An Agricultural Testament, is Sir Albert Howard's best-known publication, and remains one of the seminal works in the history of organic farming agricultural movement.[1][2][3] It focuses on the nature and management of soil fertility, and notably explores composting.[3] At a time when modern, chemical-based industrialized agriculture was just beginning to radically alter food production, it advocated natural processes rather than man-made inputs as the superior approach to farming. It was first published in England in 1940, with the first American edition in 1943.[a] Apart from a reprint by Rodale Press in 1972 and 1976 it remains out of print.[4]
a. ^ The online version of An Agricultural Testament states that the first American edition was 1945. This is an error. The hardcopy of the 1976 Special Rodale Press Edition clearly states: "First American edition, 1943". The online text otherwise appears to be identical with the hardcopy, including the replication of the comments from the inside flaps and back of the dust-cover.