Conservation of Historic Timber Structures, An ecological approach

Rating:
Summary: Unique and Highly Recommended
Review: The authors of this excellent book are the founders of the "International Course on Wood Conservation Technology", held in Norway every other summer since 1982. This course brings together conservators from all over the world to exchange ideas and to get updated on the latest technology for the conservation of wooden buildings and historical artifacts. At the same time, the authors have served as the management team of the ICOMOS International Wood Committee, organizing seminars around the world which highlighted local wood preservation traditions while developing the Wood Committee's "Principles for the Preservation of Historic Timber Buildings", the set of internationally agreed-upon preservation guidelines which protect wooden buildings inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, the list of the world's historic landmarks. This situation has given the authors broad knowledge of wood preservation practices around the world and a true authority to compare and contrast these practices, which they do in this book with wit and judicious care. In a literature comprised of often diffuse collections of highly academic papers describing culturally-specific technical minutiae, this overview is absolutely unique and profound. The book is in no way a primer, though there is enough basic information on wood chemistry and morphology to allow professionals of other disciples to "enter". The text is full of practical examples which conservation and building professionals will find stimulating, though it is definitely not a "how to-, do-it-yourself" type book - the authors awareness of the cultural differences of their worldwide audience has prevented this. And the phrase "an ecological approach" in the title is not a collection of trendy buzzwords included to promote crossover market sales. Considerations of appropriate technology, preservation of old-growth forests, and redevelopment of traditional craft skills are central to it's arguments, and it has truly useful and interesting insights for readers from other disciplines, including forestry, ecology, sustainable development, etc. Even though the authors are not native speakers of English, the text is clearly understandable and directly stated. The style is terse without being dense, intelligent without being academic. Though American readers may find the quoting of portions of the ICOMOS International Principles as introduction to several of the early chapters somewhat intimidating, they are encourged to read on. This is not a dry, bloodless technical tome. The authors personal enthusiasms and wit shine through. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Rating:
Summary: Unique and Highly Recommended
Review: The authors of this excellent book are the founders of the "International Course on Wood Conservation Technology", held in Norway every other summer since 1982. This course brings together conservators from all over the world to exchange ideas and to get updated on the latest technology for the conservation of wooden buildings and historical artifacts. At the same time, the authors have served as the management team of the ICOMOS International Wood Committee, organizing seminars around the world which highlighted local wood preservation traditions while developing the Wood Committee's "Principles for the Preservation of Historic Timber Buildings", the set of internationally agreed-upon preservation guidelines which protect wooden buildings inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage List, the list of the world's historic landmarks. This situation has given the authors broad knowledge of wood preservation practices around the world and a true authority to compare and contrast these practices, which they do in this book with wit and judicious care. In a literature comprised of often diffuse collections of highly academic papers describing culturally-specific technical minutiae, this overview is absolutely unique and profound. The book is in no way a primer, though there is enough basic information on wood chemistry and morphology to allow professionals of other disciples to "enter". The text is full of practical examples which conservation and building professionals will find stimulating, though it is definitely not a "how to-, do-it-yourself" type book - the authors awareness of the cultural differences of their worldwide audience has prevented this. And the phrase "an ecological approach" in the title is not a collection of trendy buzzwords included to promote crossover market sales. Considerations of appropriate technology, preservation of old-growth forests, and redevelopment of traditional craft skills are central to it's arguments, and it has truly useful and interesting insights for readers from other disciplines, including forestry, ecology, sustainable development, etc. Even though the authors are not native speakers of English, the text is clearly understandable and directly stated. The style is terse without being dense, intelligent without being academic. Though American readers may find the quoting of portions of the ICOMOS International Principles as introduction to several of the early chapters somewhat intimidating, they are encourged to read on. This is not a dry, bloodless technical tome. The authors personal enthusiasms and wit shine through. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.