Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties [Paperback]

Daniel Carter Beard (Author), Lloyd Kahn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2003

Written and illustrated in 1914 by one of the founders of the Boy Scouts of America, this primer contains detailed directions for constructing a wide range of shelters and ". . . shows how to build over 50 structures from a simple one-night shelter to a complete log cabin" (Backwoods Home).

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Shelters, Shacks and Shanties presents lively, step-by-step tutelage on building all types of temporary and long-term accommodations from both natural and man-made materials. Originally published in 1914, this practical classic is as essential a guide for today's modern homesteader as it was at the turn of the century. Here are instructions for dozens of worry-free shelters including a sod house for the lawn, a treetop house, over-water camps, a bog ken, and much more. Satisfying the builder's need for the creature comforts of home, it also provides tips on how to build hearths and chimneys, notched log ladders, and even how to rig a front door with a secret lock. Illustrated throughout with a bounty of helpful line drawings, Shelters, Shacks and Shanties harkens back to the can-do spirit of the American frontier that still thrives today. (41/2 X 71/4, 264 pages, illustrations)

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 268 pages
• Publisher: Shelter Publications (June 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1894572009
• ISBN-13: 978-1894572002
• ASIN: 0936070137
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #920,711 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Broad coverage from emergency shelters to log houses, February 4, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties (Paperback)

An interesting collection of plans to build everything from emergency shelters to a log home without using purchased building materials. Contains much information on building authentic log structures of numerous designs. Plans for building authentic doors and latches, windows, and furnishing for "rustic" homes are also included. A chapter is included for those of us who have always wanted a log home but can't get the spouse to agree--a rustic log room or den "hidden" inside a modern home. I had a copy of the original for years before losing it in a fire and look very forward to replacing it. Thanks Amazon.com

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For "boys" of all ages, April 11, 2004

By 

I Like Books (Boise, ID United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shelters, Shacks & Shanties: And How to Build Them (Paperback)

When I was a child, I would look for this book when I went to the public library. I checked it out frequently and marveled at the lined drawings of various kinds of wilderness dwellings, especially the "Boys Hogan"-a type of hidden shelter built into the side of a hill. No doubt this book became the inspiration of the "forts" we built in the woods and the lean-tos constructed in Boy Scouts.

The tree house recently built for my own children, caused me to remember this little book and so I ordered it from Amazon. It not only brings back great memories, but also has inspired me to think about building a log cabin. This is a great book for those who love the idea of building or living in primitive shelters.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you love the woods you need this book!!!!, January 31, 2001

By 

"mtbat" (Boston, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shelters, Shacks & Shanties: And How to Build Them (Paperback)

I have lived in a very rural area my whole life. I love the forest, and because of this book I've been able to enjoy it even more. "Uncle Dan" Beard has lots of great ideas and illustrations to show how poeple used to, and still do, build shelters in the forest. It's great to have a historical resource to all of these techniques and ideas that are from the past - which otherwise might be forgotten about. GREAT BOOK!!