Books Worth Reading

These are the books that introduced me to most of the skills I use in my woodworking. If you're interested in building furniture with hand tools, this is as good a place to start as any.

• The Anarchist's Tool Chest and DVD - Christopher Schwarz
• Made by Hand - Tom Fidgen
• The Perfect Edge: The Ultimate Guide to Sharpening for Woodworkers - Ron Hock
• Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish - Bob Flexner
• Understanding Wood: A Craftsman's Guide to Wood Technology - R. Bruce Hoadley
• John Gay, Or Work for Boys - Jacob Abbot
• Workbenches: From Design And Theory To Construction And Use - Christopher Schwarz
• The Toolbox Book: A Craftsman's Guide to Tool Chests, Cabinets, and Storage Systems - Jim Tolpin
• Joint Book: The Complete Guide to Wood Joinery – Terrie Noll
• The Woodwright's Apprentice: Twenty Favorite Projects From The Woodwright's Shop - Roy Underhill
• The Woodwright's Guide: Working Wood with Wedge and Edge - Roy Underhill
• The Woodwright's Shop: A Practical Guide to Traditional Woodcraft - Roy Underhill
• Complete Illustrated Guide to Period Furniture Details - Lonnie Bird
• American Furniture of the 18th Century: History, Technique, and Structure - Jeffrey P. Greene
• Introduction to Hand Tools - CloseGrain.com (not a book, but still excellent)

Books on Deck

• The Joiner and Cabinet Maker
• The Essential Woodworker - Robert Wearing
• With the Grain - Christian Becksvoort
• The Art of Joinery - Joseph Moxon
• By Hand & Eye - George R. Walker, Jim Tolpin
• Grandpa's Workshop - Maurice Pommier
• Mouldings in Practice - Matt Bickford
• The Anarchist's Design Book - Christopher Schwarz - (eventually)
• To Make As Perfectly As Possible: Furniture Making - André Roubo