W. Ben Hunt's classic has earned a reputation as the" authentic handbook since it was first published in 1939. Updated in 1974, it remains the only step-by-step guide to building log cabins and log furniture -- pioneer style."
Walter Bernard “Ben” Hunt (March 13, 1888 – March 30, 1970) was an American artist, outdoor educator and author whose books and articles covered topics such as Native American arts and performance, woodworking, whittling, scoutcraft, pioneering, jewelry making, metalworking, and calligraphy. Hunt was born in Greenfield, Wisconsin and grew up in a log cabin. He attended Milwaukee’s South Division High School, but did not graduate, dropping out to become “a lithographic engraver” (now graphics designer) at the Bruce Publishing Company. Hunt moved to Hales Corners, Wisconsin with his wife, Laura, in 1920. In 1924, Hunt, along with his father-in-law and brother, Edwin C. Hunt, built a log cabin behind his home. The cabin, a 16x28-foot structure made of tamarack logs, was the subject of Hunt’s first article, “How We Built Our Log Cabin.” During the late 1930s, Hunt began to study the work of Native American artists. As part of his research, Hunt met with artists and leaders such as Nick Black Elk, Frank Smart (or Chief Gogeoweosh), and James F. "Buck" Burshears. Hunt shared his knowledge of "Indian lore" with Milwaukee's boy scout leaders and, in 1942, Hunt started writing articles for Boy's Life. He became a regular member of its staff, ultimately writing over 1,000 articles, an average of three to four per issue. Hunt's work for Boy's Life, led him to serve on the staff of the National Boy Scout Jamboree in 1950, 1953, 1957, and 1960.
highly informative, but dated and basically a historical text on American carpentry. If you want to build an authentic American log cabin this is probably the way to go, but the design ideals encouraged aren't very environmental (when compared to some I've seen from Estonia, Latvia and Russia). it's a useful text, don't get me wrong, but look on YouTube and you'll find people building such cabins today that have more longevity and comfort