The Complete Yurt Handbook

by Paul King

The yurt or ger is a low-impact structure that causes no permanent damage to the land on which it is pitched. It is easy to erect and can be taken down in an hour. It is cool in summer and, with a stove, warm in winter. For centuries, people throughout central Asia have made yurts their homes. Robust and versatile, the yurt has evolved into the ultimate portable dwelling. Yurts are perfect for offices, summer houses, meditation spaces, spare rooms, or just beautifully satisfying spaces to be in! Join the thousands of North Americans who are discovering the many virtues of the yurt. Part One of the book delves into the history of the yurt and the principles behind its construction, and explores modern life in a Mongolian ger and the culture and etiquette of ger living. Part Two gives fully illustrated and detailed instructions on how to make several of the most popular types of yurt, including the "weekend yurt." With a few common wood-working tools, even an absolute beginner could build the frame for this simple, elegant structure.

Genres: Nonfiction

121 pages, Paperback

First published April 5, 2001

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Emma Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether you're thinking of relocating to a yurt, or would like an unusual tent to spend your holidays in, or if you just like learning a bit more about very different cultures, then this is the book for you.

'The Complete Yurt Handbook' is a book of two halves. The first part 'The Yurt' looks at the history, geography and virtues of yurts. It then goes on to examine the different parts of a yurt structure. This is followed by a very interesting chapter on life in a Mongolian yert or ger. Here you'll learn about the Mongolian climate and the livestock nomadic Mongolians keep. There's a section on food and drink, including some recipes you can try for yourself. You are then told the rules of yurt etiquette, in case you're lucky enough to ever be invited inside. The final pages of part one look at the construction of a Mongolian ger and other types of yurts.

Part two 'Yurt Construction' is a practical guide to building your own yurt. It discusses the different types of yurt, with their advantages and disadvantages, so you can choose which type is right for you. It then walks you through the materials you'll need, before emnarking on frame construction. It also shows how to put together the canvas cover.

At the back of the book there are worked examples, which you can follow to build your own yurt if you're not comfortable designing your own. This is followed up by a glossary of Mongolian words, a large bibliography and the details of several yurt makers worldwide.

'The Complete Yurt Handbook' really lives up to its name - it's a fascinating book, and tells you everything you'll need to know to build and inhabit your own yurt!

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh I love the yurt. I need a yurt right now. And a toddler yurt and a baby yurt.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

the best resource for building your own yurt.

[Kami · Rating 2 out of 5]

Skimmed