Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan, by John Roderick
You can save the soft data of this publication Minka: My Farmhouse In Japan, By John Roderick It will certainly rely on your spare time and also tasks to open up and also read this e-book Minka: My Farmhouse In Japan, By John Roderick soft file. So, you may not be afraid to bring this e-book Minka: My Farmhouse In Japan, By John Roderick almost everywhere you go. Simply include this sot documents to your gizmo or computer system disk to permit you review every time and also all over you have time.
Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan, by John Roderick
Best Ebook PDF Online Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan, by John Roderick
In 1959 journalist John Roderick joined the Tokyo bureau of the Associated Press. There, he befriended a Japanese family, the Takishitas. After musing offhandedly that he would like to one day have his own house in Japan, the familyunbeknownst to Johnset out to grant his wish. They found Roderick a 250-year-old minka, or hand-built farmhouse, with a thatched roof and held together entirely by wooden pegs and joinery. It was about to be washed away by flooding and was being offered for only fourteen dollars. Roderick graciously bought the house, but was privately dismayed at the prospect of living in this enormous old relic lacking heating, bathing, plumbing, and proper kitchenfacilities. So the minka was dismantled and stored, where Roderick secretly hoped it would stay, as it did for several years.
But Roderick's reverence for natural materials and his appreciation of traditional Japanese and Shinto craftsmanship eventually got the better of him. Before long a team of experienced carpenters were hoisting massive beams, laying wide wooden floors, and attaching the split-bamboo ceiling. In just forty days they rebuilt the house on a hill overlooking Kamakura, the ancient capital of Japan. Working together, they renovated the farmhouse, adding features such as floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and a modern kitchen, bath, and toilet. From these humble beginnings, Roderick's minkahas become internationally known and has hosted such luminaries as President George H. W. Bush, and Senator Hillary Clinton. John Roderick's architectural memoir "Minka" tells the compelling and often poignant story of how one man fell in love with the people, culture, and ancient building traditions of Japan, and reminds us all about the importance of craftsmanship and the meaning of place and home in the process.
Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan, by John Roderick- Amazon Sales Rank: #1259335 in Books
- Published on: 2015-06-30
- Released on: 2015-06-30
- Original language: English
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 9.00" h x .63" w x 6.00" l, .80 pounds
- Binding: Paperback
- 256 pages
Review Fifty years ago, journalist John Roderick bought a small farmhouse in Japan for $14, then had the whole thing dismantled and put into storage. Minka tells the story of that house's reassembly, its visit by a U.S. president, and Roderick's often-amusing struggles to bridge the cultural divide. -- Dwell, April 2008The book, published in Roderick's 10th decade of life, is also a testament to the possible joys of longevity. It celebrates a life well lived and is an accomplishment that serves as an inspiration for anyone entering advanced age with fear there may be no more of a life's story worth telling. -- Associated Press, February 1, 2008
About the Author John Roderick was an Associated Press foreign correspondent in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East for almost forty years. He lives part of the year in Hawaii and part of the year in his minka in Kamakura, Japan.
Where to Download Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan, by John Roderick
Most helpful customer reviews
27 of 27 people found the following review helpful. A different kind of book! By Mary-Jane Emmet Describing the loving restoration of an 18th century Japanese farmhouse by a well-known AP correspondent, this book also gives intriguing glimpses into Japanese culture of today and yesterday. John Roderick is careful to point out that he could not have accomplished the restoration without the Japanese family who "adopted" him. I found the book hard to put down, so skillfully is it constructed.
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful. A delightful excursion into the By David Roderick I loved this book! Rarely have I read a book that combines the richness of Japanese architecture, history and culture with the personal experiences of an American correspondent who simultaneously adopted a Japanese son and eventually gained a 18th century Japanese farmhouse in the process. It is a lively and fascinating account of John Roderick's life over a 50 year period of living in this country that remains an enigma to most foreigners. This is a refreshing look at a bit of Japanese archecture and family life accompanied by a witty, candid, and entertaining writing style. I strongly recommend it!
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. A glimpse into another culture By Karen C The book is subtitled "My Farmhouse in Japan" but it's not really a book about a house. I would say that the house is a thread through 40 or 50 years of John Roderick's life, but the book is about several things - moving and reassembling the house, for sure, but also Roderick's career as a journalist, learning about Japanese life and culture, building relationships with Yochan and his family, understanding convoluted Japanese bureaucracy, and other themes too.John Roderick was referred to as a VCW (Veteran China Watcher) and I read this book because I am an Amateur Japan Watcher. I've lived in Japan, visited Gifu and other places Roderick mentioned, and visited houses like his minka (in historic villages - not ones that anybody was actually living in!). What a unique home to create, a modern living space in a traditional Japanese house. Imagine having to design living space in the attic which formerly housed the silk worms!What an adventure Roderick lived in his minka. It's a great story and I recommend it. (I read the Kindle version.)
See all 29 customer reviews... Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan, by John RoderickMinka: My Farmhouse in Japan, by John Roderick PDF
Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan, by John Roderick iBooks
Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan, by John Roderick ePub
Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan, by John Roderick rtf
Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan, by John Roderick AZW
Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan, by John Roderick Kindle
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar