Wood: Craft, Culture, History

by Harvey Green

Book Overview

A rich, authoritative look at a material that plays an essential role in human culture Wood has been a central part of human life throughout the world for thousands of years. In an intoxicating mix of science, history, and practical information, historian and woodworker Harvey Green considers this vital material's place on the planet. What makes one wood hard and one soft? How did we find it, tame it? Where does it fit into the histories of technology,...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0143112694
• ISBN13: 9780143112693
• Release Date: November 2007
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 496 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.8" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Excellent overview

I can appreciate the other reviews criticisms that this is an ambitious book. Green seems quite conscious of this fact in his writing. Instead of making an attempt to cover every complexity of the topic, he selects several diverse examples to demonstrate the ubiquity and importance of wood. This work is worth a read for any craftsman or student of material culture.

Material issues

An interesting book which is difficult to pigeon-hole in any particular category. Not precisely a history book, yet it examines the history of wood, and its importance and symbolism to different times and cultures. I found it a little long winded, and yet there is much of interest here, such as the history of wood in sporting equipment, hunting and war weapons, housing, religion, furniture, musical instruments, etc. Chock a block full of quaint facts and sharp insight, I would recommend this book. One of those books which will make you appreciate much of the world around you normally taken for granted.