A Museum of Early American Tools
Product ID: 1701959
Evoking a sense of nostalgia through vivid pen-and-ink sketches and engaging narratives, this book transports readers to a time of simpler, hands-on ingenuity and uncovers the tools and techniques used by early Americans to build, farm, and create traditional crafts. This absorbing book describes, in detail, farm tools and kitchen implements and how they were made . Includes devices used by curriers, wheelwrights, coopers, blacksmiths, loggers, tanners, coachmakers, and other craftsmen of the pre-industrial age. 184 black-and-white pen-and-ink sketches by the author accurately depict "special tools for every job," among them a hollowing gouge, hay fork, cornering chisel, apple butter paddle, boring auger, mortising chisel, a holding dog, hauling sledge, winnowing tray, reaping hooks, splitting wedge, felling axe, propping saw horse, and other traditional implements. An informal, expressively written book for cultural historians, woodcrafters, and Americana enthusiasts. Comprehensive Coverage – Explores an extensive range of vintage tools and techniques, from farm implements to blacksmithing gear, catering to various crafts and trades of the pre-industrial era. Practical Inspiration – Ideal for makers and artisans looking to recreate or understand traditional tools and methods, fostering hands-on learning and skill-building. Detailed Illustrations – Includes scores of expertly drawn pen-and-ink sketches that bring early American tools and artifacts to life, offering clarity and depth to every description. Cultural Significance – Rich in historical context, this book preserves the ingenuity and resourcefulness of early American craftsmen, making it an invaluable resource for cultural historians. Engaging Narrative – Written in an accessible and informal style, the book captures the spirit of early craftsmanship while entertaining and educating readers. Versatile Audience Appeal – Ideal for creators, repairers, woodworkers, and history enthusiasts seeking knowledge, inspiration, and connection to a bygone era. A Museum of Early American Tools is a captivating tribute to the tools and craftsmanship of pre-industrial America. Both educational and visually stunning, this book preserves the artistry of traditional trades while inspiring modern makers to honor and replicate age-old techniques.
| Dimensions | 7 x 0.25 x 8.74 inches |
| Isbn 10 | 0486425606 |
| Isbn 13 | 978-0486425603 |
| Item Weight | 2.31 pounds |
| Language | English |
| Print Length | 128 pages |
| Publication Date | November 14, 2002 |
| Publisher | Dover Publications |
User
Entertaining and informative
Sloane loved his world of early American history, nature and folklore and his works welcome visitors to explore his world with him. Sloane was a significant collecter and historian of early American tools, but he doesn't write academically; rather, he writes as a friendly host who wants his guests to enjoy their visit, sharing his admiration of the tools, their materials, their makers and their users.This is a delightful and informative synthesis of early American history, traditional woodworking and folklore. If you've enjoyed Eric Sloane before, I think you won't be disappointed with this work. If you've never read him before, this is a great example of his work.This is well-illustrated by the author, with multiple sketches of each type of tool and descriptions that explain the use, and narrate the history of, the tools. I found this book enjoyable to read and use as reference. If I were to visit any of the historic interpretive or static museums of early American life, I think this is a book I'd take with me.
User
Fantastic information for historians
Sloan was. Great artist and a decent author too. As a professional archaeologist I have found this book to be most informative regarding tools and their usage. I would say that his illustrations are much more useful than a photograph would be. My field work with old structures in historical archaeology has been enlightened by this book.
User
Small but mighty!
I got this for my spouse for Father’s Day. Although it doesn’t appear at first to hold much info because of its size I can reassure you that is not the case!! This book is chock full of information and the illustrations are beautiful! My husband has commented several times to me how interesting and useful all the information is. We would highly recommend this and other books by this gifted and knowledgeable author!
User
This book is perfect for anyone who may have an interest in building ...
This book. This book was a gift for my boyfriend for Christmas. Not only did he read it, he's now read it many times. I've also read it. The book is extremely well written and goes through the history of American craftsmanship and tools. Different ways, in different regions, different woods, etc. This book is perfect for anyone who may have an interest in building their own tools one day, and even if you don't -- it's a beautifully written history of Americans and our evolution as farmers and hard work being done throughout the century. Full of discoveries and lost trades/ideas, I would give this book to anyone and know that I had made a solid choice. Even for someone who wouldn't normally read this kind of book, I found it to be enlightening and fun to read.
User
An Historical Look at Old Tools
As a collector, user, and now teacher about old hand tool use, I have enjoyed reading and sharing this book with fellow woodworkers. I especially like the beautiful pen and ink drawings. However, I wish there was more detailed information about these old tools, especial saws and planes. I guess there's just enough information for the average reader who has little knowledge about old tools, but not quite enough for old tool junkies like myself.
User
Sloan is tops in his field!
If you love old tools and the folklore that goes with them, get this book! Sloan is tops in his field of both research and artwork. Not only do you get a wealth of information, but also a dose of humor that makes it a delight to read these tomes. There is an old fashioned charm in the country wisdom that Sloan wrote about so well. Something that is sorely missing in a lot of more recent books. I rely on this volume when doing historical artwork when I have to depict a hand tool.
User
Home grown masters of wood
Put on your homespuns and let`s browse how Early Americans made things. You say you need a bowl for mixing bread ?, just a minute, I`ll get a log. A rake for haying ?, I`ll split tines from a board. How about cog gears powered by a waterwheel that turns the millstone that grinds your corn - that will take a little longer. This astonishing book of drawings explains the genius of our ancestors who turned to wood and forge to fashion utilitarian things that made life easier. Just admiring Eric Sloan`s careful pen work puts you in awe of Old Timey Creativity.
User
Highly recommended!
This is one of Eric Sloane's BRILLIANT history books. Everything he published is worth getting, for young and old. Beautiful pen and ink drawings, well thought out, show you early American ingenuity in clear layouts. These mass-market paperbacks are superb in every way. Highly recommended.
User
Eric Sloane
Every single drawing in every single book this man created is without parallel. VERY HiGHLY recommended. So thankful that his books are still available.
User
Nice book
Nice book, really interesting. A must have for a wood working enthusiast
User
Informação
Excelente produto.
User
An extremely interesting and useful book for understanding and identifying early tools on both ...
An extremely interesting and useful book for understanding and identifying early tools on both sides of the Atlantic. Beautiful illustrations and a generally good text
User
Appreciate Handtools
Eric Sloane's books are brilliant. In this case, you can get jobs done without batteries or a power cord, and the finesse comes down to you.
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