Many people - and not just kids - dream about having their own treehouse. With this very practical and personal guide, it can come true. Not only is this an attractive record of author Maurice Barkley"s appealing creations, but it delves into every aspect of planning and construction so others can build them too. In a friendly, conversational tone, Barkley offers time-tested advice on safety for both builder and user, and meticulously outlines each step, from raising a ground-built platform into the tree to bolting and anchoring the structure. Dozens of sidebars, how-to illustrations, and photos accompany detailed plans, and the amount of information conveyed is amazing: tools and materials; tree basics; house designs, including ones hung between two trees and others with self-supporting platforms; maintenance; and even costs.