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 ...
Read More
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.
Read Less
Add this copy of Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan to cart. $49.19, good condition, Sold by Greenworld Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Arlington, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Princeton Architectural Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good condition. It may show normal signs of use such as light writing highlighting or library markings but all pages are intact and the book is fully readable. A solid complete copy that's ready to enjoy.
Add this copy of Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan to cart. $71.06, very good condition, Sold by Half Moon Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from High Falls, NY, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Princeton Architectural Press.
Add this copy of Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan to cart. $91.46, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Santa Clarita, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Princeton Architectural Press.
Add this copy of Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan to cart. $132.04, new condition, Sold by Just one more Chapter rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Miramar, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2015 by Princeton Architectural Press.
Add this copy of Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan to cart. $37.30, good condition, Sold by Friends of Fort Bragg Library rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Fort Bragg, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2008 by Princeton Architectural Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good in good dust jacket. 256 p. Contains: Illustrations. Slight bumps to head and tail of spine, upper corner of front board and lower corner of rear board. Book otherwise clean and unmarked with tight binding. DJ has edge wear with a chip at head of spine.
Add this copy of Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan to cart. $19.00, good condition, Sold by Evergreen Goodwill rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Seattle, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Princeton Architectural Press.
Add this copy of Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan to cart. $21.37, very good condition, Sold by BayStateBooks rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from North Smithfield, RI, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Princeton Architectural Press.
Add this copy of Minka: My Farmhouse in Japan to cart. $51.99, good condition, Sold by The Mighty Book rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Portland, OR, UNITED STATES, published 2007 by Princeton Architectural Press.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good in very good dust jacket. Gently read hardcover, with clean text, a few creased page edges. Solid binding, with light wear to the jacket. Ready to ship. 256 p.
