Table of Contents

Tools from prehistory to the Romans; Anvils; Axes and adzes; Race knives; Saws; Rules and gauges; Compasses, dividers and drawing instruments; Bevels, squares and levels; Plumb bobs; Wooden planes; Metal planes; Chisels and gouges; Drills, braces and sash dowelling boxes; Glue-pots; Screwdrivers; Hammers; Bone and ivory tools; Spurious and altered items; Plane-iron marks; Bibliography; Index

About the Author

David Russell (1935-2018) was apprenticed as a joiner and cabinet-maker in Kendal. He was a collector of vintage woodworking tools for many years. James Austin read architecture and history of art at Jesus College, Cambridge, and at the Courtauld Institute, London. He took up photography of architecture and works of art. A contributor to many art and architectural books, his clients have included the National Trust, English Heritage, the Crafts Council, the Tate Gallery and the Sainsbury Collection in Norwich.

Reviews

The excellent photographs and descriptions do more than justice to one of the most outstanding collections I have ever seen. -- the late Roy Arnold I would like to commend David Russell on this fascinating history of woodworking tools. The book shows clearly the kinds of tools that enabled craftsmen to make the most beautiful pieces of furniture and other items. -- David Linley The Russell collection volume [is] intended to glamorize unsung innovations. -- Eve M. Kahn The New York Times Anyone who appreciates the beauty of antique tools needs to have a copy. -- Jim Gehring The Fine Tool Journal Lavish, stunning, outstanding, magnificent ... superlatives just don't do justice to this book. It documents what must be one of the world's greatest private collections of woodworking hand tools. -- Carl Duguay Canadian Woodworking.com