The allure of the boathouse defies definition. To some they're a place to loaf about with friends on a summer's afternoon, to others they're secret bolt holes. Though disparate in form and appearance these structures built for the protection, construction, and maintenance of boats are united by the natural beauty of their waterfront locations and the innovation required for their construction. In this superbly illustrated book, Adam Mornement describes the history and evolution of some 40 boathouses from around the world, from the mid-18th century to the 21st. Some are the work of famous architects, including Robert Adam, Frank Lloyd Wright, Renzo Piano, and Shigeru Ban, but most are anonymous. Each in its own way embodies the adventure, charm, and romance of this visually arresting and consistently surprising building.