishing involves many crafts. It began, however, not with books or media, but with pictures, paintings, performance, and sculpture – all of which offer ways to address a crowd of other people – to make public – important stories and ideas. Ironically, that root meaning of publish – to make public – has morphed into activities that we increasingly experience as private: reading, watching movies, listening to music – all on “personal devices” that isolate us from each other. So, while the internet can be as private and impersonal as any other medium, we hope to use it in ways that will help to re-unite us all, not just as authors and audiences, but as citizens of the same planet. Your participation make the publishing truly public, and we hope this site can help. Feel free to contact us about bulk discounts, book donations, support for events, and perhaps a life-changing introduction to a neighbor you haven’t met yet. Add comments directly, or send links, photos, and stories. (More on this topic here…)
Thanks for visiting. Happy building, baking, and making to you. If you have questions, you can reach any or all of us through the Contact pages on the menu. We’ll look forward to hearing from you, and welcome your collaboration in this effort.
