A Rural Carpenter's World is an important book, and one I think that future researchers and historians will reference. Unfortunately, unlike Robert Tarule's evocative descriptions in An Artisan of Ipswich, this book is dryer and less accessible.

History meets trees, what more is there to say about this book. A great read with a sweeping scope.

If I was to take one book to a remote island to learn the craft of woodworking - well the basics at least, Robert Wearing's book is a likely candidate. This is one of the great books for people starting to get going with hand tools (and for many intermediate skilled woodworkers as well).

A question recently posed on a forum - "Where have all the planes gone?" was important enough to me that I thought I would reach out to Thomas Lie-Nielsen and see if he could shed some light on the challenges that they are facing as a result of Coivd-19.

If you want to take a few notes about how to build an authentic Arts and Crafts Furniture piece, Nancy Hiller's book is a great resource. Join me on the show as we dive into an interesting book on an interesting topic from a different perspective.

Chapter 4 of John Ruskin's work Unto This Last narrated by Ray Deftereos

Chapter 3 of John Ruskin's work Unto This Last narrated by Ray Deftereos

Chapter 2 of John Ruskin's work Unto This Last narrated by Ray Deftereos

I had a wonderful interview and discussion with Nancy Hiller about her book Making Things Work, her other projects, a book recommendation etc. And I asked her all the questions I could about her work and life. It was a great conversation and could have gone on for hours. She was really wonderful to talk too.

Nancy Hiller's book, Making things work is a poignant and funny account of what life is really like as a cabinet maker. It's a book that I enjoyed, and if you've ever considered turning your side hussle into a day job, perhaps reading this first is a good idea.