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A Reverence for Wood Paperback – February 18, 2004
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Refreshingly written, this delightfully illustrated book remarks expansively on the resourcefulness of early Americans in their use of wood — from crafting furniture, tools, and buildings to using such by-products as charcoal and medicine. An entertaining, factual, and historically accurate book, A Reverence for Wood will delight woodcrafters and lovers of Americana. It is "one of Eric Sloane's best books." — Library Journal. 69 black-and-white illustrations.
- Rich Historical Insights: Explores the pivotal role of wood in shaping pioneer and frontier American life and culture, showcasing its significance in daily living and survival.
- Expertly Illustrated: Features charming hand-drawn sketches by Eric Sloane, adding a layer of visual appeal and complementing the narrative with engaging artistry.
- Comprehensive Topics: Covers a diverse range of subjects, including the aesthetics of wood, wooden tools, and early woodworking and carpentry techniques, offering readers a deep and varied understanding.
- Practical Applications: Highlights the ingenious ways early Americans used wood for essential tasks, from cradle to coffin. From building barns, homes, and fences to handcrafting furniture, crafting tools, and producing by-products like charcoal, used to preserve meat, remove offensive odors, and produce ink. The bark of various trees was processed to make medicine.
- Accessible and Delightful Prose: Written in a refreshingly conversational style that appeals to readers of all levels, emphasizing its importance in historical innovation, creativity, and self-reliance.
- American Trees: Features text and illustrations capturing the natural beauty of a variety of typical American trees found in the countryside, including Ash, Birches, Beech, Elm, Chestnut, Hickory, Maples, Oaks, Pine, Spruce, and Walnut.
A Reverence for Wood is an educational treasure and a beautifully written homage to one of nature's most versatile resources.
- Print length112 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherDover Publications
- Publication dateFebruary 18, 2004
- Dimensions8 x 0.25 x 10.75 inches
- ISBN-100486433943
- ISBN-13978-0486433943
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Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Dover Publications
- Publication date : February 18, 2004
- Language : English
- Print length : 112 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0486433943
- ISBN-13 : 978-0486433943
- Item Weight : 11.2 ounces
- Dimensions : 8 x 0.25 x 10.75 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #211,493 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #41 in Americana Antiques & Collectibles
- #218 in Woodworking Projects (Books)
- #289 in Environmentalism
- Customer Reviews:
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book to be a wonderful read for woodworkers, appreciating its historical information and great illustrations. They value its knowledge, with one customer noting how it teaches about choosing different woods and tools, and another highlighting its coverage of early American woodworking tools. The book receives positive feedback for its content, with one customer describing it as a must-read for those who work with wood, and customers find it entertaining.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book highly readable, describing it as marvelous and a must-read for woodworkers.
"I ordered a "paperback" copy of this great book from Amazon Prime. This was to be a gift for an older person with glasses...." Read more
"Great book. Loads of interesting facts. Definitely recommend for anyone interested in woodworking and its history." Read more
"This is an Excellent book. I haven't yet seen a book that focuses specifcally on the types of wood and how to use them differenlty." Read more
"Good book. Learned some things that I never knew about wood. It is historical in nature but kept me reading the whole way through...." Read more
Customers find the book informative, praising it as a great reference material with good historical information and anecdotes. One customer notes that despite its relatively short length, it contains substantial content.
"...are as instructional to the grass roots homesteader as they are informative and entertaining...." Read more
"Great book.Lots of information." Read more
"Although I'm not a woodworker, I found this very informative and presented in a story format...." Read more
"It was an interesting read, good historical information." Read more
Customers appreciate the illustrations in the book, which are illustrated with reverence.
"Great illustrations and an enjoyable narrative...." Read more
"...I live on the West Coast but am still enjoying the incredible illustrations and storytelling style." Read more
"...A beautifully illustrated and articulated appreciation for the importance of wood in the development of North America." Read more
"A beautiful book, illustrated with reverence as the title suggests...." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's content about wood, with one customer highlighting its comprehensive coverage of different types and uses.
"A Reverence for Wood..." Read more
"Sloane is a writer that brings human qualities to history. Wood is a absolute necessity for building the society of the past and for the future...." Read more
"...explaning the historical reasons for selection,design, and usage of items made from wood, complete with many charming illustrations drawn by the..." Read more
"...how our forefathers supported their every day life, with the many wonders of wood. highly recommended for those seeking the old forgotten ways" Read more
Customers appreciate the book's depth of knowledge, with reviews highlighting its comprehensive coverage of wood selection, tool use, and building techniques. One customer notes how it explains the rationale behind choosing different materials and tools, while another describes it as a compendium manual.
"I enjoyed this book and learned a lot - well worth the price." Read more
"...wood and working with it, and this book by Eric Sloane has deepened my understanding and appreciation for wood." Read more
"A great study of the not so far past we have forgotten. All his books are a nice read." Read more
"...The pen and ink illustrations of Eric Sloan are beautiful and help the reader understand some of the lost arts of working with wood." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's focus on woodworking, with one customer highlighting its coverage of early American woodworking tools, while another notes how farming and wood-working themes interweave throughout the content.
"With a reference for wood, woodworking and American truth and lore. I love reading of our American past. How we did things and techniques long gone...." Read more
"A must-have for any boy in love with wood, building, and carving!" Read more
"...It is a compendium of "wood" and early American wood working tools that most serious modern wood workers would find astonishing for its..." Read more
"If you love the traditional techniques of woodworking you have to get this book...." Read more
Customers praise the book's content, with one noting it's a must-read for woodworkers and another highlighting its comprehensive coverage of wood uses.
"...through wood of all descriptions for many many many uses, recommended for nature lovers, hikers, campers, radioactive mutants" Read more
"...The new format really showcases the illustrations. Perfect for wood enthusiast, their friends and history buffs...." Read more
"A must read for anyone that works with wood. It explains how and why wood responds to it's environment." Read more
"eric sloane is the best for folks interested in the way things were and with great illustrations...." Read more
Customers find the book interesting and entertaining to read.
"It was an interesting read, good historical information." Read more
"...Interesting read just not what I thought." Read more
"...book is very well written infused with a bit of humor and is full of interesting and historical information." Read more
"It was interesting, and worth the read. It could have been a bit more inclusive." Read more
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Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2024Format: KindleVerified PurchaseLiked all of this book
I would recommend it highly to anyone who works wood and wants to know some of the history that is not easily found
If I had an option to give it 6 stars That is what I would have given
- Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2023Well written and easy to read. It talked slightly more about trees than my main interest (use and characteristics of wood and old tools in making things), but no complaints. Very nice description of things from early America. If you like this stuff, you'll enjoy the book.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 30, 2022Format: KindleVerified PurchaseBeautifully written appreciation of trees in early America. Not only is the text lively and informative, but exquisitely illustrated by the author. Sloane’s multiple talents included expository story telling and painting. He was clearly a person who exercised his curiosity and shared his learning with others.
- Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2024If you love the traditional techniques of woodworking you have to get this book. It's more of a story than a how to guide, but it teaches you the why behind choosing different woods and tools. Great and easy read!
- Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2012Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseThe author clearly loved wood, woodworking, and Yankee sensibilities. I enjoyed this book, with its pictures and descriptions of historical American woodcraft. But, it felt too thin. I would have liked much more coverage. So, rating it only four stars, rather than a perfect five.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2014Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseIt gave many facts, for terms used today, that people don't know the origins of.
I have a friend who enjoys working with wood, and I told them about the book. They went to the library in, Milwaukee, and they never heard of it. This friend of mine is dyslexic so I ordered this book to be sent to them. The illustrations are wonderful, and it is a good read for them. The writer of this book is the author, of an other book that I have read and I enjoy him immensely.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2021Format: KindleVerified PurchaseThis book although relatively short has a lot of information that 80% of the people alive today are unaware of. From wooden hinges to oak leaves and a lot in between. Great little book. It will give you a better feel for early american life as far as the impact wood had on life itself.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2022Format: HardcoverVerified PurchaseGreat information on how our forefathers got the job done and really good illustrations. Highly recommend it!!
Top reviews from other countries
Trevor HawsReviewed in Canada on August 14, 20245.0 out of 5 stars Eric Sloane
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseHis books are second to none. Do yourself a favour — buy this book and any others of his you can find. This gentleman invested a lifetime recording our beloved heritage with valuable written information and, of course, his absolutely outstanding drawings and paintings. Thank you, Mr. Sloane! RIP.
Very highly recommended.
Cliente AmazonReviewed in Spain on September 19, 20195.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseGreat
Michael RyanReviewed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 20235.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Customer Service
As my book delivery was running late, I sent an enquiry which was immediately answered and followed up by Judy.
I think it was due to a Royal Mail delay and it was only 1-2 days after it was promised.
I was pleased with the quick & accurate response time.
The book is also exactly what I expected - excellent - and in perfect condition.
Rizwan KhanReviewed in India on July 9, 20235.0 out of 5 stars excellent book :: must have
excellent book :: must have
Glendon RhoadesReviewed in Canada on October 26, 20195.0 out of 5 stars This book should be in every home library
Format: PaperbackVerified PurchaseExcellent book to get you in touch with all we’re missing out on since plastic was invented. Great conversation starter and great book to have on the coffee table.















