Cabinetmaking at the highest level is an art, a discipline, a philosophy—even a way of life—in addition to being a useful craft. In this book one of the greatest living cabinetmakers reflects on the deeper meanings of his craft and explains for less accomplished workers how the right attitudes toward materials, tools, and time can increase the joys of this complex activity. Craftspeople in every medium will be inspired by this account of getting started and developing habits that lessen the difficulties of a complex craft.
| ||||||||||||||||||
Browse our Bookshelf Favorites store for big savings on popular fiction, nonfiction, children's books, and more. |
Book Description
Editorial Reviews
About the Author
James Krenov is the author of The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking, The Impractical Cabinetmaker, and Worker in Wood. He directs the Cabinetmaking Program at the College of the Redwoods, one of the premier woodworking programs in the United States. He lives in Fort Bragg, California.
Product Details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images? |
More About the Author
Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
19 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A Cabinet Maker's Notebook! It is the book that shook me awake to the possibility that woodworking can be a means of clear expression and personal growth. My own copy is not from this edition, but was printed in 1976. It was given me by friends that knew my interest in woodworking and wanted to make sure that I got off to the right start.
Krenov is the most influential of American woodworkers. No woodworker's library is complete without this classic.
26 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
First published in 1975, The Cabinetmaker's Notebook is a modern classic for those who wish to persue cabinetmaking as a mode of sensitive self-expresion. That may seem like a mouthful, but you either build cabinets because you need to store things, or for some less practical reason. As Red Green says "If your wife doesn't find you handsome, she should at least find you handy". That is one reason beyond the practical, A kind of I want to impress people stage. But when you get beyond that; the house is full of furniture, and your wife actually wishes you would come in from the shop once in a while, what keeps you out there? If it is a desire to do your best work, with the best tools and wood you can find then this book may be for you.
Why do I call it the most influencial book of its kind? Well partly because it influenced me, but it also struck a cord when it first came out in the seventies and the woodworking revival was underway. It is pretty much as valid today as then. Krenov, who grew up in the U.S., wrote these books while living in Sweden. They proved so popular that a school was created stateside at which he still teaches. Krenov's insights are of some use to people who persue other crafts.
The most likely volumes to share shelf space with this and other Krenov books are; George Nakashia The Soul of a Tree (worth it for the pictures alone) and Sam Maloof Woodworker (ditto)
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By Doh
Format:Paperback
The most influential modern book on cabinetmaking, July 9, 1998
Reviewer: A reader
First published in 1975, The Cabinetmaker's Notebook is a modern classic for those who wish to pursue cabinetmaking as a mode of sensitive self-expression. That may seem like a mouthful, but you either build cabinets because you need to store things, or for some less practical reason. As Red Green says "If your wife doesn't find you handsome, she should at least find you handy". That is one reason beyond the practical, A kind of I want to impress people stage. But when you get beyond that; the house is full of furniture, and your wife actually wishes you would come in from the shop once in a while, what keeps you out there? If it is a desire to do your best work, with the best tools and wood you can find then this book may be for you.
Why do I call it the most influential book of its kind? Well partly because it influenced me, but it also struck a cord when it first came out in the seventies and the woodworking revival was underway. It is pretty much as valid today as then. Krenov, who grew up in the U.S., wrote these books while living in Sweden. They proved so popular that a school was created stateside at which he still teaches. Krenov's insights are of some use to people who pursue other crafts.
The most likely volumes to share shelf space with this and other Krenov books are; George Nakashima The Soul of a Tree (worth it for the pictures alone) and Sam Maloof Woodworker (ditto)
Reviewer: A reader
First published in 1975, The Cabinetmaker's Notebook is a modern classic for those who wish to pursue cabinetmaking as a mode of sensitive self-expression. That may seem like a mouthful, but you either build cabinets because you need to store things, or for some less practical reason. As Red Green says "If your wife doesn't find you handsome, she should at least find you handy". That is one reason beyond the practical, A kind of I want to impress people stage. But when you get beyond that; the house is full of furniture, and your wife actually wishes you would come in from the shop once in a while, what keeps you out there? If it is a desire to do your best work, with the best tools and wood you can find then this book may be for you.
Why do I call it the most influential book of its kind? Well partly because it influenced me, but it also struck a cord when it first came out in the seventies and the woodworking revival was underway. It is pretty much as valid today as then. Krenov, who grew up in the U.S., wrote these books while living in Sweden. They proved so popular that a school was created stateside at which he still teaches. Krenov's insights are of some use to people who pursue other crafts.
The most likely volumes to share shelf space with this and other Krenov books are; George Nakashima The Soul of a Tree (worth it for the pictures alone) and Sam Maloof Woodworker (ditto)
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Reading this is like sitting at a table with an old craftsman....
Reading this is like sitting at a table with an old craftsman, hearing about his life and his passion for wood and lumber. Read more
Published 4 months ago by pendoc1
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not as impressed as others, but a pleasant read
I've seen nothing but glowing reviews of this book, both on Amazon, and on woodworking sites and forums. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Irrevocable Trust
3.0 out of 5 stars
for the Kindle version
This review only addresses issues with the Kindle version. I found that some text and possibly some captions were missing from this version. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Kristina M
4.0 out of 5 stars
Cabinetmakers Notebook
this was a good book, I have a lot of respect for the author and wanted the book,
Published on November 1, 2010 by R. Thurston
5.0 out of 5 stars
A master at work
I was totaly surprised at the depth to this man James Krenov, his writing and ability to express his feelings for his life and craft are amazing. Read more
Published on June 8, 2010 by Woodworker
5.0 out of 5 stars
Enlightenment happened
Wow. I have not read this book for 20 years. I lent my copy to another guy who was into wood, because this is about a love affair with the material. Read more
Published on March 8, 2010 by John Horsler
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful book
everything i had hoped for. i am looking forward to reading his other books and to continue to try to incorporate his principles in my furniture.
Published on February 11, 2010 by Dustin Mears
5.0 out of 5 stars
Inspiring Woodworking Book
This was a very inspiring woodworking book. This is not your typical "how-to" book but instead more of a "why-do" book. Read more
Published on December 17, 2009 by David R. Lakin II
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Cabinetmaker's Notebook
This could be a book about anyone with a true passion for his work. It's not just woodworking, anything could be the topic. Read more
Published on December 11, 2009 by Dennis A. Ingrao
1.0 out of 5 stars
A waste of my time
If you want to read about someone's love affair with boards, this is the book for you. Perhaps I didn't care for it because the author and I have completely opposing views as to... Read more
Published on September 30, 2009 by W. Brown
What Other Items Do Customers Buy After Viewing This Item?
Sell a Digital Version of This Book in the Kindle Store
If you are a publisher or author and hold the digital rights to a book, you can sell a digital version of it in our Kindle Store.
Learn more
