Our Chelsea Green Authors : William Cobbett

William Cobbett

Born in Farnham, England, in 1763, William Cobbett traveled between England and America preaching the virtues of practical self-sufficiency. He was a combative and witty writer who like nothing better than to practice what he preached.

    William's Books

    Cottage Economy

    William Cobbett wrote Cottage Economy, published in 1821, with a twofold aim. First, to promote his personal philosophy of self-sufficiency, which he viewed as the foundation of family happiness. And second, to "instruct country laborers in the arts of brewing beer, making bread, keeping cows, pigs, bees, ewes, poultry, rabbits, and other matters." The book has enjoyed classic status ever since.