Customer Reviews

The Architect's Apprentice: The Story of the Design and Construction of a Wooden Sailboat

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THE ARCHITECT'S APPRENTICE is a book about the conception, design, and construction of a dream that became a beautiful wooden sailboat. More than that, however, it is a book about people involved in the process of bringing an idea to reality. Being human, they do not always have the same agenda, and the author skillfully builds a fascinating account of their personalities, interactions, and conflicts. There is not a happy ending for all of them.

Anyone who enjoyed Tracy Kidder's best seller HOUSE, will enjoy this book.

"Small' non-fiction books can be real literary gems that transcend their subject matter. Jim Paul's "Catapult - Harry and I Build a Siege Weapon" and Mark Kurlansky's "Cod" are good examples of literary non-fiction wherein obscure topics are presented in a way that shows real wit and insight into the human condition. I'll never build a trebuchet or fish commercially, but by God I did enjoy being in those worlds while turning the pages.

The Architect's Apprentice isn't one of those books, which limits its appeal to anyone who doesn't share a passion for sailing. It's a frank, honest discussion of the process of building a custom sailboat, from dream to delivery. Part process guide and part confessional, the book examines every aspect of building a new boat and the pitfalls therein. It clearly details the relationships between owner, designer, and builder, and is unsentimental about the flash points.

It's a fast read and, for sailors, generally a fun one. But it isn't one I'll re-read for the pure joy of it. Rather, it should be considered a good reference for anyone pondering construction of a custom boat. The boat in question here is wood, but the concepts presented should also serve those considering a custom composite or even a customized production boat.

The Architect's Apprentice is good resource. It just isn't art.