Dear Friedrich --

Have you ever noticed the books published by The Taunton Press? As a homeowner often caught up in projects and overhauls, you might enjoy them -- as might visitors intrigued by various discussions we've had on the blog about architecture, homes and neighborhoods.

Taunton has its roots back in the hippie-carpenter, Whole-Earth-Catalog days, and they publish many beautiful, helpful books and magazines about homes. (They also publish books and magazines about carpentry.) Many of their books are ultra-simpatico with the principles of people like Christopher Alexander; they show, in other words, an aversion to avant-garde showmanship, and a love of (and respect for) comfort, utility, solidity and attractiveness. Taunton's books and magazines are themselves handsome examples of the craft of bookmaking. Taunton's a creative and distinctive publisher -- far more interesting and worthy of attention (IMHO, of course) as makers of books than many celebrated novelists are.

Years ago I met and spoke with one of Taunton's most popular authors, the architect Sarah ("The Not-So-Big House") Susanka. It was pleasing to hear her talk about how rewarding she'd found it to publish with Taunton. It was also fun to hear her talk about how, even in architecture school, she'd never felt she really "got" architecture until she ran across Alexander (et al)'s great A Pattern Language (buyable here).

I see on Taunton's informative and attractive website (here) that Susanka has a new book due out soon. (Her own equally-fun-to-explore website is here.) I hope it's a good one. There are a few new Taunton books I've spent time with and can recommend: Russell Versaci's Creating a New Old House (explorable here and buyable here), and Murray Silverstein, Max Jacobson and Barbara Winslow's Alexander-influenced Patterns of Home (explorable here and buyable here). Both books are gorgeous, helpful, well-priced and full of ideas almost any homeowner should enjoy playing with.

Best,

Michael

And it's not just guy stuff they publish either. "Threads" has been on my must read monthly list for years. It's visually amazing and clearly written and photographed.

Posted by: Deb on February 19, 2004 2:44 PM

Deb -- That's right, I'd forgotten they're big on knitting and such too. Glad to hear they're good there too. Amazingly consistent high-quality work, and amazingly underlauded for it ... IMHO, natch.

Posted by: Michael Blowhard on February 20, 2004 12:17 PM

Deb,
I've browsed thru Treads, it's a passable mag, but no comparison to the German-published 'Burda Moden'. I'd assume they have it in English, since even Russian version exist.
Has been my primary source for excellent patterns (both in sewing and knitting) for at least 20 yrs now. Try and you'll see the difference.

Posted by: Tatyana on February 20, 2004 1:18 PM

Tatyana,
I've used Burda for Hardanger embroidery and cross stitch and have seen a couple of their sewing editions but I havent found any knitting editions. THANKS for the link!!!

Michael, if you like to cook, check out their "Fine Cooking." I buy it occassionally and always find something in there I didnt know. ;o)

Posted by: Deb on February 20, 2004 2:38 PM






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