Published in 1917, Home Pork Making is exactly what the title promises: a complete, illustrated guide for the farm family raising and processing their own pigs. Author A.W. Fulton writes with the steady confidence of a seasoned expert, walking you through the entire process from selecting the right breed of pig to rendering the last bit of lard.

The Story

There's no fictional plot, but the narrative is the process itself. The book opens with advice on building proper pig pens and choosing healthy animals. It then moves, with clear, almost serene detail, through the steps of slaughter, scalding, and scraping the hide. The heart of the book is the 'making'—the careful butchering into cuts, the intricate art of curing hams and bacon with salt and saltpeter, the recipes for sausage and head cheese, and the methods for smoking and storing the final products. Fulton leaves nothing to chance, covering tools, timing, and troubleshooting with the precision of a scientist and the practicality of a farmer.

Why You Should Read It

You should read this not to actually butcher a pig (unless you want to!), but to gain a deep appreciation for a foundational skill that built communities. It connects you to the rhythm of an older America. Fulton’s voice is calm and instructive, never sentimental, which makes the content even more powerful. You realize how much hard-won, hands-on knowledge has been lost to convenience. Reading about the specific angles for cuts or the exact feel of properly cured meat is like listening to a master craftsman. It transforms a simple pork chop from a supermarket commodity into the end result of a profound, year-long partnership between human labor and animal husbandry.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for history buffs, foodies curious about culinary roots, homesteaders, or anyone who enjoys primary source material that shows how people really lived. It’s not a breezy read; it’s a technical manual. But if you have an interest in self-sufficiency, traditional foodways, or Americana, Home Pork Making is an utterly absorbing and uniquely grounding experience. It reminds you where dinner actually comes from.