Journey back to 1839 with this remarkable rediscovery—"The Joiner and Cabinet Maker," a previously undetected historical gem that offers unprecedented insights into traditional hand-tool woodworking. This expanded 370-page volume combines the complete original text with expert commentary and practical construction guides for the modern craftsperson.
Key Details:
- Original Publication: 1839
- Format: Hardbound, sewn binding
- Pages: 370+
- Focus: Traditional handtool joinery and cabinetmaking
Book Highlights:
- Complete unabridged text of the rare 1839 original
- Historical context provided by Moskowitz explaining 19th-century England
- Step-by-step construction chapters by Schwarz demonstrating all three original projects
- Detailed illustrations and explanations of period woodworking techniques
- Unique first-person narrative following an apprentice's development
Content Overview:
- The fictional journey of Thomas, a 13-14 year old rural apprentice
- Authentic period techniques for stock preparation and joinery
- Casework construction methods previously undocumented in woodworking literature
- Three progressive projects: Packing Box, dovetailed Schoolbox, and veneered Chest of Drawers
- Insights into workshop practices including hide glue preparation and French polishing
Unique Features:
- Reveals hand-tool techniques previously lost to history
- Combines narrative storytelling with technical instruction
- Provides enough detail to recreate the three historical projects
- Includes commentary on how methods evolved since the original publication
Construction Quality:
- Hardbound with sewn binding for generations of use
- Printed on quality paper for clarity and longevity
- Manufactured entirely in the United States
- Built to withstand workshop reference use
This extraordinary volume offers something impossible to find elsewhere—a direct window into an early 19th-century rural woodworking shop, told through the eyes of an apprentice learning the trade. Unlike theoretical or abstract woodworking texts of the period, this narrative follows the practical development of skills from basic stock preparation to advanced veneering and French polishing.
Whether you're a dedicated hand-tool woodworker, a student of historical crafts, or simply fascinated by traditional methods, "The Joiner and Cabinet Maker" provides both inspiration and instruction from the golden age of cabinetmaking. Add this remarkable resource to your collection and connect directly with the techniques, wisdom, and craftsmanship of generations past.
