Deb, I definitely recommend the Encyclopedia of Country Living as an in-depth resource. But I have found that individual books written by people who are experts on ONE particular aspect of homesteading is much more of a help than one person who is trying to be a "jack-of-all-trades" (like me on my blog!!). Having one or two general homesteading books are nice, but you'll quickly find that if you're raising any animal, those same books won't give you all the information you need.
I recommend starting a small home library (or collection) of books on different aspects of homesteading based on what you are interested in. For example, I have the Storey Guide to Raising Chickens. This book is in-depth and an excellent source if I have a question about chickens. I've purchased the Storey Guide for Dairy Goats as well. I have found all the Storey books to be well written by people who are committed to what they are writing about. If I want to see a book before I buy it, often I'll order it from the library, read some of it and then take it back. If I liked it and feel it is something that I will refer to often, then I purchase it.
What I like about the Backyard Homestead is the fact that it really shows you what you can do in a limited amount of space. Few other homesteading books really address this issue well.
