
When Technology Fails
The Definitive Manual for Preparedness in an Uncertain World
Matthew Stein(Author)
Tim MacWelch(Editor)
Chelsea Green Publishing Co
Published on 2. June 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
352 pages
978-1-64502-347-0 (ISBN)
Description
Matthew Stein s When Technology Fails prepares you to embark on the path toward sustainability. But unlike any other book, Stein not only shows you how to live green in seemingly stable times, but to live in the face of potential disasters, lasting days or years, coming in the form of social upheaval, economic meltdown, or environmental catastrophe. When Technology Fails covers the gamut: The basics of installing a renewable energy system for your home or business, how to find and sterilize water in the face of utility failure, how to keep warm if you ve been left temporarily homeless, practical information for dealing with water-quality issues, and alternative health and first-aid techniques. Each chapter describes skills for self-reliance in good times and bad. Chapters include: a survey of the risks to the status quo, supplies and preparation for short- and long-term emergencies, emergency measures for survival, prepping water, food, shelter, and clothing, first aid, low-tech medicine, and healing, securing energy, heat, and power, metalworking, utensils and storage, and low-tech chemistry engineering, machines, and materials.
Reviews / Votes
"Technology will fail us; it's not if, but when. And if we are honest, most of us are uneasy depending on systems we don't control or fully understand. When Technology Fails is a serious yet practical answer to that feeling. Matthew Stein has given us a survival library in a single volume, covering everything from the basics of food and water security to renewable energy to 'medicine' you can grow yourself, and beyond. What I love most is that this is not fear-based preparedness, but practical, eyes-open readiness that I believe every family should have."-Josh Thomas, School of Traditional Skills
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
White River Junction
United States
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 203 mm
Thickness: 27 mm
Weight
367 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-64502-347-0 (9781645023470)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Matthew Stein | Tim MacWelch
When Technology Fails, Revised and Expanded
The Definitive Manual for Preparedness in an Uncertain World
E-Book
06/2026
Rizzoli
€33.99
Available for download
Persons
Matthew Stein was an environmentalist, bestselling author, MIT-trained engineer, and green builder. As an inspiring speaker and visionary thinker, he was dedicated to helping people wake up and unite to shift our collective course from collapse to global renaissance. As an expert at self-reliance, emergency prep, and survival, his writings and work helped people prepare to weather continuing climate change and ecological decline. His books include When Technology Fails and When Disaster Strikes. Matthew passed away in 2018. Tim MacWelch is the author of seven outdoor survival books, three of which have been New York Times bestsellers. He also writes for Survival Dispatch and Outdoor Life magazine s survival website, OL Survival, and runs wilderness classes in Northern Virginia. Tim has appeared on several US TV shows including National Geographic Today, Wild Chronicles and Good Morning America talking about survival techniques.