book review: a very small farm by william paul winchester

November 16, 2018

I recently finished a great little book called “A Very Small Farm” by William Paul Winchester. Originally published in 1996, it is an account of his experience building a life of his choosing, self-sufficient and close to the land. Born in 1957, he imagined and planned the house he would build for himself ever since high school. Learning everything he needed to know from books, along with enlisting some help when needed, he constructed a 24′ x 30′ house for himself in Oklahoma.

a very small farm by william paul winchester


He developed an extensive garden and keeps chickens, beehives, and a dairy cow on his 20 acres to support himself. To supplement that, he also does odd jobs for neighbors.

While I really enjoyed reading about his gardening endeavors and the details he provides on his experiences with weather, seed saving, pest control, hand grinding grain into flour, and such, what I found most engaging were his reflections on his chosen life.

a very small farm by william paul winchester


Mr. Winchester came to develop a deep appreciation for the simplicity that resulted from his life choices:

“In the summer months I never walk alone in the pasture-always with barn swallows flashing past, circling and flashing past again, catching whatever I scare up, insects too small for me to see. The swifts and swallows, flycatchers and nightjars are so much on the wing I associate them with the sky in the same way I do clouds and stars.”

“It was the farm itself that turned out to be the best company-a full schedule of work, a Jersey cow scuffling along at my heels, the sun and warm wind.”

a very small farm by william paul winchester


“As many as seven months have gone by without my going to a grocery store. Except for the obvious-items like spices, baking soda, olive oil-everything comes from the farm.”

Regarding a query about his annual income from a poll during an election year, he was stumped. “There was no place on his questionnaire for my embarrassment of riches, only for a dollar figure placing me somewhat near the poverty level. According to his statistics I was and remain poor.”

a very small farm by william paul winchester

I got lost in Mr. Winchester’s world while reading this book and briefly entertained thoughts of following his path into self-sufficiency. I just can’t see that happening for myself. Maybe I can get a wee bit closer to it, though.


6 Comments

  • Reply John Hric November 16, 2018 at 10:37 am

    So it can be done ! And he writes about it. Makes me wonder which is more work. A wee bit closer is alright too. Thanks

    • Reply Angela (the woodland gardener) November 16, 2018 at 7:25 pm

      Yes indeed, it can be done. I think right now I will just be happy if l learn how to do canning and other food preservation techniques….that is what 2019 is for 🙂

  • Reply Don Rexer December 2, 2019 at 1:03 am

    I am just re-reading the book. I picked it us several years ago and uncovered it yesterday. It encourages me to try again to grow the three sisters garden my grandkids helped me plant a couple of years ago.

    • Reply Angela (the woodland gardener) December 2, 2019 at 9:00 am

      Such a good little read, isn’t it? Inspires me to become more and more self-sufficient. Best wishes for your garden- keep us posted!

  • Reply tim52160 August 11, 2021 at 10:31 pm

    Wish he would publish an up dated version and put in a layout of the place . I’ve tried to picture it in my mind but cant .My copy of the book bought in the early 90s and doesnt have as,many illustrations

    • Reply Angela (the woodland gardener) August 12, 2021 at 8:10 am

      Yes, I would love to have an update too as it’s been a while since the book was published. I can’t really find too much current information about Mr. Winchester online, although I find many reviews of his great little book. Have you read anything by Harlan Hubbard? I just recently found his books and they are wonderful as well. Kind of in the same vein as Mr. Winchester’s as far as self-sufficiency and simple living. His writing brings me that peaceful feeling like “A Very Small Farm” does. Thanks for reading my review and have a great day!

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