The Thumbnail Book Reviews
by John Q McDonald --- 3 January 2005
by Michael Pollan
After finishing a major renovation to his Connecticut home, writer and editor (for Harper's) Michael Pollan looked upon the landscape of his big yard from his new window and considered suddenly the construction of what was once called, among genteel English landholders, a folly. By the end of the book, much of what he attempts might seem like folly, but Pollan goes about building for himself a small writer's shack that becomes a project involving an architect, a contractor, a writer, and seemingly endless literary resources. It's a small project, but Pollan admits to not being particularly adroit with a circular saw, and it is a project of exploration for him. He sets out to move from a world of words to the world of the concrete (literally) and to create a small mark upon the landscape. He doesn't wander far from his literary inclinations, though, as the book is a rich meditation on every aspect of the shack's construction. Pollan explores the history of modern architecture and the relationships between architect and client and contractor. And he ponders the origins of certain architectural traditions, from site selection to final finishing. Overall this is a rewarding book, with some insightful thoughts on all angles on a personal construction project. Especially sharp are Pollan's thoughts on the conceits and prejudices of the architectural profession, thoughts that wouldn't be popular amongst big-time architects, to be sure. Pollan, however, is in a priveleged position. Many of us dream of doing just what he sets out to do here, but this is not a how-to book. Unlike many readers, Pollan can afford the services of a professional architect. He has the land and can employ a weekend carpenter to help him. In the end, he admits to paying a very-expensive $125 per square foot for his little outbuilding. Still, the book is very much worth the read, particularly for its (sometimes overlong but still interesting) meditations on all sides of a construction project.