This history of woodworking hand tools from the 17th to the 20th century is one of a very gradual evolution of tools through generations of craftsmen. As a result, the sources of changes in design are almost impossible to ascertain. Published sources, moreover, have been concerned primarily with the object shaped by the tool rather than the tool itself. The resulting scarcity of information is somewhat compensated for by collections in museums and restorations. In this paper, the author sp...

Woodworking Tools, 1600&Ndash;1900 by Peter C. Welsh.

This history of woodworking hand tools from the 17th to the 20th century is one of a very gradual evolution of tools through generations of craftsmen. As a result, the sources of changes in design are almost impossible to ascertain.Published sources, moreover, have been concerned primarily with the object shaped by the tool rather than the tool itself. The resulting scarcity of information is somewhat compensated for by collections in museums and restorations. In this paper, the au...

Working Wood, Not Machining ItIf you're more interested in working with wood rather than machining it, you will be relieved to learn that expensive powered machinery isn't required to build furniture. You can also forget the dust masks, face shields and hearing protection since many of the safety concerns related to woodworking-the use of power tools-are eliminated. In this book, you'll learn to set up a hand-tool woodworking shop, then discover the toolset, practi...

For readers of H is for Hawk and The Frozen Thames, The Ghost Orchard is award-winning author Helen Humphreys’ fascinating journey into the secret history of an iconic food. Delving deep into the storied past of the apple in North America, Humphreys explores the intricate link between agriculture, settlement, and human relationships. With her signature insight and exquisite prose, she brings light to such varied topics as how the apple first came across the Atlan...

Henry Petroski traces the origins of the pencil back to ancient Greece and Rome, writes factually and charmingly about its development over the centuries and around the world, and shows what the pencil can teach us about engineering and technology today.

Grow beautiful roses in 10 simple steps! Whether you’re a novice learning the basics or an experience gardener looking for tips to improve your blooms, Maggie Oster’s expert advice offers all the know-how you’ll need. In 10 easy steps, you'll have beautiful, fragrant roses with minimum fuss and maximum yield.

The Shakers produced many incredible furniture objects that we continue to venerate today. For the woodworker the fascination is often rooted in the essential simplicity of the work. Interest in Shaker design is as strong today as it was when the first edition of this book was published in 1977, possibly stronger. This ongoing interest is the direct result of the inherent beauty of Shaker design-beauty that stems not only from form, but from superb workmanship, a commitment to utility and ...

Unlocking the Secrets of the Puzzle BoxHave you ever thought inside the box? These bandsawn boxes could be the most intriguing and fun projects you've ever made.Author Jeff Vollmer describes his boxes as key-and-slide--cut a dovetail key, cut a slider piece, cut another key, cut another slider. That's the puzzle or "combination" you use to get to the chamber or heart of the box.Then you cut out the guts of the box to create...

*** As a boy, famed scientist Edward O. Wilson spent his happiest days outdoors hunting for fish, snakes, and bugs in Florida and Alabama. Drawing from Wilson's autobiography Naturalist, author Sara van Dyck shows how the shy boy who loved ants grew into the man who became a world leader in nature conservation. He believes that there is always more to discover and has dedicated himself to promoting biodiversity and protecting habitats around the globe. Written for ages 7 and up, the book i...

"This book accompanies the exhibition "Writing the Garden" organized in 2011 by the New York Society Library."