A Splintered History of Wood: Belt-Sander Races, Blind Woodworkers, and Baseball Bats

by Spike Carlsen

Book Overview

A Splintered History of Wood is a passionate and personal exploration of nature's greatest gift: wood. In the successful tradition of books such as Salt and Cod, writer and carpenter Spike Carlsen explores the history, versatility, and special appeal of something we use everyday--but take for granted--in this comprehensive and dynamic history of wood's global impact and its personal significance to people in all walks of life.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0061373575
• ISBN13: 9780061373572
• Release Date: August 2009
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 0.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

Who knew?!?

Spike Carlsen took a topic that could have been as exciting as, well watching wood grow, carved it into a well written story, with lots of humor and tales of how us humans---our very society itself---would not, could not be the same as it is today without this precious resource. This book, and the folks in it (and their unique personalities), and the woods themselves (each exotic specimen having its own incomparable story) is written with the same reverence an author would bring to a well researched and documented historical novel. He explains in exquisite, easy to read detail why certain woods are used for specific applications and how highly skilled craftsmen produce one of a kind pieces, which because they are made from material that were once alive, have taken on a life of their own. Great book I know will enjoy as much as I have!

A wise informative book full of good humor

This is a book about wood that will amaze you, inform you, make you wise and make you laugh. Where else, between two covers could you hope to learn about the history of the catapult, the worlds largest wooden airplane, a model city built of 2 million toothpicks, how a grand piano is made, the world championship belt sander races, and much, much more. On top of that you will get more solid, well-informed information about wood and trees than you ever thought you'd want to know. And you'll keep reading right to the end because it's beautifully and smoothly written and great fun throughout.

Not just for woodworkers

Because this book is as much about people as it is about wood it's incredibly readable -- and funny. The author got out from behind the desk and got into the stories as much as possible and shares self-effacing tales along the way. The book is set-up as individual essays so readers can pick and choose where to start. I was drawn to the one on Jimmy Carter and how wood forensics helps to solve crimes. It's good for the Cliffy Claven in your life as well as the public radio essay listener looking for a human lesson behind the facts.

Characters and Characteristics of Wood and the People Who Love It

I noticed this book in the new release section of my local bookstore and picked it up to take a look-see and I am glad that I did! This book truly was a fun and enjoyable read. It is broken down into chapters that talk about different types of wood, it's uses and qualities which turn out to be infinitely varied and really interesting. And just as interesting are the stories of the people, the cultures and even the author who we get to learn about in this book. I really enjoyed picking this book up learning about table sander races, maple bats, how Venice was built, bow and arrows, mysteries and miracles. I am not a wood worker and before I read this book I would never have thought to have listed "wood" as a hobby or interest but after reading this I realize we all are. And I already caught myself looking at the wood of my cello which I don't think I had ever done before and thought about the chopsticks I used last night. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys "characters" because this book is full of them- the people and the wood kind. The book is conversational and you read it that way; you also learn a few things along the way. Whether you are wood worker or just a curious kind of person.

Amazingly well researched, well written and well...fascinating

This book could so easily and undeservedly fly under the radar. I picked it up on a recommendation from my father-in-law and am really glad I did. Carlsen writes this "splintered history" in a way that has really opened my eyes to the soul of such a basic element in my every day life. This book is for everyone. Wood is everywhere--so this isn't just a book for wood workers. It's for anyone who is looking for a little added appreciation for the world they live in--for the gifts given to us by mother nature to the things created for us (toothpicks, grand pianos, houses, baseball bats) by skilled hands and innovative machines. This isn't a text book. It's comprised of anecdotes and interviews with masters and quirky personalities representing the gamut of wood related areas. But that's not to say it's not scholarly. Carlsen goes just deep enough into fascinating topics so as to fill us with his knowledge with out beating us over the head with jargon and science (though you'll find just enough of both to understand how well Carlsen knows his stuff). It's truly one of the best books I've read this year.