ALCOHOL FUELS Here's the second iri what we hope will be somewhat regular updates on the latest in alcohol fuels literature . ,(The first installment was in June_'s Rain.) Scott Sklar is NCATs (The National Center For Appropriate Technology) Washington, D.C., direc~ tor. .Solar Alco!tol: The Fuel Revolution, by Michael Wells Mandeville, 1979, 127 pp., $8.95 from: Still News Publications P.O. Box353 Port Ludlow, WA 98365 This book includes diagrams along with graphs and a hodge-podge of information on alcohol production, biomass and policy. Although the book js not very specific technically, it is laid out in an easy-to-read, comprehern~ible fashion, with accurate information. The book is an excellent resource for the beginner. Converting Gas and Diesel Engines to Use Alcohol Fuel, compiled by Gregory James, 1980, 5 pp., from: VITA 3706 R.I. Avenpe Mt.,Ranier, MD 20822 This publication is one of many fact sheets that the Volunteers in Technical Assistance, Inc. puts out. The fact sheet briefly covers . gasoline and diesel conversion. Although . • there are slight mistakes, the fact sheet is useful for individuals with littl~ skills in automobile technology (predsely for whom the publica~ion was gearedr. How to Make·Your Own Alcohol Fuels, by Larry W. Carley, 1980, 195 pp., $9.95 from: - Tab Books, Inc. . Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17214 Of all the books I have revie'Yed, Carley's is the most complete and approaches Brown's Motor Alcohol Fuel (1979, Desert Publications) as-the most easy to follow and use. Although the book could use more pictures, the author correctly leads the reader through a basic course on the reasons for ethanol, fermentation, feedstocks, making mash, distillation, basic still designs, planning, manufacturers and supphers, some models you can build, regulations and engine. conversions. In addition, the author includes~ glossary and a list of organizations.yo.u can write for further information. The book is accurate and well written and as of this date is the best book on the market for the alcohol fuels do-it-yourselfer.• Alcohol Distiller's Manual for Gasohol and Spirits, compiled by Roberto De Rasor, 1980, 205 pp., $8.95, from: Dona Carolina Distillers . · P.O. Bo~ 13189 San Antonio, TX 78213 The book outlines the alcohol technology developed in France's golden era during the ' late 1700's and early 1800's. Using the chemical work of Lussac and Payen and the technical work of Derosne and Egrot, proven simple technologies are outlined. Different . • feedstocks and technical designs are discussed -in detail along with relevant tables and glossary. All in all this book is very useful and one of the best reviews of the early technol- .ogy ever compiled. Driving Without Gas, written by John Ware Lincoln, 1980, 150 pp., $5,95 from: Garden Way Publishing 530 Ferry Road _Charlotte, VT 05445 This book is a sequel to Lincoln~s earlier book (published in 1976) Methanol and Other Ways Around the Gas Pump. The book is a political and technical .review of alcohol and transportation technology. Electric cars and • sterling engines are reviewed along with steam and gas turbines. The book is accurate and provides a general overview of th~ technology, the arguments both pro and con, resources for further information and some historical data. Making Your Own Motor Fuel, by Fred Stetson, 1980, 186 pp., $7.95 from: Garden Way Publishing 530 Ferry Road Charlotte; VT 05445 A well-written and -illustrated book. In the first section, the author outlines how to build a 5-galkm still. The pictures are good and the· instructions are fully complete. In Chaptfr"' 3, the author then covers in detail how to build a 55-gallon wood-fired still. Again, the pictures are excellent and the instructions are accurate and easy to follow. Basic moonsnine . history is also covered. In Chapters 5 and 6, two working stills are reviewed. The information about the Zeitheimer ,operation is inaccurate while 'the review of Albert Turner's unit in'Alabama is an excellent review. The automotive chapter is sketchy but accurate and the resource guide on suppliers, consultants, and financing resources is·very complete. ' January 1981 RAIN Page 21 Recipes and 'Excerpts from an ExMoonshiner's Memoirs, by Riymond Wells, 1980, 10 pp., $4.95 from: Ray • P.O~ Box 9265 • . Knoxville, TN 379~0 Wells ~as put together a small brochu~e on how to make a' potstill fired by a wood furnace using barrels and tubin~. The plan is simple and the instructions are easy to follow. This still is a moonshiner's dream. -Scott Sklar GA.RDENING Rodale's Encyclopedia of lndoo_r Garden- . ing, Edited by Anne M. Halpin, 1980, $24.95 from: Rodale Press, Inc. Organic Park Emmaus, PA 18049 from Roda/e's Indoor Gardening This huge book provides thorough and clearly laid-out information on all aspects of organically growing plants in an indoor en~ vironment. :rhough some of the material can be found in other places, there is no other single book which covers quite as much. It is full of advice about exotic plants, as well as edible plants and herbs. There is information about "gardening" under lights, in jars and on trays. The greenhouse section is•particu-- larly good, with guidelines for raising plants in both solar and conventional greenhouses. It's a useful book to have around if you're interested in indoor gardening, but it is expensive. -Kristine Altucher
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