Woodshop library

HOMES OF THE MASTER WOOD ARTISANS by Tina Skinner with photography by Steven Paul Whitsitt.

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This book invites the readers into the homes, gardens and work areas of Wharton Esherick, Sam Maloof and George Nakashima. "It's fascinating to see how the style of their homes reflects the thinking behind their furniture lines," writes Skinner. In Esherick's home, straight lines were avoided at all costs, while Maloof's rambling complex reflects his boundless energy, endless work days and constant desire to create. Nakashima's home is described as a harmonious marriage of Japanese influences with Pennsylvania's rich natural resources. This book is a must-have for devotees of these artists, as well as aspiring woodworkers who seek tutelage from the top. The 160-page hardcover sells for $49.99. Contact: Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310. Tel: 610-593-1777. www.schifferbooks.com

WHARTON ESHERICK: STUDIO & COLLECTION, edited by Dr. Paul Eisenhauer, curator of the Wharton Esherick Museum, is a tribute to the esteemed wood sculptor, best known for the way he applied the principles of sculpture to designs for functional objects. This catalog documents, with beautiful color photography, more than 130 paintings, woodblock prints, sculpture and utilitarian objects found at the Wharton Esherick Museum in Paoli, Pa. The catalog was originally published in 1977, followed by a second edition in 1984. This third edition was "started from scratch," according to the author, "featuring many more pictures - and more in color - than we were able to afford to print in the past." The 96-page hardcover sells for $19.95. Contact: Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310. Tel: 610-593-1777. www.schifferbooks.com

CHESTS OF DRAWERS, by Bill Hylton, is a how-to book for building seven chest-of-drawer projects. The featured chests were originally created by Glen Huey, Mark Edmundson, Harry Smith, Michael Seward and Ken Burton. They include a Pennsylvania Dutch chest, contemporary chest, bow-front chest, double dresser, triple dresser, Queen Anne chest on frame, and tall chest. The book also includes chapters on chest and drawer building. Each project offers step-by-step photos, clear building instructions, cut lists and measured drawings. There's also information on how to solve the challenges in building large case pieces, as well as advice on creating original designs or adapting the design in this book. The 218-page softcover sells for $24.95. Contact: Taunton Press, P.O. Box 5506, Newtown, CT 06470-5506. Tel: 800-888-8286. www.taunton.com

MANUAL TRAINING TOYS FOR THE BOY'S WORKSHOP, by Harris W. Moore, is a Woodworking Classics Revisited book from Linden Publishing featuring black-and-white photos and drawings. Originally published in 1912, this is a nostalgic look at classic projects for boys. The book is dedicated to "the boy who likes to tinker round," so it was really written with the thought that boys could make these projects without adult supervision. The book contains 42 family-friendly projects with complete instructions and dimensioned drawings. Included are a cannon that shoots marbles, a kite string reel, popgun, whistle, a bow and arrow, magic box, a sword and 35 other fun things to build. The 111-page softcover sells for $12.95. Contact: Linden Publishing, Inc., 2006 S. Mary, Fresno, CA 93721. Tel: 800-345-4447. www.woodworkerslibrary.com

CIVIL WAR WOODWORKING, by A.J. Hamler, is a how-to guide for creating accurate reproductions of Civil War-era objects. All 17 projects, which range from fairly easy to moderately difficult, include fully illustrated step-by-step instructions with an emphasis on authenticity. Each project chapter provides Civil War history about the item as well as key information the reader will need to duplicate period workmanship, materials and finishes in the modern shop. Projects include an ammunition box, folding camp stool, officer's field desk, candle lantern, a camp chair, tent pegs and wooden games. With scores of original photographs from the Library of Congress, as well as modern images of reenactors using the reproductions, the book will appeal to the woodworker and history buff. The 164-page softcover sells for $24.95. Contact: Linden Publishing Inc. Tel: 800-345-4447. www.woodworkerslibrary.com

This article originally appeared in the July 2010 issue.