by Ernest Scott

Review by Mark Gezella – December 2004

WOW! - If a picture's worth a thousand words, this guy covered just about every entry in the dictionary!  This month's review is based on a book published back in 1980, but the contents are as helpful today as they were decades ago.

My initial impression of "Working in Wood" can be summed up in one word - multitudious!  I get the feeling the author's intention was to write one book that had everything in it.  The book is encyclopedic in terms of coverage; it’s practical at times, while other times it's a little too exhaustive.  As with last month's entry, most illustrations are gray, black, and white, but I think the end result is just as effective as full color.  It is separated into six sections; Classic Construction, Design, Tools, Methods, Materials, Fixtures and Fittings.  I have to confess; the author does a great job of describing each section in his own "forward", so rather than re-invent the wheel I mixed some of what he said with my own thoughts.

Classic Construction is the book's introduction, and it introduces you by using some of the finest examples of furniture ever produced.  This section renders all pictures in full color, which is appropriate given the subject matter and exquisite attention to detail.  I was drawn to this section by the author's quixotic intent; it stresses practices of traditional techniques that still apply today, though I think it overshot the mark.  Every type of furniture selected (which is subdivided into storage, tables, and chairs) is labeled, exploded, cross-referenced, altered, ...get the idea?  It's almost too much information to begin with.  Each item also contains a little cross-reference box with references to explanations continued elsewhere in the book.

Design provides much insight regarding how to apply techniques and drafting tools to formulate dimensions for functional furniture.  It contains painstaking detail of all design tools, which I find helpful because it uses a lot of real world examples to make a point (get it - drafting tools...point?!).  Several months ago we had a presentation on furniture design and discussed how few books are available on the subject.  I think this book offers some valuable information, albeit slight, on how to consider personal dimensions when designing tables, chairs, and the like.  It emphasizes spatial relations and offers key dimensions for tables, chairs, and beds for several sizes of occupant.

Tools describes all facets of hand and power tools that can be applied to construction.  True, the power tool references are relative to publication date (O-L-D), but again, descriptions of how to go about plying them is still of value.  Descriptions are segregated by use; e.g., sawing, planing, final fitting ...etc.  There are some outstanding llustrations/pictures of older tools, like plow planes, braces, bow saws ...etc. I consider it to be complete coverage of virtually every tool used in the shop.

Methods is the largest section of the book.  It's not the "...same old - same old..." either; it includes methods of work as diverse as bending, laminating, and carving wood.  It also contains information on veneering, marquetry, and parquetry, which is especially suited to furniture restoration and repair. There is an impressive array of descriptive methods of work within these pages, delivered by "specialist" craftsman.  The "specialists" he consulted may be familiar to you, however for me most were not.  The book was first published in England; so many names belong to men of that locale.

Materials is a fascinating section.  It begins with a brief description of how a tree grows (again, fully illustrated), then progresses to woods of the world, which considers natural ranges, methods of harvesting, and even a bit on forest management for sustainable yields.  The author also offers some scientific terminology about genus and species.  Finally, it wraps up with a pictorial representation of many domestics and exotics, both by tree shape and finished product (one picture placed above the other).  Mr. Scott often suggests what wood is most appropriate for a style or type of use in this section.

The final section of the book touches on all kinds of items to consider when accessorizing a furniture project.  Nothing earth-shattering here, but it does include an immense amount of illustrations that cover hinges, fittings, handles ....etc.  Just about any type of fastener available (at the time) is drawn up as well.

I think this book is another decent part of our library collection.  My guess is just about anyone in the guild would find it interesting.  It bears repeating that this is akin to last month's entry in terms of coverage, with a great deal of illustrations.  It also includes a glossary of definitions for all kinds of technical terms.

The only caution I offer is that it carries with it an aroma - do you know what I mean by "...old book funk..."?  Well, this one fell prey to it!  So, cover you nose and open it up!!  This item is currently available for checkout in the Guild library.