Homebuilding and Woodworking in Colonial America (Illustrated Living History Series) [Paperback]

C. Keith Wilbur (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 1992

Explores the tools and technology that the American colonists use to build homes that could stand the test of time.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-- This source covers the complete process of housebuilding used from the late 1600s to the mid-1700s from New England to the South. It is profusely illustrated, depicting the trees needed for each portion of a house, the different styles constructed, the framework required for each, and both interior and exterior treatments. Particularly fascinating are the drawings of tools. A wealth of meticulous detail is present, and the illustrations are finely drawn. A handprinted text complements the visuals.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Wilbur, a retired physician who has helped restore a house originally built in 1750, presents a wealth of information about American homebuilding during the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries. Building was labor-intensive at that time; hand tools were used to hew logs into shape. It is mind-boggling to consider the labor involved; logs were pit-sawn by hand into boards, wooden pegs were used because scarce nails were expensive, and logs were hollowed to become water pipes. Wilbur also traces the development of American architecture and decorating styles. This book is full of information on crafts that have become "lost arts" and is recommended for libraries serving those interested in colonial life, homebuilding, or antique tools. (Illustrations not seen.)-- Jonathan Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Globe Pequot; 1st edition (June 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1564400190
• ISBN-13: 978-1564400192
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #40,215 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #16 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Carpentry

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful book and illustrations on colonial homebuilding, July 3, 2006

By 

EugeSchu "be-bop" (WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Homebuilding and Woodworking in Colonial America (Illustrated Living History Series) (Paperback)

Even for the novice, this book is easy to understand.
A historical look at the ingenuity of home building.
Several interesting anecdotes as well about the origin
of various terminology and the chronology of various practices
and innovations. Raise the bent and connect the girt because the summer beams are here! (-:

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Exploration of Early American Material Culture, January 14, 2009

By 

Marco Antonio Abarca (Colorado) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Homebuilding and Woodworking in Colonial America (Illustrated Living History Series) (Paperback)

Most of the books that explore Colonial American vernacular architecture are more interested in definig styles and building uses. The focus of "Home Building" is in the tools and technology used by early American colonists. C. Keith Wilbur tells this story by following the construction story of one particular home. He begins with the initial harvesting of the timber and lovingly follows the story to the last finish carpentry detail.

C. Ketih Wilbur follows in a long tradition of great American illustrators of material culture. Wilbur's illustrations are not as fine as Edwin Tunis' or as lyrical as Eric Sloane's illustrations. What Wilbur has going for him is the sheer volume of carefully crafted illustrations he includes in his work. I finished this book both impressed by the ingenuity of our colonial ancestors and the technical virtuosity of Wilbur's illustrations. This is a great book and I look forward to collecting Wilbur's other volumes in the "Living American History" series.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for minutia nerds, June 6, 2011

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mr. D - See all my reviews

This review is from: Homebuilding and Woodworking in Colonial America (Illustrated Living History Series) (Paperback)

This book is just great. The information is just the right amount of specific and detailed without loosing the reader. The pictures are excellent. If you are using this book for elementary age students they may struggle a little with the hand written letters. Otherwise this is an excellent resource for inquiry based projects and research for kids.