Once too numerous to attract attention; the log buildings of Texas now stand out for their rustic beauty. This book preserves a record of the log houses; stores; inns; churches; schools; jails; and barns that have already become all too few in the Texas countryside. Terry Jordan explores the use of log buildings among several different Texas cultural groups and traces their construction techniques from their European and eastern American origins.
#2437575 in eBooks 2006-02-20 2006-02-20File Name: B00EE2YV2I
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Mind expanding view of culture!By megbThis may be a textbook; but its a fascinating read all by itself. Im so glad I spent the money because its a great investment I will return to over and over. The author truly has an interactive world view that demonstrates the dynamic flow of populations as they spread and retreat and mingle through the geography of the continents. He thoroughly explains the ecology of each time period so the reader can get a snse of what the climate was like and how it influenced societal development. Rather than describing one group in isolation; he shows how populations interacted and how traditions and technology spread. There are wonderful drawings of architecture with accompanying photos and maps that really bring it all together. For example; one map shows how the salmon fishing cultures are really part of a widespread series of societies that extended fro China to the Pacific Nortwest. Although I knew about the Haida; I never understood the larger picture of cultures around the Pacific Rim who were engaged in a salmon based economy. This book has greatly expanded my view of the ways people have inhabited the continents and influenced one another of time.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. In a class by itselfBy Richard SuttonMark Jarzombeks amazing book is such a stand-alone volume of work; I was amazed and inspired with almost every single page I turned. I write fiction; and the cultures and societies of ancient peoples often figure into my characters. Research for me is almost non-stop; so if I can find a resource that will allow me to eliminate a few more empty alleys; I appreciate it. The book is a large; lavish work and it sets new ground in the very beginning; seeking to overturn to view of architecture and construction as somehow separate disciplines from a given cultures ongoing work. It connects the diverse threads of spiritual significance from within the cukltural perspective; with the structures these various people choose to live in. It is surprising just how interconnected culturally; those of us who inhabit similar weather regions; worldwide; really are. It also establishes a critical perspective that is all-embracing; choosing to view more ancient; closer to the earth societies; with the same kind of respect we give our own. The result is a very readable reference work that connects the structures made by scores of societies through cultural and environmental similarities; all of which work very well for a writer doing research. I would especially enjoy seeing this great book picked up as classroom text as it can only encourage student discussions overflowing into cultural tolerance and understanding. If you have anyone in your family or among your friends who has a related interest; this book will make a lasting; most impressive gift. My only criticism is that the colored areas in many of the charts and maps could be a bit brighter or show more contrast. but thats probably just my old eyes. The book is lavishly illustrated with many unique photographs that for me were inspirations in themselves. I expect some new ideas to come directly from my time with this great book..1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great overview of how certain civilizations organize and construct their communities and buildingsBy Fry BoyOddly; at 672 pages; this book is too short. The author appears to be quite accomplished in his field of architectural history and planning; with several well-received texts to his credit. This particular volume covers the design and arrangement of--generally speaking--primitive societies; illustrating the "what; why; where and how" of those societies with regard to architecture and its cultural implementation. Civilization by civilization; he builds a case that each society put a lot of thought into architecture and its placement.There were some societies that intrigued me more because Jarzombek provided details on architectural structure; not just on arrangement. A good example is the Mongols. The illustrations provided show several steps in the construction of a Mongol tent or hut; with the critical component being a hoop (high up; in the middle of the tent) upon which structural ribs are hung (or festooned; if you will). Many of the societies discussed--particularly in the first half of the book--dont have explicit illustrations of an architectural construction; per se; just the layout of their hamlet; village; etc. In the authors defense; though; this is understandable since many first societies (e.g. Druids) havent left much behind to pick through other than ruins (e.g. Stonehenge).Certainly a worthy read if youre interested in the architectural intents of the buildings and "city plans" of early cultures.