Reply To: Woodworking book recommendations?
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Beware! Books are ponderous little demons that will eventually confuse you and keep you out of the shop. 😉
Seriously, the simplicity of Paul’s curriculum has helped me bring my goals back into focus, and I really feel that many of the technical books ( i.e. my three big books on sharpening), jigs, tools, magazine and web articles I have collected are superfluous if not counterproductive. There are some books (on more advanced construction or finishing) that allow me to go beyond Paul’s tutelage for the moment. A few useful ones have already been mentioned in this thread. I must confess that I am now curious to read Aldren Watson’s books…
Books that inspire are another matter. For some it may be a book showcasing Shaker or Craftsman Period furniture, others it may be Traditional English, European or Colonial Period furniture. For me, I prefer more modern designs, and James Krenov would probably be on the top of the list. I do not buy one of his books for techniques; I buy the book to gawk at the thin subtle details of his work, the sensitivity to materials and the subtle east-west fusion influence it demonstrates. I do find it limiting that Krenov did not work on many other forms than free standing cabinets. There are a few tables, but not much else. His more philosophic writing on wood and craft are also inspiring for me and are not dissimilar to Paul’s prose.