Customer Reviews

A Cabinetmaker's Notebook (Woodworker's Library)

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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.

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)

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)

I just read the book. It is a personal statement, and an inspiration to those who wish to do fine woodworking, and learn attitudes that will help you excel at whatever you do. Just as weightlifting helps your strength overall, this book helps you improve your outlook on life, your work ethic, and most importantly, how to deal with the struggles of frustration and finishing long difficult projects. I was surprised to read that he was plagued by self-doubt regarding his ability for many yrs. He talks here about his childhood, parents, and how he met his wife, so it's more personal. His cabinet work is astounding in its attention to detail, and he can literally work with thousandths of an inch by hand...as well as design beautiful pieces, work with wood grain, types of wood, etc. This book covers the personal, emotional, ethical, environmental, and even spiritual aspects of fine craftsmanship and personal fulfillment. Does it have all the answers? No, he himself says he can't tell you whether or not to "sell out" and do fast, cheap, commercial work. But his insights, intelligence, and experience can go a long way to help you work out these issues for yourself, as we all must do at one time or another. Read this book, then "The Fine Art of Cabinetmaking" which discusses details of how to sharpen planes, chisels, select wood, etc. A must-read for any thoughtful craftsman....

Another of the essential books for woodworkers. Even if you don't like the style of Krenov's work you can't help but be touched by his philosophy and be a better woodworker because of it. This is the authors most philosophical work but don't let that scare you - there's noting dry or academic here - just good advice on loving what you do. Another classic.

As woodworking books go, James Krenov's "A Cabinet Maker's Notebook" is an anomaly. What you won't find is any detailed plan on how to build Krenov cabinets. On fact, what you will find is the reason why you won't find step-by-step instructions. This is as close as woodworking comes to a philosophy book. Krenov is sharing the inside of his head, and his head doesn't quite work like anyone else's. It is a chance to look at the why's, not the how.

Krenov's life has been a serendipitous one, living in Siberia, Alaska, Sweden, and parts in between. And holding a number of jobs while he was at it. The result is a woodworker who has had so many influences that his style has become unique and often imitated. But imitating James Krenov is a lost task unless you are willing to work and think the way he does. And, as truth would have it, if you would do that you would be a fine craftsman, but your work would be different from Krenov's, and that would be the point.

Krenov the woodworker is a careful meticulous man who does much of his work with hand tools. One who accumulates wood and makes it part of the family, waiting patiently until idea and material gel in his mind. Then, with a few rough sketches in hand, produced another of his pieces that he will be quick to tell you are unobtrusive, soft, and friendly. They are also unmistakably Krenov's in their subtlety and total commitment to craftsmanship.

This book is about many aspects of Krenov's like - his love for wood and cats, his personal history, and his philosophy. There is one sizeable section where he talks about several of his pieces - quick tours that may very well leave you stunned when you realize the completeness of his vision. If I just once accomplish something as beautiful as a Krenov cabinet what a proud wood shaper I will be.

I've seen nothing but glowing reviews of this book, both on Amazon, and on woodworking sites and forums. Many call it a "classic" and "must read for every woodworker/cabinet maker". I agree that it is a good book, and I don't consider my time or money wasted. But, the book is less of a helping hand and more of a exploration. If you hope this book gives guidance, tips, or will help you be a more proficient cabinetmaker, then you will be disappointed. In many ways it is more of a journal, or overview of the man's work. This is not instructional or educational. I would say it is more motivational.

This review only addresses issues with the Kindle version. I found that some text and possibly some captions were missing from this version. The picture quality is ok, not great: at least not as good as I thought a black and white reader could be. So, perhaps this is a gripe about the Kindle itself. Also, I found that if I bookmarked a picture, the Kindle sometimes tagged the page before or after.
I did enjoy the book itself quite a bit. But, now I wish I had purchased the paperback version.

this was a good book, I have a lot of respect for the author and wanted the book,

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. I felt very emotional at some of his coments, I had and have many of the feelings and experiences but had not and probably could not express them as he has done. For anyone whos heart is in woodwork, this is like reading a bible.