The Treehouse Book (Paperback)

~ (Author), David Larkin (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

It seems that almost everyone likes treehouses. Smiles of recognition turn into grins of enthusiasm as more people discover them and dream about making their own private retreats or family play spaces. And it's nice to remind ourselves that treehouses are built into the oldest and most forgiving, living things on earth. Also, history records treehouses as being built as deliberate follies, as challenges for arboreal designers, for merrymaking, and for keeping the spirit of fairy tales alive. But treehouses can also be social places. We will visit many that were built to entertain, to hang out with friends, or as guest houses. Trees welcome all types.

Master treehouse builders Peter and Judy Nelson, with David Larkin, have embarked on yet another treehouse-discovery expedition across America, this time adding the investigation of backyard playhouses to their agenda. Now, in The Treehouse Book, they reveal their findings, illustrated and described in the most complete volume yet. From casual treeshacks made from discarded lumber to multitiered feats of fancy, they found shelters representing myriad builders-interesting characters ranging from childhood fanatics grown up, to weekend carpenters, to those who want their grandkids to have the best clubhouse on the block.

Detailed how-to information, including plans and drawings, is woven with behind-the-scenes tales of each structure's occupants and stunning interior and exterior photographic explorations.

About the Author

David and Judy Nelson are builders of custom houses. They are authors of thr best-selling Home Tree Home and Treehouses: The Art and Craft of Living Out on a Limb.

David Larkin is a renowned editor and book designer. His many bestselling books include Frank Lloyd Wright: The Masterworks, American Masterworks, Country Wisdom, Shaker Built, Barn, Adobe, Wooden Ship, Victorian American and Treehouses: The Art and Craft of Living Out on a Limb.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Universe (July 7, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0789304112
• ISBN-13: 978-0789304117
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #45,827 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #2 in	Books > Professional & Technical > Engineering > Civil > Construction > Wood
  #12 in	Books > Home & Garden > Gardening & Horticulture > Trees
  #21 in	Books > Home & Garden > Small Homes & Cottages

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

102 of 118 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Out on a Limb, September 14, 2000

By A Customer

This book might look good on a coffee table, but that's about all. It gives little information on how to build treehouses and lacks the genearal knowledge of other treehouse authors. If you want the best book on treehouses, check-out the original, The Treehouse Book, by David Stiles. His book gives detailed designs on how to build many different treehouses and helps you decide which one is best for you. Mr Stiles has written on the subject for over thirty years and has published several other books on treehouses, including, Tree Houses You Can Actually Build. These books enlighten and inform, rather than just visually stimulate. Anyone interested in learning about or building a treehouse would do well to pass on this book and go straight to the source--Mr Stiles--the treehouse guru.

20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical Craftsmanship and Time to Dream, September 20, 2000

By A Customer

I have read every one of Peter Nelson's books, and he is not only a beautiful writer, but also a gifted craftsman. If you want to dream about living in the trees or even make it a reality...each of these books will give you a wonder-filled ride through the pages as well as technical information and all the motivation you might need to build your own. The stories and photographs are breath taking and alive. I have been lucky enough to witness Peter Nelson's craftsmanship in person, but it also comes alive through the pages of all three of his books. Go buy each one of the books right away and see for yourself the wonder of "living out on a limb". Fantastic!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent coffee table book, February 27, 2006

By	Corbin Dunn (Los Gatos, CA, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book has some excellent pictures of treehouses. I love it! It is one of my favorite treehouse books. It is not for someone looking to build a treehouse; for that, i recommend "Home Tree Home", by Peter Nelson. Back in 1999, I built my own treehouse, primarily using ideas from "Home Tree Home" and prior treehouse building experience. I lived in it for 5 years.