The Complete Yurt Handbook Paperback – July 1, 2002

This is the most comprehensive and informative of the books written about Yurts. The introduction includes historical & cultural background ingo. Another section of the book includes simple, how-to-build plans and details for building several styles & sizes of yurts / gers.The Yurt is a distinctively Central Asian building design that was adapted to the nomadic lifestyle of tribes in Mongolia to Kurdistan & N. Afghanistan. Historically, its lattice frame for the 5' high circular vertical exterior wall can be collapsed and moved by camels. It can also be adapted to seasons with thick felts during winter & lighter fabric in warmer seasons that allow breezes into the yurt interior. This allows the Yurt to provide shelter much superior to a tent. With wooden roof joists that can sustain snow-loads and wind forces,compression bands of rope bound the traditional yurt 'lattice rings' allowing these to support the roof structure. This ingenious but elegant structural design, from locally-available materials (wood, felt, leather, rope), made the Yurt a common nomadic design for centuries throughout Central Asia. Also, these one-'room' dwellings can be built as large as 30'D. Even today, yurts can provide 'modular' or temporary programming needs for rural areas of Central Asia (schools, refugee camps, recreational shelter, etc.)

I am extremely satisfied with this book. It provides in-depth details on the construction of traditional Mongolian yurts. However, it not only describes yurt construction, it also goes into great detail about the Mongolian way of life. I graduated College with a Bachelors degree in Aviation and a Minor in Cultural Studies. Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this book holds a wealth of information regarding the Mongolian people. To me, this book earned every bit of the 5 star review. It covers more than one topic and it is very easy to read. The drawings and diagrams are good too. Much thanks to author Paul King.

I can't help but think of this slender volume as a glorified pamphlet, but :superlative: does it make good use of the space!I believe it has been mentioned elsewhere that this book has two parts:First: an overview of Mongolian history & culture as it relates to the yurt (or ger, as they apparently actually call it. Some words get damaged when a new culture adopts them.) & apparently Mongolian culture does revolve around their yurts.Second: detailed directions on how to build a yurt in three different manners. This contains four subs-sections: general/universal yurt-construction guidelines, details for a Mongolian style yurt, details for a *-istan style yurt, & details for a "weekend" yurt which is apparently super-easy to make & use, at the loss of some strength.I have only made it as far as part-way through the Mongolian style yurt. It makes for lighter bed-time reading than a linux tutorial, but at that time of day anything vaguely math-related sinks into my head like oil to the bottom of a lake.

"The Complete Yurt Handbook" is a treasure trove of facts and information about this traditional structure. Contained within are all the instructions, measurements, and material lists you'll need to create three different types of yurt in multiple sizes, as well as many interesting facts.The first half of the book focuses on the yurt/ger itself, and the culture that spawned it. It discusses the traditional living arrangement inside the ger, the cultural and spiritual reasons for this layout, and remarks on traditional construction styles. It talks about the social life of yurt dwellers, customs (the list of "yurt dos and don'ts" was quite informative), and even gives a recipe or two.The second half of the book focuses on all the technical things you need to actually build one yourself, but in a non-technical manner. Very complete instructions, including diagrams, accompany lists of materials and measurements, but everything is written in a way that a weekend craftsman can understand.I love this book; it's a must-have for anyone interested in a new way of camping, or a better way of living.

a very well written book on history and construction of the yurts. if you are looking to compare yurt's verses tipi's for portability, and living conditions this is the book you need to have concerning yurt's, as well as the book by reginald & gladys laubin THE INDIAN TIPI its history, construction, and use. both books contain a vast wealth of knowledge. unfortunately the indian tipi book is rare and hard to find, but if you can find it, Grab it while you can !!

After reading some of the other reviews about this book, I guess I was a bit underwhelmed with the information I took out of it. He focuses 95% on the building of traditional Mongolian yurts, and half of that was an explanation of the customs and culture associated with them. I read the whole thing in a couple hours, and the only redemptive quality that gives it 3 stars is that at the very end of the book, he FINALLY gives you a detailed material list for construction. If I decide to build my own yurt, I will need to buy another book with more detailed instructions.

A simple, straightforward read about handcrafting a yurt. Loved the detailed material lists and accompanying dimensions. Will definitely have this book handy when the paper plans make it to the saw mill and ultimately when construction begins! Very pleased!!

Yes the book was very informative. Thank you

El libro no da muchos detalles

I wholeheartedly recommend it

Packaging not adequate to protect item. New paperback book arrived with cover badly creased. However it arrived promptly and otherwise is as described.

Mr. King gives a good overview, how the Yurt is used by nomadic people in Mongolia and also by many, who nowadays live in cities, but prefer, to live in a Yurt.And he also describes in clear terms, how a Yurt is constructed.A Yurt seems to be a good alternative for a conventional tent.