Shelter: 40th Anniversary Edition (The Shelter Library of Building Books)

I saw this book at my brother's house and immediately knew I had to buy it for my husband. It is a high quality reprint of an older book and has that "60's" feel. Much excellent info and lots of great pictures. Very eclectic. We got it specifically for the info on Geodesic Dome houses but there's plenty more for shelter freaks.

I studied architecture in Australia and dragged my feet through the course. That is until a mate suggested I check out this book. It liberated me. Here was a bunch of common folk who met one of the most basic needs of all humanity - shelter. So much of what we encounter in our 'western' enlightened age is alien and regulated. The materials that we commonly use in buildings & infrastruture is devoid of any life or connection with the earth. They are not in or close to their natural state. And even if they are, there is so much regulation and stipulation on how we are to use them. But this book gives you hope, a chance to dream. It shows buildings as art forms, useful & practical but completely expressive of the owners they serve. They are not bound by regulations and conventions. This is craftsmanship not industrialisation. They are made from from natural unrefined materials which in essence connects us to the earth, which we all belong to. From dust we came, to dust we will all return. The beauty of nature is your own home. This book is filled with ideas and ways in which people have often 'escaped' from the life draining cities to a more peacuful and harmonious way of life. It's superb photo's, hand illustrations and even the way the book is laid out are a freedom in itself. This is one book you will not regret owning and will always find pleasure returning again and again to.

The approach to building, to space, to light and to atmosphere which Kahn & Easton have gathered in this book demonstrate a profound interest and concern, if not love, for exploring mind-space & life in its fullest. This book --full of examples, considerations and ideas-- ignites the smarts and hands of anybody with the will to make his house and his home his own.

This is THE Book to own if you have any interest in building construction, architecture, and lifestyle. The pictures are many, and great, and the reading is also just as interesting. I bought some as gifts, and for each of my carpenter friends.