On The Roof
A Thatcher's Journey
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Profile Books Ltd
Published:29th Aug '24
Should be back in stock very soon
This hardback is available in another edition too:
- Paperback£10.99(9781788167444)
This beautifully written memoir explores the ancient craft of thatching, revealing its rich history and the connections it fosters within communities. On the Roof offers profound insights.
In On the Roof, Tom Allan embarks on a captivating journey into the world of thatching, a craft that has stood the test of time. Leaving behind his office job, he immerses himself in the ancient tradition of thatching in Devon, discovering not just a trade, but a way of life that connects him to nature and community. Through his experiences, Allan paints a vivid picture of the artistry and skill involved in creating thatched roofs, which he describes as living organisms shaped by the hands of those who work on them.
The narrative unfolds as Allan meets a diverse array of thatchers, each with their unique stories and techniques. From a lobster fisherman's son using dune grass in the Hebrides to a Syrian refugee who finds solace in Denmark's seagrass roofs, these encounters highlight the global significance of this ancient craft. Allan also delves into the history and future of thatching, exploring how it has evolved while maintaining its core principles. The book reflects on the connection between people and the land, offering insights into how traditional practices can coexist with modern life.
On the Roof is more than just a memoir; it is a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and the natural world. Through beautiful prose and rich storytelling, Allan invites readers to appreciate the depth and beauty of a tradition that has shaped landscapes for centuries, reminding us of the importance of preserving such skills in our ever-changing world.
On The Roof is a thoughtful appreciation of a British craft .. [an] excellent, beautifully written book -- Patrick Galbraith * Sunday Times *
Brilliant -- Craig Raine * Times Literary Supplement *
A rich and hugely enjoyable celebration of the local, the vernacular and traditional ... a beautifully written craftsman's memoir -- Christopher Hart * Daily Mail *
This well written blend of travelogue and paean to an ancient craft is beguiling -- Kate Green * Country Life *
One of those books that gives you insight into a subject you didn't know you wanted to know about ... still you find yourself just so appreciative of this undying craft and the author's passion for it -- Nic Bottomley * Bath Life *
[Allan's] adventure, structured as neatly as the thatching he describes, is both a love letter to an ancient craft and an exultant ode to living your truest life .... what more tangible legacy could there be than placing a roof over one's head? * World of Interiors *
The fascinating story of how craft, community and nature combine to keep the roofs over our heads -- Kate Humble, author and broadcaster
Tom Allan writes easily and appealingly, making his Thatcher's Journey one of discovery and delight. The gently described practicalities of the craft had me entranced -- John Wright, author * The Forager's Calendar *
Hugely enjoyable - Tom Allan is a real craftsman, knowledgeable, curious and a superb storyteller -- Jasper Winn, author * Waterways *
A beautifully-crafted, highly-original, spirit-lifting, hands-on adventure -- Nicholas Crane, author * The Making of the British Landscape *
Told in a very engaging way. It is hard to put down * House & Garden *
ISBN: 9781788167437
Dimensions: 218mm x 140mm x 32mm
Weight: 412g
304 pages
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