A Good House: Building a Life on the Land

by Richard Manning

A Good House is a chronicle of the year in which Manning set out to build his house and rebuild his life. Combining entertaining tales of the cast of characters who helped him build; practical information about wiring, roofing, and plumbing; and meditations on the struggle to integrate environmental and spiritual values into everyday life, this is a book about creating a solid foundation and building up from there—in a hosue, in a family, in living a good life.

Genres: Architecture

Paperback

First published April 1, 1993

Reviews

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just moved back to Missoula and I stumbled upon this book by local writer Richard Manning at a yard sale. I'm glad I did.
A mix of environmentalism, practical know how, a little taste of the town and region I love, and even a hint of what I took away from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance ... with lumber.

[Kelly McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently moved to Montana after retiring from the fire department. I’m no stranger to working with my hands, but I don’t quite have the skill to build a house. As a result, I live vicariously through those who can build their own house. I loved this book. Manning is able to use words and hands equally well and I am appreciative of his attention to detail and authentic craftsmanship.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently moved to Montana after retiring from the fire department. I’m no stranger to working with my hands, but I don’t quite have the skill to build a house. As a result, I live vicariously through those who can build their own house. I loved this book. Manning is able to use words and hands equally well and I am appreciative of his attention to detail and authentic craftsmanship.

[Sarah Deacon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Surprisingly still relevant 30 years later, this book gives great insights into the life lessons and practical skills acquired from building a home designed to lie lightly on the land. A bit too specific to Montana to help me as I plan my house, but I still learned a great deal!

[Beth Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this too late. Although entertaining, it is now dated having been written almost 30 years ago.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book 1995 and recently picked it up and read it again. It is filled with environmental policy history, practical house building tips, and personal insight. Most importantly, many of the issues he addresses and incorporates into his home 25 year ago, are at the forefront of today's environmental movement.

[Jess · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting...especially if you want to build a green house in montana

[Whitney · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pompous account of housebuilding...but at least in the end he admits that a lot of what he is doing is rationalizing why he is building on his pristine plot of land.