The Cabin: Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway [Hardcover]

Dale Mulfinger (Author), Susan E. Davis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 15, 2001

Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

These two books are fine additions to the literature of architecture and building from Taunton Press, best known for the magazines Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding. In an introduction and six chapters, Obolensky, who collaborated with Sarah Susanka on The Not So Large House, presents 52 garages, from basic to elaborate. Various styles and purposes are illustrated, including workshops, hobby shops, living spaces, and parking spaces. The extraordinary photography that accompanies the precise text brings the glory of the "Garage Mahal" to life. The result is whimsical in tone yet serious in design and execution detail. Architect Mulfinger and writer/editor Davis accomplish much the same for the cabin. In four chapters "Rustic," "Transformed," "Traditional," and "Modern" they present 36 cabins from across the United States. In addition to exterior and interior photographs, colored renderings of site plans are included where needed. The authors also emphasize the importance of mood and environment. While this book is a bit more serious than Garage, the joy in the discovery of great design operates strongly here as well. These extraordinarily well-produced books are enthusiastically recommended, particularly in communities strong in second-home construction. Alex Hartmann, Williamsport, PA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

The broad spectrum of cabins showcased here, from a one-room rustic to an all-glass Wisconsin aerie, is almost seductive enough to surrender to country-wilderness living. Mulfinger and Davis have done an exemplary job of building the emotional case for cabins--beautiful settings, simple shelter, and at-home feelings. More than 30 basic (and not-so-basic) homes are documented, with photographs, overhead blueprints, and sidebars about specific intricacies. Watch out, Abraham Lincoln, for the new generation of "gimme shelter." Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Taunton Press (September 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1561583928
• ISBN-13: 978-1561583928
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #418,102 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Not as complete as I'd hoped, October 9, 2001

By 

Mervyn Passanante (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cabin: Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway (Hardcover)

This lovely dream book is just that. It's a dreamy look at cabins, which is great, but I had hoped it would go further in writing about the details of each home. There is very little information about the homes in this book, so the authors obviously considered it just a pretty picture book. Which it is. For my money, though, I wanted a little more. What I wanted but DID NOT GET was more information on choosing a cabin location, on having a new cabin designed and built, on remodeling an older cabin, and so forth. I wanted the pretty pictures as well as some information I could use. In researching second home books, the one I recommend is called simply SECOND HOME, and it not only works as a dream book but is chockful of informational tidbits that we are using as we plan our own retreat.

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, September 22, 2001

By 

CB "cbfairport" (Fairport, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cabin: Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway (Hardcover)

I already have my heart set on 3 or 4 of the cabins from the book! I was looking for something that depicted simple dwellings, not necessary for a weekend or vacation home, but potentially for a year-round residence. Some of the cabins in the book fit the bill very well and the others give many options for every kind of taste, lifestyle goal, and toterance for "roughing it." The descriptions, photos, and details were delightful and informative. I received the book on Thursday and had it completely read by Saturday and am now going back to study!

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational..., August 30, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Cabin: Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway (Hardcover)

The word "inspiration" in the title says it all. This book of true cabins - all are under 1200 sqft, not the 3000 sqft ones you see in some books- is full of ideas for all types of cabins. From rustic to modern, the text and beautiful color pictures convey ideas for "the simple life" focusing on efficiency, relaxing and connecting with the outdoors and family. Truly recommended for anyone building or buying a cabin.