Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties

by Daniel Carter Beard
Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties cover
Good Books rating 4.45
How-To and DIY
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Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 8639
  • Added: 2025-12-22
  • Updated: 2025-12-22
  • Published: 1992-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties is a comprehensive guide to building rustic structures using traditional methods. It covers a wide range of dwellings, including sod houses, over-water camps, railroad tie shacks, Navaho hogans, and log cabins. The book also offers practical advice on using an axe, building a fireplace, and starting a fire, making it an essential resource for anyone interested in outdoor living and self-sufficiency. This book is not just about construction; it's a celebration of traditional building techniques and the skills that have been passed down through generations. Whether you're a seasoned outdoorsman or a beginner looking to learn, Shelters, Shacks, and Shanties provides the knowledge and inspiration you need to create your own rustic retreat.

Reviews
Reddit - Bushcraft · Various · 2022-01-01
practical 4.75

The book is described as a gold mine of information with hundreds of illustrated plans for shelters. It is praised for its practical and educational value, making it a must-have for anyone interested in bushcraft.

Reddit users have lauded this book as an invaluable resource for bushcraft enthusiasts. The hundreds of illustrated plans provide a wealth of information for building various types of shelters, making it a practical guide for both beginners and experienced builders. The book's educational value is highly regarded, as it not only teaches construction techniques but also offers insights into the history and cultural significance of different shelter types. This makes it a comprehensive guide that is both informative and inspiring.

Quick quotes

    A free, classic instructional book with hundreds of illustrated plans for shelters.

    It is praised for its practical and educational value, making it a must-have for anyone interested in bushcraft.

    The book's educational value is highly regarded, as it not only teaches construction techniques but also offers insights into the history and cultural significance of different shelter types.

CenturyWood · CenturyWood · 2015-06-18
fascinating 4.50

The book is packed with detailed plans and practical advice for building structures in woodlands using basic tools. It is seen as a valuable resource for those interested in woodcraft and survival skills.

CenturyWood highlights the book's wealth of information, noting that it is filled with sketch plans and practical details for constructing various types of shelters. The emphasis on using basic tools like axes and knives makes it particularly appealing to those who enjoy traditional woodcraft. The book's historical context adds depth, providing insights into the sociology and customs of the past. This makes it not just a practical guide but also a fascinating read for anyone interested in the history of outdoor living.

Quick quotes

    It is packed full of sketch plans and practical details of structures that can be built in woodlands with nothing more than axes and knives.

    The book's historical context adds depth, providing insights into the sociology and customs of the past.

    This makes it not just a practical guide but also a fascinating read for anyone interested in the history of outdoor living.

Goodreads · Various · 2000-01-01
practical 4.10

The book is praised for its practical and basic approach to building shelters, making it both fun and informative. It covers a wide range of structures, from simple lean-tos to larger cabins.

Readers have found this book to be an excellent resource for anyone interested in outdoor survival skills. The simplicity and practicality of the instructions are highlighted as key strengths, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced builders. The variety of shelter designs ensures that there is something for everyone, whether you are looking to build a temporary shelter or a more permanent structure. The book's timeless appeal lies in its ability to provide valuable information that remains relevant even after a century.

Quick quotes

    It's very basic and that's what made it so much fun to read.

    From basic lean-tos to large cabins it covers them all.

    The author spends a bit of time talking about the history and cultural significance of each type of shelter.

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