Ancient Carpenters' Tools: Illustrated and Explained, Together with the Implements of the Lumberman, Joiner and Cabinet-Maker in Use in the Eighteenth Century [Paperback]

Henry C. Mercer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 25, 2000

Classic reference describes in detail hundreds of implements in use in the American colonies in the 18th century. Over 250 illustrations depict tools identical in construction to ancient devices once used by the Greeks, Egyptians, and Chinese, among them axes, saws, clamps, chisels, mallets, and much more. An invaluable sourcebook.

Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications; Dover Ed edition (April 25, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486409589
• ISBN-13: 978-0486409580
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,627,438 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Seminal Work in Tool History, January 30, 2002

By 

Gary R. Halstead (Ashburn, VA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ancient Carpenters' Tools: Illustrated and Explained, Together with the Implements of the Lumberman, Joiner and Cabinet-Maker in Use in the Eighteenth Century (Paperback)

During his lifetime, Henry Mercer was a lawyer, archaeologist, museum curator, promoter of lost crafts, and collector of a museum's worth (literally) of assorted stuff. One of his many interests was early American woodworking tools.

Ancient Carpenter's Tools is a comprehensive look at 18th and 19th Century American woodworking tools. The book is divided into chapters by function (Measurement, Shaping, etc.) and then by type of tool. As American tools were heavily influenced by their European ancestors, Mercer also includes a history of each tool with references to Medieval and Classical tools. Each tool is illustrated with photographs and drawings.

While this book was originally published in the 1920's (and occasionally shows its age) it remains useful for any student of tool history.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For History's Sake, October 31, 2008

By 

Dick Johnson (Oklahoma USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Ancient Carpenters' Tools: Illustrated and Explained, Together with the Implements of the Lumberman, Joiner and Cabinet-Maker in Use in the Eighteenth Century (Paperback)

This is not a how-to book. This is not of much practical use whatsoever. It is a great source of the history of hand tools. It is filled with photos and drawings; plus has a running commentary. The slick paper pages make the photos (all black & white) very clear. I have not tried to "read" this. I pick it up from time to time and page through a section and put it down until the next time. I tend to study woodworking more than actually do it, so this was right down my alley.