Building a Birchbark Canoe: The Algonquin Wabanaki Tciman [Paperback]

David Gidmark (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2, 2002

In this groundbreaking book, David Gidmark reviews the early history of bark canoes, providing readers with an overview of construction methods and featuring the individual techniques of four traditional 20th-century Algonquin craftsmen and their assistants. Detailed descriptions of their step-by-step construction methods are included, and the adoption of tools and methods from non-Indian culture as shortcuts are noted (such as the use of canvas and roofing tar, duct tape and C-clamps). A chapter on paddlemaking in the native tradition completes the book.

Building a Birchbark Canoe: The Algonquin Wâbanäki Tcîmân is one of the most significant studies of Algonquin birchbark canoes and their construction. The author is one of the few outsiders to have learned the ancient craft of birchbark canoe making from the Algonquins, and in Building a Birchbark Canoe, he not only shares this skill but invites readers to appreciate the cultural significance of an elegant and practical craft that might otherwise be lost to history.

Editorial Reviews

Review

I found it most interesting historically. It answers all my questions about the origins of birchbark canoes. (Sue Russell Georgian Bay Today 20020600)

Meticulously detailed chapters on the techniques used by each of the four master canoe builders... clear step-by-step instructions. (Bushwacker's Wilderness Journal )

Fascinating reading for those interested in native culture as well as those considering building a canoe. (Wave Length Magazine )

Review

This is an excellent and useful contribution to native studies. (J.C.H. King Curator of North American Ethnography, The British 200309)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books (March 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155297569X
• ISBN-13: 978-1552975695
• Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,238,566 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #38 in Books > Professional & Technical > Transportation > Ships > Boat Building

More About the Author

David Gidmark was born in Wisconsin and educated in Wisconsin, California, and in France. He has written scores of short stories and many novels and nonfiction books. He speaks Algonquin, Tahitian, English, French, Swedish, and Spanish.
He wrote his first novel in Federal prison where he was incarcerated for taking (twice!) the Thirteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to the U.S. Supreme Court.His best known book is "Birchbark Canoe:Living Among The Algonquin" (Firefly Books),which CBC called "A Canadian outdoor classic."J.C.H. King of the Britsh Museum said,of Gidmark's book "Building a Birchbark Canoe",that it is an "excellent" work for "present and future generations."
He has been a consultant to the British Museum and the National Museums of Canada and a bichbark canoe he made is in the National Collection.Gidmark is perhaps the most widely published legal journalist in the world.
His first e-book is the anti-war novel "Pacem in Terris" (Manhattan House).He has many novels and scores of short stories which will be published shortly.
Gidmark travels extensively,spending much time in Tahiti with his wife,Ernestine.They have traveled widely in Siberia and elsewhere.
Gidmark cared for his mother and father in their dying time.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The discovery, November 4, 2002

By 

François Rothan (La Baie, Québec Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Building a Birchbark Canoe: The Algonquin Wabanaki Tciman (Paperback)

This book has been a discovery. Gidmark, indeed, made me discover the passion of birchbark canoe building. He also made me discover the great canoe builders who live in my own country! This book helped me to build on my own my first birchbark canoe. The review of different builders, craftmen and the numerous photos helped me to understand, step by step, all the building process.
For all future birchbark canoe builders, this is the basic book to buy!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, December 8, 2009

By 

Douglas C. Smith "Doug" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Building a Birchbark Canoe: The Algonquin Wabanaki Tciman (Paperback)

Great book, packed with information: historical, and the building approaches of a variety of expert Native canoe builders. All is well-written, and loads of pictures. I love it.
Is there enough here to actually build a canoe from scratch? Hard to say: there are many aspects that, while covered, don't have enough detail (e.g. how to get the right consistency of spruce pitch to seal the sides. The process is described, but not in a cookbook style. Same is true of choosing good bark: described, but I think one has to go out into the field with an expert builder to really understand it).
Nevertheless, I plan to try by starting with a model...

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome book - informative plus interesting!!!!, October 11, 2007

By 

Phyllis A. Knutson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Building a Birchbark Canoe: The Algonquin Wabanaki Tciman (Paperback)

I was asked to give a talk on birch bark canoes (I weave with birch bark)but didn't really know the first thing about them. This book was very helpful!! I did make a 3 ft birch bark canoe but also learned a lot about the people and their ways which really made my talk much more interesting. They were awe struck with my canoe. Would suggest this book to anyone interested in learn about canoes!!!!