A Reverence for Wood
by Eric Sloane · first published 1955
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4HN commenters
2015–2024first – last mentioned
100% recommend
This refreshing and delightfully written book underscores the important role that wood has played in the development of American life and culture. Charmingly illustrated with author Eric Sloane's own sketches, the text illuminates with rare insight the enormously varied and useful qualities of wood. Covering such topics as the aesthetics of wood, wooden implements, and carpentry, Sloane remarks expansively and with affection on the resourcefulness of early Americans in their use of this precious commodity. From cradle to coffin, the pioneer was surrounded by wood. It was used to make tools,
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Eric Sloane's work is amazing. I think I read Reverence for wood long, long ago. One of my key decisions in life was inspired by his "Diary of an American Boy -- Noah Blake 1805"
on “The Whole Code Catalog (2019)” ↗Back to Basics - http://www.amazon.com/Back-Basics-Traditional-American-Skill... A Reverence for Wood - http://www.amazon.com/dp/0486433943/ and maybe something by Ray Mears, but I don't think any of his books really capture what his TV shows do - aboriginal cultures and their skills that are about to…
on “What Books Could Be Used to Rebuild Civilization?” ↗A Reverence for Wood by Eric Sloane. Accomplished its eponymous goal in a brief 110 pages, many of which are beautiful lithographic sketches.
on “Ask HN: What are the best unknown books you have read?” ↗…ways, better. Less entertaining, less anarchic, but I used some of the ideas to get furniture made over 25 years ago I still use (the plywood single-cut slotted shelves which stack) Or Eric Sloane's "Reverence for wood" which is lyrical but surprisingly direct about tools and how they work.
on “The Whole Code Catalog (2019)” ↗…artificial burl out of scraps to try and show off some wood turning fu I didn't actually have. Open day does that: look like you know what you're doing. Eric Sloane would have loved this, it's a true reverence for wood.
on “Make the most of your burl” ↗