Manual of Traditional Wood Carving

This book will amaze and inspire anyone interested in woodcarving. A reprint of the 1911 edition originally entitled Cassell's Wood Carving, Manual of Traditional Wood Carving is a manual of woodcarving written when the traditional crafts were alive and well. Directed mostly towards amateurs, the book will also challenge skilled professionals. Profusely illustrated - 1,146 working drawings and photographic illustrations grace the book - Manual of Traditional Wood Carving contains a wealth of information you won't find anywhere else. The tone is practical and encouraging, which is good, since many of the projects are demanding and impressive (an armchair in carved oak, an exact replica of a 16th century carved table, a staircase, etc.). The authors provide a comprehensive guide to the tools and methods of woodcarving, and can get you started on smaller projects (platters, boxes, stools, etc.) before you recreate that 17th century sideboard. The real strength of this book is not in its basic instruction, but in its chapter by chapter review of the basic styles of carving, going back to Roman times, and its study of each style's most important elements. Some aspects of the book are truly spectacular. For example, not only are the sample works shown in the chip carving section stupendous of themselves, but they are accompanied by an explanation of the technique of using regular gouges and tools to complement the usual chip carving knives. The book is filled with ideas and insights that will expand the horizons of any woodcarver. Paperback, 568 pages, 6 1/2" x 9 1/4".

Binding: TP
Publisher: Dover