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How to Build an Igloo: And Other Snow Shelters [Paperback]

Norbert E. Yankielun , Amelia Bauer
4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)

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Book Description

November 17, 2007

How are the ice blocks of igloos so perfectly formed and fitted, and able, it’s been said, to withstand the weight of a polar bear?

How can you determine if the fresh snow that’s fallen outside your front door is as good for making a slab shelter as a snowman? What is a slab shelter, anyway? For that matter, what are drift caves, spruce traps, snow block walls, and bivy bag shelters, and how would you go about building them, whether for winter fun or protection from the weather?

In this instructive, whimsical, illustrated manual, Norbert E. Yankielun, a seasoned cold-regions explorer and researcher, takes readers step-by-step through the process of constructing and inhabiting a range of useful snow structures—from the most basic to the more complex. Whether you’re a veteran backcountry skier or a backyard builder, this is one book you won’t want to be without. 100 black-and-white line drawings

Frequently Bought Together

How to Build an Igloo: And Other Snow Shelters + Flexible Flyer Snow Block, colors may vary + Flexible Flyer Snowball Maker, colors may vary
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Feeling stuck in the house this winter? Or are you taking advantage of the colder months for outdoor adventure? In either case, you'll get a kick out of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers researcher Norbert Yankielun's How to Build an Igloo - and Other Snow Shleters.” (Passport )

“If you've ever built a backyard snow fort, said The Salt Lake Tribune, here's your chance to improve your game. Norbert Yankielun is a research engineer with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and his 'well-written' how-to shares the pile of knowledge he's accumulated in 15 years of building igloos, drift caves, quinzes, and other snow shelters.” (The Week )

“[T]he must-have book of the season on building snow domes.” (Architect )

“Touching on everything from snow science to structural physics…[E]qually suited to the serious explorer and the backyard builder.” (Mike Chino - Ready Made )

“[W]himsical illustrated guide.” (Science News )

“[T]his fun instruction book seems fit for both armchair travelers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.” (Desert Living )

“[E]xplains how to 'make' snow blocks and even lists the shovels, axes, and saws you'll need to help shape them.” (This Old House )

“[W]ell written with useful illustrations.” (The Salt Lake Tribune )

“My favorite tip: Start by making a snow angel for an idea of the minimum diameter needed for your igloo.” (Jarrett Smith - Minneapolis Star-Tribune )

“Any collection located in an area that gets winter snow will relish this fun, appealing title!” (The California Bookwatch )

“[T]his expert's guide, enlivened by Amelia Bauer's witty illustrations, will ensure that you impress the neighbors.” (Christopher Schopps - The Washington Post Book World )

About the Author

Norbert E. Yankielun, PhD, is a former research engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Cold Regions Laboratory in New Hampshire. In his spare time, he conducts igloo-building workshops, which draw hundreds. His Web site is www.DoctorWhy.com.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 208 pages
  • Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (November 17, 2007)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0393732150
  • ISBN-13: 978-0393732153
  • Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 0.4 x 9 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #426,370 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Norbert E. Yankielun, P.E. (Bert), is a former research electrical engineer for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Cold Regions Laboratory. He has participated in many Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, developed, fielded, and patented many geophysical instrumentation devices and authored several technical journal articles..

"How to Build an Igloo" evolved through more than 20 years instructing snow shelter building workshops throughout New England and experience on expeditions in the Arctic and Antarctic and other cold, snowy places.

Bert is a consulting electrical engineer in private practice, Fellow of the Explorers Club, an Amateur Radio operator, and wilderness emergency technician (WEMT). He maintains an active interest in Arctic and Antarctic science and is eager to participate in research expeditions.

During the winter he conducts several igloo-building workshops, which draw hundreds of people, including family and scouting groups as well as serious outdoor adventurers..

Web site is www.DoctorWhy.com.

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
(17)
4.7 out of 5 stars
I had fun building a few of the featured snow shelters this past winter in the upper Midwest. Guanaqueando  |  9 reviewers made a similar statement
Wonderfully written and illustrated book. lady T  |  3 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
28 of 29 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars As Good As It Gets January 12, 2008
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
First of all my 5 and 6 year old started looking at this book and it was hard to get it back from them as they were so charmed by the pictures. They have been playing in the snow and hounding me to help ever since.

Second of All I lived in Nunavut for 9 years and took lessons in igloo building from Inuit elders. I also worked with elders and teachers to create a unit on igloo building for students and teachers. I learned to make a half presentable igloo in this process! I can say with a modicum of expertise that many books on the subject are complete flops but not this one.

This book is the real deal. The pictures are great and the text is as well. A fantastic and charming tutorial for playing in the snow. First rate.
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13 of 15 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Just Add Snow! December 12, 2007
Format:Paperback
What a truly delightful book describing both the science and the frivolity of snow structures. Dr. Why's excellent detail and evident excitement about the subject lend a depth to a subject all those exposed to the colder climes will enjoy. Make those NOT in a snow-filled area jealous... Great book for all ages and abilities!
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Outdoor Fun and Survival October 22, 2008
Format:Paperback
"There are lots of reasons to build a snow shelter. A snow shelter can be a serious survival refuge for people who work or play in the winter backcountry. It can be a fun social experience shared by friends, or a wonderful educational and inexpensive afternoon family project." ~ pg. 9

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to build a snow shelter then this book has many creative ideas including:

Preparation Before Building
Igloos
Quinzees
Slab Shelters
Drift Caves
Spruce Traps
Expedient Shelters
Camping Out

Norbert E. Yankielun explains why snow on a roof helps keep a house warmer and how snow acts as an insulator to protect plant roots and even stops hibernating animals from freezing. He then gives safety tips and explains the importance of nutrition and hydration. He also discusses windchill, frostbite, claustrophobia, hypothermia and carbon monoxide poisoning.

"...it has been reported that polar bears occasionally climb on top of an abandoned igloo to better survey the surrounding flat terrain for prey." ~ pg. 39

The instructions for building an igloo are very detailed and there are some interesting ideas for making part of the igloo with a block of ice for a window to let some light in. In areas where there is less snow an igloo can still be made after making a "sheet cake" of snow. Making a quinzee looks easier than the igloo or you could try to make a slab shelter that looks like a "pup tent." For most of the shelters it seems better to have at least two people working on the project. The simplest project includes a spruce tree and snow packed around it to form a type of cave for two people.

Throughout the book safety is emphasized. There are also creative ideas to keep tents from blowing over in damaging winds. A few structures are built with tarps. There is a short discussion about camping items you will need if you are sleeping out in your snow shelter. If you are building an igloo near your house all you need is warm clothing, a shovel and a saw. This book could save lives if you are out camping or can be a source of fun ideas if you just like to play around in the snow.

~The Rebecca Review
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars ok book
This book could have been written better with lots of picures and how-tos rather than text. Kids should be the main audience and theres too much text for impatient kids eager to... Read more
Published 2 months ago by KaPtiN KaOS
4.0 out of 5 stars Good basics
The diagrams are pretty well-done and the information is useful. I think it could have been a little more detailed in some areas, but it definitely gets the job done. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Scouting in VT
4.0 out of 5 stars A serious igloo building book
Lots of cool ideas and interesting! Not just igloos, but other snow shelters. Now all I need is the damn snow!
Published 3 months ago by Sandi Zelkoff
5.0 out of 5 stars Igloos
We got this as part of a gift for our children this winter. Looks like a really useful book. Can't wait to start building.
Published 4 months ago by Pen Name
5.0 out of 5 stars great book
Wonderfully written and illustrated book. Shows how to build several types of snow structures, including igloos, shelters, and forts. I can't wait for the next big snow to hit!
Published 4 months ago by lady T
5.0 out of 5 stars Great for adults and kids alike.
We love, love, love, love this book. It is great for kids and adults alike. Great for those who camp in the winter.
Published 4 months ago by Christy
5.0 out of 5 stars build an igloo
I purchased an igloo building set and then found this book. My grandson and his parents can't wait to try this out, we just need the SNOW!
Published 16 months ago by nani2R5
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully written and illustrated: learn about snow and have fun...
This is a fun to read, informative book exactly about what the title says. It has great illustrations and easy to follow instructions for building snow shelters, as well as clear,... Read more
Published on April 9, 2011 by Guanaqueando
5.0 out of 5 stars Its the best!
Thank you Dr. Why for that interesting book about snow shelters. I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked how you wrote about the right clothing, food and shelters for building. Read more
Published on December 12, 2010 by Just a kid
4.0 out of 5 stars Okay condition
Product came in slightly worse condition than advertised: the book's both front and back cover were bent. But, price was unbeatable.
Published on September 11, 2010 by Student
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