Joseph Jenkins began composting in 1975, and started his first humanure compost pile in 1976. He has had at least one humanure compost pile brewing continuously for the past 40 years. The Humanure Handbook began as a graduate thesis in 1994 and was self-published as an amateur book in 1995. Since then, Jenkins has published nine print titles, including four editions of The Humanure Handbook. Jenkins has traveled the world teaching people how to make compost, like a latter-day Johnny Compost Seed. Sometimes referred to as "The Pope of Poop," Jenkins prefers the more formal title of "Ambassador of Crap."

Jenkins never wants to live without a garden - that's why he learned how to turn shit into food. Humans produce their own soil fertility, usually on a daily basis, but most people don't have a clue. The Humanure Handbook offers a glimpse into that hidden world.