The Soul of a Tree: A Master Woodworkers Reflections (Paperback)

by George Nakashima (Author) "Eventually, I studied architecture at the University of Washington..." (more)
Key Phrases: oriental elm, thousand skills, oak burl, Sri Aurobindo, New Hope, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An impressive book that effectively conveys the textural qualities and sensitivity of this master craftsman's use of wood" -The New York Times
"Today's increasing reverence for nature, truth, simplicity and the independent spirit makes the life, work and philosophy of George Nakashima especially meaningful."-Town & Country
"From [Nakashima's] tables and chairs flows the unadorned beauty of the rhythms of nature."-Smithsonian
"George Nakashima, the foremost master of the craft."-Time


Product Description
On a farmlike compound near New Hope, Pennsylvania, George Nakashima, his family, and fellow wood-workers create exquisite furniture from richly grained, rare timber. Tables, desks, chairs, and cabinets from this simple workshop grace the homes and mansions and executive boardrooms of people who prize such excellence. In this lavishly illustrated volume, George Nakashima allows us in intimate look at his artistry, his philosophy, his life. It is the portrait of an artisan who strives to find the ideal use for each plank in order to "create an object of utility to man and, if nature smiles, an object of lasting beauty."
The author's search for the meaning of life took him as a young man to Paris, Tokyo, and Pondicherry, India. In India, he found the inner peace for which he had been searching and began to find ways to work with timber. He writes movingly about the grandeur of ancient trees and stunning figured woods and explains how he selects and prepares his materials. Above all, he impresses us with his devotion to discovering the inherent beauty of wood so that noble trees might have a second life as furniture. The Soul of a Tree looks at the world through the eyes of an artist and evokes the joy of living in harmony with nature.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Kodansha International (October 15, 1988)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0870119036
• ISBN-13: 978-0870119033
• Product Dimensions: 11.6 x 8.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #11,513 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #3 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Woodworking > Furniture & Carpentry
  #3 in	Books > Home & Garden > Small Homes & Cottages
  #6 in	Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Woodworking > Projects

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous and inspiring book, November 26, 2005

By	Dennis R. Mitton "tolstoy" (pacific nw, usa) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Like the books of James Krenov, "The Soul of a Tree" is as much a book about philosophy as it is about wood. And it's a good philosophy: slow down, take your time, play with the wood, and enjoy it. The book is really about the soul of Nakashima. He outlines some of his own personal history and how he developed his ideas about craft. There's not really much on technique here - you can certainly find better books for that - but you won't find many more inspiring.

On a personal note I had a lady call me years ago to fix up `some old furniture' she and her husband had bought years ago (in the `50's I believe.) Seems when they were young college professors they found this young oriental guy down the road who made furniture in his garage. When I looked at the furniture I told her that her young oriental friend had become quite famous and showed her this book. She was flabbergasted. What she wanted me to do was to nail up some chairs that had worked loose over time. I refused, of course, and explained to her that these were valuable pieces that should be cared for properly. I also encouraged her to contact Nakashima's Conoid Studio (if it still existed) to let them catalogue the pieces. Even after years of use by a family with kids living in the sticks the pieces were obviously crafted with meticulous care and held up surprisingly well. It was a real joy to bring them back to daily use.

72 of 84 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This man never wasted a single second of his life, October 30, 1999

By A Customer

George Nakashima was not only a master craftsman in his field, he was a genius. He could pick up any piece of wood and at a glance know what the end product would be to its full potential...and more.He would let the wood tell him. Even his simplest of projects 'sing' beauty and finesse. I bought the book for insperation to my own woodworking skills, and learnt much more than i expected. Included in the book is a short biography telling us of his early life, his travelings and how he ended up the man he became, his family, lifestyle, work and good natured beliefs. It certainly gave me insperation towards beautiful woodwork and i like to think I learnt a few lessons in life as well. If i was to me this man and only shake his hand I would feel honoured.......

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great overview of his life and work!, February 24, 2009

By	Charles S. Holzheimer "durnik150" (Centennial, CO) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book, written by George Nakashima himself, is great overview of a great career and a wonderful talent. As a woodworker, I was drooling at all of the beautiful pieces GN has produced. I was also very envious of the opportunity he had to work with some of the most beautiful materials ever seen. Just to have access to some of the Black Walnut shown in the book would probably be the pinnacle of most woodworkers' careers.
Nakashima's work was at its height in the late 60's and 70's and the works reflect that. It appears a little dated but wonderful nonetheless.
I thought the first half of the book was especially enlightening. It is a short biography of Nakashima's early years and shows how these experiences directly influenced his works. When I first saw the book I thought that this part might be a little boring but I was pleasantly suprised that it was engaging and light in tone.
My style and Nakashima's style are different, as is to be expected. However, learning from and about the masters in woodworking is part of becoming a better woodworker yourself. This book was a balanced overview of GN's life and work and one I highly recommend for anyone wanting to learn more about one of the masters as well as to prompt ideas and concepts inside of you.