Handmade Houseboats is chock full of solid minimalist information. It's written as a guide to building a floating cottage but the information is useful for any kind of life on the water or the land while leaving a small footprint. The author is a New Zealander who lives aboard his own creation built atop an old barge. His writing is excellent and colorful and is just a good read. There's a history of the glory days of houseboating at the turn of the century, complete with selections from the writings of Harlan Hubbard, William Atkin and others. There are many excellent photos and illustrations, including early sailing houseboats. It's published by International Marine/McGraw-Hill, 800 262-4729.