Classic Wood Structures: Prepared by the Task Committee on Classic Wood Structures of the Committee on Wood of the Structural Division of the Americ

Rating:
Summary: Rare and helpful guide
Review: I found this book extremely helpful while researching the century-old tabernacles and former Chautauqua building near Lebanon, Pennsyvlania. John Cilley, the ingenious engineer of these projects, constructed the edifaces with no central supporting poles. The roof trusses mark Cilley's genius, for they are supported on a radial pattern of inverted timber Fink Trusses spanning from a timber compression ring at the peak. Of the five structures built by Cilley, only two exist today, the campmeeting tabernacles at Mt. Lebanon and Mt. Gretna Campmeetings, both near Lebanon, Pa. When I began researching this project, "Classic Wood Structures" was the only book in the U.S. that I could locate with any information. There is no other resource out there with these unique designs or explanations of them. The book is a compilation of 37 rare, historic, architectural wonders from around the world and is a highly unique and engaging piece for those interested in how such structures are designed and put together.