Cabin, The: Inspiration for the Classic American Getaway
These two books are fine additions to the literature of  architecture and building from Taunton Press, best known for the  magazines Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding. In an  introduction and six chapters, Obolensky, who collaborated with  Sarah Susanka on The Not So Large House, presents 52 garages,  from basic to elaborate. Various styles and purposes are  illustrated, including workshops, hobby shops, living spaces,  and parking spaces. The extraordinary photography that  accompanies the precise text brings the glory of the "Garage  Mahal" to life. The result is whimsical in tone yet serious in  design and execution detail.  Architect Mulfinger and writer/editor Davis accomplish much the  same for the cabin. In four chapters "Rustic," "Transformed,"  "Traditional," and "Modern" they present 36 cabins from across  the United States. In addition to exterior and interior  photographs, colored renderings of site plans are included where  needed. The authors also emphasize the importance of mood and  environment. While this book is a bit more serious than Garage,  the joy in the discovery of great design operates strongly here  as well. These extraordinarily well-produced books are  enthusiastically recommended, particularly in communities strong  in second-home construction. Alex Hartmann, Williamsport, PACopyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.