The Measure of Man
Uncovering the Mystery and Meaning of a Medieval Barn
Discovering as much or more in a framer framing a house, Putting higher claims for him there with his rolled‐up sleeves, Driving the mallet and chisel…
Walt Whitman Leaves of Grass 1855
What can we learn from an old barn? Still standing after nearly six centuries, The Lordship Barn, located 30 miles northeast of London on the edge of a quiet little village in East Anglia, is a magnificent example of medieval English architecture. Breathtaking in the simplicity of its design and the harmony of its construction, the barn is also a work of genius; a masterpiece that gives shape to the ideals of renaissance humanism. A rare artifact, of real and enduring value, the timber chords of the barn’s ancient frame resonate … Reminding us who we once were and revealing what we have become.
In this original and engaging essay, part memoir and part detective story, historian and carpenter David Leviatin recounts his discovery of a remarkable method of medieval building design unknown for centuries. Using his workshop, the 15th century Lordship Barn, as his primary source and muse, Leviatin draws on theory and practice, to uncover the connection between a single line, a great building and a long tradition. Much more than a discussion of overlooked craft techniques, The Measure of Man is a meditation on the course of progress and the value of a forgotten way of life.
Inspired by aspects of several highly regarded and well received books, specifically Mark Twain’s, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court; David Macauley’s, Cathedral; David Hockney’s, Secret Knowledge and Matthew Crawford’s, Shop Class as Soul Craft, The Measure of Man is part of a long tradition, and increasingly popular genre, of writing on and about the experience and value of thoughtfully making things well. Leviatin’s story, designed to appeal to a wide audience, elegantly illustrates the human necessity of building, the cultural significance of buildings and the implications of the historical transformation of craftsmanship. * * *
“Amazing stuff” Louis P. Masur
“Absolutely fascinating” Thomas Slaughter
“The musical connection is sublime” Ben Brungraber
“I want to re‐read it and re‐read it again. I really loved it. It is outstanding.” Greg Huber
A Ph.D. from Harvard University and the grandson of European immigrant carpenters, David Leviatin, born and raised in New York, lives in London where he specialises in the conservation and construction of historic English timber frames. The author of several books and numerous buildings, Leviatin has taught at Harvard University, MIT and Charles University in Prague. He has received awards, grants and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the New York Council of the Humanities, the Fulbright Foundation and the Rothermere American Institute at Oxford University. Currently, Leviatin runs his own timber frame company, Boxed Heart and is the scholar/craftsman in residence at Writtle College in Essex.