The Alternative Building Sourcebook for Traditional, Natural and Sustainable Building Products and Services

edited by Steve Chappell. Fox Maple Press, Inc., P.O. Box 249, W. Brownfield, ME 04010; 207/ 935-3720, 207/935-4575 (fax). 1998, softcover, 144 pages, $19.95

Fox Maple Press, publisher of

Joiners’ Quarterly, has released a guide to traditional, natural, and sustainable building products and services with over 900 listings of more than 400 companies. There are 13 chapters with introductory notes and descriptions of many building techniques; listings by specific category, then state and company; and many informative illustrations and photos. There are also three sets of supplemental listings: an index to company mentions in the text; Internet web sites and e-mail addresses by subject; and companies by general subject or product.

The

Sourcebook is unique among green building guides in its exclusive focus on natural building methods, such as strawbale, clay infill, cob, thatch, and timber framing. Useful information on associated products, services, and tools is also provided. For builders, architects, and lay people interested in natural building,

The Alternative Building Sourcebook makes an excellent reference.