"My Empire of Dirt: How One Man Turned His Big City Backyard into a Farm" by Manny Howard is a nonfiction book that chronicles the author's journey of turning his big-city backyard into a farm. Published by Scribner in 2010, this hardcover book explores themes of urbanization, personal memoirs, and sociology/rural studies. With a mix of biography, gardening, and social science genres, the book offers a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of embracing a simpler, more self-sufficient lifestyle in an urban environment. Illustrated with photos and spanning 288 pages, this book is a thought-provoking read for those interested in sustainability and personal growth.