I'll add something by the author to this. It's a piece she did for IO9 and gives an extensive overview of the book and the subject. If you're not interested in buying the book then, at least read this piece. It's really interesting and well worth the time to read. If it doesn't interest you enough to get the book then I don't know what will. It's a "big picture" book, not dealing with the minutia of survival. If you're a Luddite, there will be nothing of interest for you in either.