The Sauna [Paperback]

Rob Roy (Author), Robert L. Roy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1997

Health, history and how-to. The sauna tradition is at least a thousand years old, judging from historical evidence, and more likely to be twice that old. While the recipe for enjoying a traditional sauna may have changed somewhat over the millennia, this change has been slow. Now Rob Roy has written the definitive handbook for North Americans who are ready to recover this ancient rite and method for maintaining health, fitness, and peace of mind.

The Sauna gives a fascinating world tour and history of sauna lore, explaining how and why our ancestors used saunas to cure colds, prepare for marriage or childbirth, and relieve arthritis, rheumatism, and asthma. This book is also a complete manual for construction of two different forms of sauna, a round cordwood masonry version and a post-and-beam version. From foundation to earth-covered roof, from birch whisks to stove options, Roy's book will give readers advice on every facet of sauna building and use.
-- Fact or fiction? The sauna's beneficial effects on aging, weight loss, blood pressure, and heart health
-- Step-by-step guide to building walls with cordwood masonry, a timeless building technique that is perfect for saunas
-- How to use the sauna: seasoning the stoveroom, the bath itself, cooling and relaxation
-- Complete advice on heating alternatives: electric, gas, or wood-fired

Rounded out with a comprehensive list of sauna resources, including equipment manufacturers and suppliers, sauna societies, and even a glossary of sauna terms, The Sauna is the perfect present for the aspiring builder in your life. Building a backyard sauna is a manageable project for the whole family, and a handmade sauna will truly be thegift that keeps on giving as you enjoy years of relaxing, invigorating "sweats" with your relatives and guests.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

This book could be called "Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Saunas and Then Some!" It is replete with sauna history; tradition; health benefits; a complete, detailed guide to building one for yourself, along with resources for equipment and supplies; and instructions on the proper use and maintenance of saunas. You name it, it's here!

From Library Journal

Like fondue, the sauna seems to be out of fashion at the moment. Roy's (Complete Book of Underground Houses, Sterling, 1994) book will go a long way toward the repopularization of this recreation. The author of seven previous books, including two that detail some of the construction techniques discussed and demonstrated here, Roy also runs the Earthwood Building School, a teaching facility for those techniques. Precise and incisive, his writing is chatty, of the sort that transpires between friends performing an involving task. Well presented and illustrated, this book is a worthwhile introduction to an ambitious project. Some source information may date quickly, though. For most do-it-yourself collections.?Alexander Hartmann, INFOPHILE, Williamsport, Pa.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Chelsea Green Publishing Company (February 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0930031873
• ISBN-13: 978-0930031879
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #592,118 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Rob Roy knows what it means to live
mortgage free. As director of Earthwood
Building School since 1981, he has
instructed many in the arts of natural
building, and renewable energy. He is
also the author of Earth-Sheltered Houses,
Cordwood Building, Timber Framing for
the Rest of Us, The Sauna, and Stone
Circles. Rob and his family live in West
Chazy, New York.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

115 of 121 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It is a book about rather specific sauna, November 3, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Sauna (Paperback)

I ordered that book because I wanted to construct a sauna in my basement. Based on the publisher's recommendation I felt very confident that I will find all the necesseary information to help me with my project. To my deepest disappointment this book deals only with a very specific type of a sauna : one that is constructed from logs in a cement base. That is one of the limitations of the internet store : you never know what you are getting.

34 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fans of Cordwood Masonry will Love this type of Sauna, September 30, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Winnebago, Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Sauna (Paperback)

With the history of the Sauna going back one thousand years, it is no wonder they are embedded in many cultures. Cordwood masonry construction is a method of building that is both inexpensive and highly efficient. Containing both qualities of insulation and mass, a cordwood masonry wall is both highly energy efficient and suited to the construction of a sauna. The owner-builder will have no trouble learning the contruction methods presented here and will built a structure that can last over one hundred years. Great detail is shown in order for the owner to construct a sauna that uses no electricity and will be a favorite of all of your friends and neighbors. Cordwood masonry is also a great building method for your home also as detailed in Rob Roy's other fine owner-builder books.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "I WILL BUILD THIS!", April 23, 2004

By 

T. A. Hansen "sturmandordrang.blogspot.com" (eagan, mn USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Sauna (Paperback)

This a great book for DIYers. It's simple, encouraging and gives good practical information. There are photos and diagrams of the steps in the building process and of completed saunas. I have had this book for two years now and every once in awhile I open it up and dream. The author convincingly explains that the cordwood sauna is really the only way to go.

I think the best thing about this book is that Mr. Roys' advice is very encouraging for someone who only has weekends to work on the project. He writes that you can put a tarp over what you've completed and come back later.

You may ask why my title isn't, "I HAVE BUILT THIS." Let's be honest. While I don't think this a technically hard project, it will be a time consumer. Wish me luck.