When it was originally published in 2002, Permaculture: Principles and Pathways Beyond Sustainability explained the systems of permaculture in 12 design principles that together with three central ethics provided a foundation for a diversity of ecological solutions that characterise permaculture design, teaching, development and activism.

Fifteen years on the book has been translated into nine languages and has proved to be the seminal text for extending permaculture beyond its agrarian roots.

Principles and Pathways draws together and integrates 25 years of thinking and teaching to show a whole new way of understanding and action behind a simple set of design principles. Relevant to every aspect of how we reorganise our lives, communities and landscapes to creatively adapt to ecological realities which shape human destiny. Essential reading for permaculture designers and accessible to a wide range of critical thinkers.

If you want a clear, deep and passionate guide to how we, as a race, might adapt to the rapidly approaching reality of energy descent in such a way that we not only survive but thrive, you must read this. – Rob Hopkins, the Transition founder

If the Permaculture Principles that David Holmgren discusses in this extremely important book were applied to all that we do, we would be well on the road to sustainability, and beyond. – Professor Stuart B. Hill

For students and teachers of permaculture this book provides something more fundamental and distilled than Mollison’s encyclopedic Designers Manual. For the general reader this book provides refreshing perspectives on a range of environmental issues and shows how permaculture is much more than a system of gardening. For anyone seriously interested in understanding the foundations for sustainable design and culture, this book is essential reading.

Although a book of ideas, the big picture is repeatedly grounded by reference to Holmgren’s own patch, Melliodora, and other practical examples.

175mm wide x 242mm high, 280 pages. Printed in Australia in black and white with illustrations by Joel Meadows.