The Biodynamic Movement in Britain: A History of the First 100 Years

Biodynamics grew out of Rudolf Steiner's Agriculture Course, a series of lectures he gave in 1924. It is now an inspirational worldwide movement bringing a uniquely holistic, organic agriculture to farms, vineyards and gardens. In this concise and fascinating history, Bernard Jarman, former Director of the Biodynamic Agricultural Association for the UK, charts the development of biodynamics in Britain following its arrival in 1928 through to the present day. He presents engaging personal portraits of biodynamic pioneers, including Daniel Dunlop, George Adams, Lili Kolisko, Marna Pease and Ehrenfried Pfeiffer, and includes accounts of early discoveries, for example the research that led to the development of Maria Thun's Biodynamic Calendar, and later initiatives such as Community Supported Agriculture. Jarman also examines key moments in the history of the movement, including the emergence of two rival biodynamic organisations in the 1930s and 40s, and the flourishing of the wider organic movement in post-war Britain, as well as the challenges posed by genetically modified crops. This insightful book provides an important historical overview and grounding for the biodynamic movement as it looks to its future.

About the Author :
Bernard Jarman worked as an apprentice on a biodynamic farm in Germany before running a hill farm in Botton Camphill Village, North Yorkshire. He was Executive Director of the Biodynamic Agricultural Association in the UK for fifteen years and continues to teach courses in biodynamic agriculture all around the world. He lives in Stroud, England.

Review :
'A deep and original contribution to the history of biodynamics in British, which gains considerably from personal experience.' -- New View 'Familiar as many of us are with biodynamic processes and products , we may not know much about the origins and the pioneering people who developed them. Now this book is putting that right in a very clear and readable manner... Whether you are familiar with the history or a newcomer it is well worth reading... Hopefully it will inspire more folk to become engaged with what is so sorely still needed for today and for the future.' -- Anthroposophy in Great Britain 'A welcome addition to the study of alternative farming techniques in the UK, written by someone who knows the Steiner movement from inside.' -- Philip Conford, The Agricultural History Review 'A welcome addition to the study of alternative farming techniques in the UK, written by someone who knows the Steiner movement from the inside... Jarman's book implicitly presents some intriguing questions, historical and scientific, on which to ponder.' -- The Organic Grower