When I first became interested in yurts I was astonished about the lack of good quality information available. First of all I looked for
yurts for sale in the UK and contacted a few yurt makers to see if they could help. I struck luccky with one yurt make.
I wanted to make a yurt and learn all the methods and techniques required. However it was quite frustrating as it all seemed to kept secret and the only good book I could find was Paul King’s Yurt Handbook.
After a few years I had discovered a few good books and the best of these I will share here.
In 2005 I was approached by Becky Kemery to share some of my experience of yurt making in central Asia and do an article about my yurt workshop with her for her forthcoming book, Living in the Round. We got on well and I found her a delight to speak with. Becky’s wonderful book was subsequently published and is one of the best books on the subject available today.
Sadly Becky died a few years ago and it was a sad loss for all.
Another wonderful book came out during this period by Dutch yurt make Froit. Froit had studied in Mongolia and had decided to capture the skills in the form of a Mongolian style book. We struck up a friendship via email and I was the first recipient of the new book, that was printed on loose sheets, with wooden binders and wrapped in a silk cloth. The book was immensely informative and I still take time to read it.
Peter Alford Andrews has recorded many hand drawn pictures of yurt structures and has published detailed information about these structures. This book is pricey but one of the very best books on the subject and definitely with the money. The link below is for part one - part two is also available from amazon.com.
Some other great books are listed below.