The Essence of Permaculture introduces the concept of permaculture and outlines the twelve permaculture principles. This booklet is both a 'taster' for the full length book by permaculture co-originator David Holmgren, and a standalone introduction to permaculture. It has been very popular with permaculture teachers to give to their students for introductory or further reading on the principles. It also contains some of David's reflections on the history and uptake of permaculture, and the future of the movement.

This 2020 revised edition has minor updates to reflect changes in society over the 15 years since it was originally published as well as further clarification of some of the principles.