I only asked for them because I want the Joy of Pickling and Smokey was offering all three together. I will stick to safe canning but I love old books too. I have a 1950 book called "Home Freezing for Everyone" that contains such gems as "Perhaps you're one of those rare, rare women that bought a freezer in a flight of wild enthusiasm and then got cold feet about using it." Thanks a lot Smokey! Melissa

Dave, can you give some examples? Examples of types of recipes? Yeah, what Carol said. If someone has a specific recipe from an old book that they just have to have for some reason then that recipe has to be evaluated on its own merits, not the date of the book. That was my point. Some of the old recipes that aren't in the later editions of the BBB were left out not because they were now unsafe but because they were low-demand/low-interest and room was needed to add new recipes. Some of them are still fine but it takes experience and a good knowledge base of canning guidelines to evaluate them. Someone new to canning would need help doing that and if the post the recipe we can do that. Dave

I also like "Under the Tuscan Sun" but have always had a soft spot for the home in Mary Stewart's "Thornyhold". Maybe not as well known, as some of the other books, but a charming English country home...originally belonging to the squire's agent...long after the 'main house' had fallen down, due to neglect. Set in the 1940's, a young woman inherits the house and makes it her own...and of course, there's a handsome, witty man who lives nearby :) My favorite room in the house is the kitchen, and I did get many ideas for my 'plan' from the story. Other favorite feature are the garden spaces, somewhat overgrown, but still full of herbs and flowers.

what are the books that empower you ? for me, books are entertainment, novels and biographies are just that, imo. Unless it's a biography of someone who has accomplished something special that might inspire me. watching a tv show about someone inspiring, as empowering to me as reading about it. most useful book I've ever read : the Four Agreements, I still refer to it. Simple and basic. Out of all the self help, motivational books I've read, it's the only one that says it all within the confines of a very small book. I've read hundreds of novels, yet I wouldn't want to line my shelves with them or want to be judged on who I am because of them. They mean nothing to me but the fleeting escape I got from immersing myself in them. I do buy books as souvenirs/mementos, I am not a knick knack person at all. Frank Loyd Wright when I stayed at the Biltmore hotel, JP Gaultier book when I saw and loved his exhibit at the museum recently, San Fran Homes book when I did a tour of famous homes in that city, book on Tuscan Homes right after my first stay in Tuscany. Books are easy to stash in a suitcase, do not need to be bubble wrapped. oakley, your book nook is a genius idea, very original.