Shelter

by Llyod and Bob Easton (editor) Kahn, Joe Bacon (Collaborator), Jack Fulton (Collaborator)

Shelter Publications a non-profit educational organization chartered in California for the purpose of gathering information of hand-built housing and the building crafts maintaining a network of people interest in building and shelter and publication of the best available Caves Huts Tents; Native European Timber; The New World; Barns; Building; Materials; Nomad Living; Dwelling ; Domes.

Genres: Architecture, Nonfiction, Reference, Sustainability, History, Survival, Construction

176 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

An intriguing look at shelter and how peoples across the globe approach the need for shelter. Written by someone who clearly loves the subject, this book is a glorious, educational, and intriguing exploration of how we protect our human families from the world, filled with careful drawings and detailed views of the most amazing structures, interspersed with philosophical conversations about what shelter is and what is means to us as humans.

I have read and re-read this book repeatedly, and whenever I find a copy at a bookstore, I buy it and give it as a gift to someone I love.

[Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite architecture books of all time. Some of the buildings seem like they're from science fiction or fantasy and many of them are more beautiful and more alien than anything I ever imagined. Every time I open this book, which is often, I see something that I love and that fills me with joy. If you like architecture, get this book.

[Mykle · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a back-yard architect I find this book utterly inspiring. I return to it over and over, sometimes as a reference work, sometimes for light reading, and I'm always absorbed.

[Sandy Plants · Rating 2 out of 5]

gOD dAmnIT that was a slog. 30% of this book I loved; the rest I battled to stay awake through. Pretentious youthful optimism--a bunch of know-it-alls with little experience and a lot of ideas trying to change the world (been there, I get it). Probably monumental at the time, but in retrospect, just annoying to read. Still, some great stuff in it--honestly. Heard about the book for years; a real let down to finally read. Too much fuckin rambling! Biggest mistake was not editing contributing writers' lengthy, WORDY diatribes (in size 5 font!). Keep it simple; get to the point.
Yawn.
Oh god, I'm a critic.
Great book, 10/10 i swear (WINK WINK).
Why am I such a critic? AGH.
Can't I just not like shit?
Yeah, but why do I have to be a dick about it?
hmmm... yeah, I dunno.

[Ki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is simply a fun book. It will make you feel like a kid again (I was a kid when I first read it, from cover to cover).

It inspires you to consider many possible ways and places to live. The book is whimsical, and does not take itself too serious, which makes it more useful than most of the pompous drivel spewed out in (specifically) architectural books.

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

this amazing history of human habitation will keep you enthralled for hours. Kind of like the Bible, or a set of encyclopaedias - one can come back to this often and still find new and wonderful things....

[Gil Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

My original copy is coming apart but I still go back to it to refresh my joy of architecture and dwellings from all over the world and through time. The illustrations, photos and stories stir my imagination, lift me up and carry me away to other places to sing with Coyote and Fox.

[Jim Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was only reminded that I have this book because of a conversation in an online community. Wonderful book even though it is dated for anyone interested in alternative housing. Wonderful pictures and stories.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book of alternative dwellings for those dreaming to get away from square walls and conventional building materials. Been dipping in and out of this for about 10 years.

[Eli Loehrke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great collection. Neat stories of life on the pale blue dot.

[Jack Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring builders since 1972. One of the most architecturally inspiring works ever published.

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great compendium of building techniques, basic science, anthropology, cultural history, and glimpses into the life and philosophy of Freaks/Weirdos. Some of the info/details may be outdated, but the principals are solid and the bibliography is a great resource in of itself. Those familiar with Brand's Whole Earth Catalog will feel right at home. Would be great to have in your library as a resource and historical artifact in its own right. I only wish that the photographs were higher quality, but that isn't Kahn's fault.

[Jenessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is in the same vein as home work by lloyd kahn - all about really cool living spaces.

[Seansean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks Spencer!

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspirational

[Lisa]

very good ooks like new except for bottom binding, dog bit a small area right at th

[Jon Stoski · Rating 4 out of 5]

A classic alternative architecture book.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been using this as my bathroom reader for a bit now, nothing new for this book, it's seen much better decades. Brought to you by many of the same folk that created the Original Whole Earth Catalog, Special 30th Anniversary Issue, it's not as well organized with very few book or tool reviews, not that most of those wouldn't be hopelessly obsolete by now. Lots of short articles, grainy photos and more domes than you can shake a stick at. To get the same effect nowadays, you could YouTube funky tiny houses and be totally boggled. Since it's a cheap, large, perfectbound, book I suspect most copies that have been read are falling apart, just like my copy.