Log Houses of the World

by Richard Olsen

Book Overview

Since the late 1800s, a surprising number of the most celebrated architects, along with their artisan-builder counterparts, have transformed the popular notion of the simple pioneer log cabin into a supremely crafted work of high-art architecture. Examples can be found everywhere from the skyscraping mountain ranges of New York's Adirondacks to the sparkling fjords of Norway, and well beyond. Despite the pedigree that comes with having been designed...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0810957469
• ISBN13: 9780810957466
• Release Date: October 2006
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 3.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 9.6" x 11.6"
• Age Range: 13 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 8 to Postsecondary

Customer Reviews

The depth and coverage can't be beat.

Radek Kurzaj's lovely color photos compliments the first chronological survey of log houses designed in Europe and the U.S. from 1890 to modern times, and covers a vast range of architectural designs and builder innovations in the process. Libraries strong in woodworking or homeowner's titles, especially general-interest public library collections, will find LOG HOUSES OF THE WORLD an eye-catching display title that fulfills its cover attraction and promise with equally compelling interior photos. But don't think it's just a picturebook coffee table addition: it's packed by Architectural Digest magazine editor Richard Olsen's commentary and history as well. The depth and coverage can't be beat. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

Who Knew?

Great insight into the world of the log house. This will shatter your preconceived concept of what a log cabin is, and show you what it can be. Very educational and beautifully photographed. A great addition to anyone's book collection who is interested in log cabins, architecture, or history.

One of the Architects Chimes In

I'm one of the architects whose work is published in this collection. At the risk of sounding preposterously self-serving, I wanted to chime in that I just received my copy of the book and I was very taken with it. It's a diverse collection of projects, nicely photographed, and in particular I found the writing to be refreshingly well done. The author captured the distinct elements of the built works and the narrative behind them very skillfully, and in my case, quite accurately. It's a great volume and I'm honored to be included in it.

I love this book!

What a wonderful and beautiful treatment of the subject! I will never think of log houses in the same way again. The writing is engaging as well as educational. I love design as well as travel and this book took me around the globe. Bravo!

An impressive account of log cabins...

This book is a wonderful representation of log cabins and anyone who is interested in log cabins, like me. It is impressive the details and descriptions of the log cabin, the history, and principles of building a log cabin and not to mention the stunning photos. I especially enjoyed the comparisons of the European and American log cabins; it certainly brings out the scope of what I thought was a simple building method. I had no idea, all the nuances that constitute a log cabin... Highly recommended.