Book excerpt: mort•gage (mor´-gij) n. from Old French morgage, mort gage, literally “death pledge” As a wave of foreclosures sweeps the country, many people are giving up hope for owning a home of their own. They have good reason to turn their backs on the banks, but not on their dreams. In this revised edition of Mortgage Free!, Rob Roy offers a series of escape routes from enslavement to financial institutions, underscored by true stories of intrepid homeowners who have put their principles into action. From back-to-the-land homesteads to country homes, here is a complete guide to strategies that allow you to own your land and home, free and clear, without the bank. Included is detailed advice about: Clarifying and simplifying your notions of what’s necessary Finding land that you love and can afford Taking control of the house-building process, for the sake of sanity and pleasure Learning to take a long-term perspective on your family’s crucial economic decisions, avoiding debt and modern-day serfdom