Customer Reviews

Quonset Hut: Metal Living For The Modern Age

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Great book, well researched and very interesting for anyone interested in building types. However, print (font size) is way too small and difficult to read. Should re publish book in a larger size!

There are few good books describing the Quonset Hut, its origins and how it became such an icon of US military (and later, civilian) life, and this may be the best of the lot. Filled with plans, drawings, archival photos and period advertisements, the book illustrates not only the serious but the humorous consequences that the huts from Quonset Point, RI had on America, especially in the post-war era. (Did you know that future US President Gerald Ford started his first political campaign out of a Quonset hut in Grand Rapids, Michigan?) It's a well-researched and illustrated study of these ubiquitous structures, and how they altered the landscape.

If you've been looking for a good book on the Quonset hut, this is it.

I've always loved Quonset huts. And I see modern barns today that look like a Quonset's.

This is a good history book.

I restored a quonset but based on this book.It was a revised WWII hut that no one had a clue how to handle and this book gave me everything.I didn't care much about the history but is was all there in spades if you were interested.This was a really big deal with the housing shortage after the war and this book will only become more appreciated.The standard for knowledge and background on quonset huts.

simply a history of the quonset hut not as many examples as i thought there would be.

Love this book. The history of the hut from beginning to today is amazing. Americana at its best. The reason I gave it four stars is that there was very little on today's living in a quonset hut or how to find out about living in a quonset hut. The ads in the book from yesteryear on developing q-hut living is very modern for its day. I wish I had more information on how to build a true home out of q-huts. I have talked to many steel companies about this but they say the only sell the materials and the rest is up to me. Outside of that lack of information the book is fantastic, especially if you like history. If you buy it you will not be disappointed. If you like to have interesting coffee table material for your guests to read, then this is a must. This is an almost forgotten piece of every American's history. It would make a great gift for anyone. I received it on time and in great condition at a great price. I use Amazon almost exclusively for purchases and have never been disappointed.

I think this is a great architectural reference for a specific building type. I found the historical context to be very detailed and the study of the evolution of the quonset from military to civilian residential application interesting. I was hoping for more detail regarding the historic modification of the quonset to industrial building type, so that is the reason I gave it 4 out of 5 stars.

It's an awesome book...if you're into Q-Huts. I got as a gift for someone who is passionate of alternative residential construction. Great pictures & historical background.

Though the title may spawn a smile or chuckle from some, it will certainly arouse diverse stories from those who have resided, worked, or otherwise experienced a quonset. This survey of its development, history, and influences through time is concisely presented. Well stocked with photos, drawings and thorough research, this book also shows prominent architects whose designs were inspired by the quonset. Charles and Ray Eames, Buckminster Fuller, Campbell & Wong were among them. A few pages are devoted to Bruce Goff, including his Quonset-derived designs for the Camp Parks Chapel and the Ford House in Aurora, Illinois.

My favorite Quonset-inspired design, however, is that from James W. Fitzgibbon: the 1950 Daniel residence in Knoxville, Tennessee. Fitzgibbon is known for his partnering with Buckminster Fuller in developing the geodesic dome as well as a distinguished academic career. If published today, Daniel residence would fit well among any of our great organic masterpieces.

Quonset Hut would be an interesting and welcome addition to any Modern book library.