Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started for free
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers summary
The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers summary
Josh Kilmer-Purcell
Brief summary
The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers is a humorous memoir by Josh Kilmer-Purcell. It chronicles his and his partner's journey from city life to owning a historic farm, filled with quirky animals and eccentric neighbors.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers
Summary of key ideas
The Beginnings of a New Life
In The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers, written by Josh Kilmer-Purcell, we are introduced to the author and his partner, Dr. Brent Ridge, who decide to leave their fast-paced lives in New York City and purchase a historic farm in Sharon Springs, New York. The farm, known as Beekman 1802, comes complete with a mansion and a herd of goats. The couple, with no prior farming experience, embark on a new life as gentlemen farmers.
The book takes us through the initial challenges the couple faces. From the dilapidated state of the farm to the steep learning curve of animal husbandry, Josh and Brent are faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. They have to learn to milk goats, make cheese, and tend to the farm's other animals, all while trying to turn a profit to stave off foreclosure. However, their determination and love for their new lifestyle keep them going.
The Trials and Tribulations of Farm Life
As The Bucolic Plague progresses, we witness the couple's struggles and triumphs. They encounter all the challenges one might expect in a rural setting, such as power outages, broken equipment, and unpredictable weather. They also face the harsh realities of farm life, including the loss of beloved animals and the financial strain of keeping the farm afloat. Despite the difficulties, their bond grows stronger, and they find joy in the simple pleasures of their bucolic existence.
One of the most significant challenges the couple faces is the economic downturn in 2008. Brent loses his job, leaving the couple with no choice but to rely on the farm for their livelihood. This unexpected turn of events forces them to be even more resourceful and creative in their farming endeavors. They diversify their products, such as soaps, cheeses, and other artisanal goods, and launch the Beekman 1802 brand, which eventually becomes a success.
Embracing the Community and Embracing Change
Throughout The Bucolic Plague, Kilmer-Purcell highlights the importance of community. The couple finds themselves welcomed by the tight-knit community of Sharon Springs, and they, in turn, actively participate in local events and support other small businesses. They also host various events at their farm, such as the annual Harvest Festival, which not only boosts their income but also creates a sense of camaraderie among the community.
As years go by, the couple's relationship with the farm and their rural life deepens. They embrace the slower pace of life, the beauty of nature, and the satisfaction of providing for themselves. They also come to appreciate the farm's historic significance and strive to preserve its heritage. Yet they remain open to change, continuously adapting their business model and expanding their brand, while still staying true to their original vision.
Conclusion: The Journey Continues
In conclusion, The Bucolic Plague is a heartwarming and often humorous account of two city dwellers' transformation into accomplished farmers. Kilmer-Purcell's engaging narrative takes us on a journey filled with unexpected challenges, personal growth, and the power of resilience. Through their experiences, we learn that even the most daunting of changes can lead to a fulfilling and authentic life, and that sometimes, the most unlikely paths can lead to the most meaningful destinations.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers about?
The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers is a memoir by Josh Kilmer-Purcell that chronicles his and his partner's (Dr. Brent Ridge) journey from city life to owning a farm in upstate New York. Filled with humor and heart, the book explores their trials and triumphs as they navigate the challenges of rural living and pursue their dream of creating a sustainable lifestyle.
The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers Review
The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers (2010) portrays the hilarious journey of two urbanites turned farmers. Here's why this book stands out:
- Through humorous anecdotes and unexpected challenges, it offers a refreshing take on transitioning from city life to farm life.
- With candid reflections on their transformation, the book provides a genuine look at pursuing a radically different lifestyle.
- The blend of heartwarming moments and comedic mishaps ensures a delightful and engaging read that captures the essence of rural living.
Who should read The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers?
Readers who enjoy humorous and heartfelt memoirs
Those interested in the challenges and rewards of sustainable living
People looking for a unique perspective on modern farming and rural life
Categories with The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers
Book summaries like The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.8 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
43 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers FAQs
What is the main message of The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers?
The main message of The Bucolic Plague is the journey of two city dwellers finding a new life on a farm.
How long does it take to read The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers?
The estimated reading time for The Bucolic Plague is a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Bucolic Plague is worth reading for its charming narrative of urbanites turned farmers, offering a fresh perspective on rural life.
Who is the author of The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers?
The author of The Bucolic Plague is Josh Kilmer-Purcell.
What to read after The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Bucolic Plague: How Two Manhattanites Became Gentlemen Farmers, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer
- Fox by Martin Wallen
- The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan
- The World Without Us by Alan Weisman
- Green Illusions by Ozzie Zehner
- Energy Myths and Realities by Vaclav Smil
- Fukushima by David Lochbaum, Edwin Lyman, Susan Q. Stranahan and the Union of Concerned Scientists
- The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels by Alex Epstein
- Should We Eat Meat? by Vaclav Smil
- Cradle to Cradle by William McDonough and Michael Braungart