Recommended Readings

ARTS & CRAFTS FURNITURE: FROM CLASSIC TO CONTEMPORARY
Do not judge this book by its cover, or even its title. This book explores the movement and gets you thinking about whether automation (in varying degrees) is good or bad. This book changed the way I work. Written by Jonathan Binzen and Kevin Rodel.

JAPANESE WOODWORKING TOOLS: THEIR TRADITION, SPIRIT, AND USE
This book by Toshio Odate gives you an insight into how a Japanese craftsman works and thinks. It will open your eyes to a whole other world.

JIM TOLPIN’S WOODWORKING WIT & WISDOM
A fun and educational read with funny illustrations.

MAKING AND MASTERING WOOD PLANES
David Finck provides not only extremely comprehensive instructions to build your own wooden handplane in the “Krenov” style, he also introduces many fundamental techniques of woodworking.

THE NATURE AND ART OF WORKMANSHIP
David Pye explores the meaning and value of hand work.

QUALITY IS CONTAGIOUS: JOHN ECONOMAKI & BRIDGE CITY TOOL WORKS, 36 YEARS THROUGH THE LENS OF JOE FELZMAN
An inspiring read for anyone who appreciates and/or makes quality items.

SAM MALOOF, WOODWORKER
An autobiography and one of my favourite books to read on one of my favourite woodworkers.

TAGE FRID TEACHES WOODWORKING
There are actually three books in this series. I love Frid’s style of writing: “This is how it’s done, and it’s that easy” is how it sounds to me. Black and white photographs accompany the text.

TURNING GREEN WOOD
Turning green wood is quite an art, and in this book, Michael O’Donnell shows every step along the way, taking into account the shape, unique features, and grain direction.

THE UNKNOWN CRAFTSMAN

This book, originally written in Japanese by Sõetsu Yanagi and adapted into English by Bernard Leach, explores the circumstances under which beautiful objects are created, and how industrialization has influenced handmade craft.

WHARTON ESHERICK – THE JOURNEY OF A CREATIVE MIND
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, written by Esherick’s son-in-law.  The book covers Esherick’s upbringing and emergence as an artist and insights into his way of looking at thing and transforming them into art.

WOOD
That’s the title. A very general title for a very general book. I’m convinced that Harvey Green discusses every single use for wood since the prehistoric ages. A truly fascinating and enjoyable read.

WOODWORK: A MAGAZINE FOR ALL WOODWORKERS
It’s my favourite magazine by far because it focuses more on the “why” than the “how”.  Unfortunately, it is now only published once a year.

WORKBENCHES: FROM DESIGN AND THEORY TO CONSTRUCTION AND USE
A well-written, thorough guide to designing your own workbench. By Christopher Schwarz.

400 WOOD BOXES: THE FINE ART OF CONTAINMENT & CONCEALMENT
Full of inspiration, with colour pictures front to back. I don’t know what happened to the missing one hundred boxes, but it’s still part of the 500 Series published by Lark Books.

500 CHAIRS: CELEBRATING TRADITIONAL & INNOVATIVE DESIGNS
Full of inspiration, with colour pictures front to back. Includes the most awe-inspiring piece of furniture I’ve ever seen (at right on page 324). Part of the 500 Series published by Lark Books.

500 TABLES: INSPIRING INTERPRETATIONS OF FUNCTION AND STYLE
Full of inspiration, with colour pictures front to back. Part of the 500 Series published by Lark Books.

500 WOOD BOWLS: BOLD & ORIGINAL DESIGNS BLENDING TRADITION & INNOVATION
Full of inspiration, with colour pictures front to back. Part of the 500 Series published by Lark Books.