Tipis / Tepees / Teepees: History and Design of the Cloth Tipi

I view this book not as a sort of updated version of the Laubin's book, but a blend of commentary on both traditional and contemporary tipi making, living, and use. Along the way, the author puts some perspective on how the Laubin's book should be viewed in terms of the historical context in which they wrote. It's an important point. She corrects some factual inaccuracies in the earlier work. And while the earlier book is enormously important in terms of its impact, it represents particular views of the times as it relates to the tipi. Those views were different before the Laubin's time and have changed since. So Linda's book adds some historical perspective that is not apparent - or perhaps is even misrepresented, if unintentionally so - in the earlier work. Linda Holley's writing is well-informed. She is an experienced tipi maker and tipi traveler. She cheerfully knowledges the issues she has encountered and the errors she has made. While presenting the tipi as a good and pragmatic choice, she does not go overboard in attributing grandiose characteristics to it. You know the type - the ones that say it is the ultimate tent, the most comfortable outdoor living and camping invention ever. That sort of thing. It is not. It can be damp, buggy, smoky, and a handful to set up and move. While more of a survey book in its coverage than an instruction manual, it is sprinkled throughout with advice. The question has come up in several other reviews as to whether one could construct a tipi from the material in this book. While I have not done so, I believe the answer is yes. You will not find step-by-step instructions for that, however. The instructions for making a cover are essentially a small handful of pages. A few pictures are included to show such things as seam details, flaps, and lacing. If you are creative enough to take some of the general guidelines and concepts along with the material recommendations and perspective throughout the volume, you should be able to construct yourself a nice tipi. That said, you are talking about something that consumes scores of yards of material. Even acquired at low-cost, this will add up. If you can figure out some way of trialing the construction of your cover with something really cheap, that would probably be best. Of course, you could go buy one, too. Linda offers advice on what to look for should you go this route. I found this fun to read. While I happened to be more interested in yurt construction than tipi construction, I wanted to know enough about the latter to be able to make comparisons. Both are incredibly appropriate solutions to nomadic living.

The information in the book in great....but the publisher has gone the cheap route with this new print on demand in the later editions. The sharp images on the printed dimensions are blurred and the color photos are now in black and white. The first printing of this book was great with the color inserts...but to save on cost they have now eliminated those photos and gone to cheaper paper. I understand they have now corrected the blurred printing, but the book should be in full color to appreciate tipis. The information is still great, but now cheapened to a manual "how to". It maybe the plight of all new books that have been in print a few years to go to this new cheap way of printing....but it sure does not help the information or photos. Guess the e-books will win out for the reader as this is the new trend. The author has been putting color photos in the share your photos section. This maybe the only way you will see what the material should have looked like. Hey! that part is free.

I got this book because I was interested in finding a simple shelter that could be heated in winter. This book meets my expectation on that. I found that the construction was more elaborate than I thought. I really liked the chapter on how to build a fire in one. I think I would buy one rather than make one. The patterns are in this book but I don't sew well. Great info on lots of aspects of tipi life.

I enjoyed the historical excerptsthat were included, and the expanded selection of plans for different sizes, but overall, The Laubin book is the tipi bible.

Just want to say that this author introduced us to the idea of using elmer's glue -- or any white water soluble glue -- to hold canvas in place to sew a seam. Iron the glue after you put it inside (especially French fell seams) and it will set almost immediately. If you do this once you will NEVER look back. It is truly the cat's meow. And if you want to wash it out, it comes out easily--- but often you don't even need to. We've made loads of tents and wagon covers and tarps and glue is the answer. Say goodbye to pins.

I have studied tipis for many years and have read many books on the subject. I also have seen this book advertised for many years and never purchased it for no particular reason but when I did, I was amazed of the information and quality of this book; it is probably the best book on the subject that I have come across thus far. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in tipis and the American Indian culture.

This book was very helpful for the tipi, history, and how the insides looked. It was also very good for tips about transporting the tipi and gave some general auto rules. You should check out your local laws about transporting poles that exceed your cars length. (A carrier basket in the receiver lengthens your car in some states, that might help.) A good buy!

A very complete and practical volume on virtually every aspect of Tipi ownership from construction of a cover and a liner, set-up, tear-down, poles, pegs, transportation, storage, and more. Very thorough and well organized. Very impressive. You won't be disappointed.

Tepeeの分類、種類について豊富に紹介されており、貴重な資料である。 ただし、ネイティブ・アメリカンの方の紹介ではなく、白人の方が研究 作成販売の記録で1970〜1980初めの資料と判断します。私自身は日本 にてTepeeを自作研究するものであるために、役に立っている。日本の 一般の方に理解できるかはかなり疑問が残る内容である。 また文章と図が中心にて、表紙の様なカラー写真は1枚も無いのは年代 的に仕方ないのかもしれない。天幕研究所 村上

I liked the Laubin book and this adds to it, kind of like a second updated edition with some added chapters.

so much practical information

Brilliant book, thank you very much