With Wakened Hands: Furniture by Jame Krenov and Students [ILLUSTRATED] (Hardcover)

by James Krenov (Author), Seth Janofsky (Author, Photographer)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Most woodworking books show one how to make things. Krenov's, on the other hand, suggests why someone should make them. This title, featuring work by both Krenov and his students at the College of the Redwoods, illustrates his philosophy of design and craft without being bogged down by the pretentiousness that such books frequently exhibit. His work, and that of his students, exhibits an aesthetic beauty that is rarely seen (the vivid color photographs are superb and do justice to their fine work). Krenov inhabits the highest level of the woodcraft pantheon now in his 80s he continues to teach and create incredible work. Comprehensive public and academic libraries should consider this title.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 125 pages
• Publisher: Cambium Press; illustrated edition edition (October 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892836076
• ISBN-13: 978-1892836076
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,568,527 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A different kind of success, February 7, 2001

By A Customer

This book is quite different from Krenov's other, often intensely personal books. His motivation, in large part, is to make the case for his student's furniture, and only by extention his own work, and methods of work. He is concerned that the market hasn't a place for such work, and he hopes to make a place for it through this book. Krenov's previous stance in the Impractical Cabinetmaker, wasn't concerned with lack of viability, but the market has changed, and his students aspirations have apparently influenced him.

The last book Krenov published prior to this effort was Worker in Wood in 1981. In the intervening time, a great deal of his efforts have been spent establishing the Woodworking program at the College of the Redwoods in California. When I first heard that Krenov was writing another book I had hoped he would bring us up to date on his approach to woodwork, twenty years later. It is clear when you look at some of his recent work that it is quite different from where he was 20 years ago. It is also clear that some of the techniques then used have changed. It would be fitting if rather than the older books simply being republished, he could bring his many admirers up to date with a new volume.

While this book is well done, and shows many handsome photographs, there isn't much new. Many of the pictures have appeared previously in other publications, and the text, while powerful in places, is scant. It is rather like a catalogue to an exhibition. A dialogue between Krenov, his star pupils, and potential purchasers of their work.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great examples of wonderful work, May 31, 2004

By A Customer

let me first say that readers of the first three krenov books should NOT expect this book to be the same. whatever reason krenov wrote this book (explained at the beginning of the book) is not as important to me as what i actually use this book for, which is inspiration. It also gives me a goal to live up to, a self goal to make furniture at such a high level of refinement. This book contains many many beautiful examples of selected work from krenov and his students, all finely crafted. to me these examples that krenov have chosen from his students' work are in a sense extensions of krenov's own work - interpretations of his style done in comparable quality. there is also some text if you value the insight and opinions of krenov. that's pretty much what the book is: lots of examples of fine work, text with insight and opinions. stuff like this from a master craftsman such as krenov is, to me, invaluable.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great photos highlight excellent craft, December 20, 2005

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

This review is from: With Wakened Hands : Furniture by James Krenov and Students (Paperback)

Another must have for fans of Krenov. There's little instruction here (see his other books) but tons of great photos of gorgeous furniture. The Krenovian philosophy of craft is obvious with its focus on handwork and natural materials and there is a good bit of repetition in reference to his other books and publications. If Krenov's furniture appeals to you this book will be a delight.