Must-read book review from Christopher Schwarz!

Plus, don't forget to save 30% on all books! [Web Version »]( &p1=%40yZW58NqCXkKsR44DAFhHb2NtGvIdwI%2FzwdLFG5FIosU%3D) [Popular Woodworking]( &cid=DM114440&bid=1124849626) [Name]( &cid=DM114440&bid=1124849626) [Crafts Furniture' Book]( &cid=DM114440&bid=1124849626) Speaking as someone who has read too many woodworking books, there are a few archetypes: the project book (Birdhouse Bonanza), the tool book (Router Rodeo!) and the black-turtleneck-and-beret books on why we make things (My Mortise is Deeper than My Soul). Nancy Hiller’s new book [English Arts & Crafts Furniture]( &cid=DM114440&bid=1124849626) is none of these books. But you probably knew this because Hiller’s name is on it. Instead English Arts & Crafts Furniture is one of those rare books that rewrites the history of the Arts & Crafts movement (it’s not just a reaction against industrialization – plus slats ‘n’ oak) while making you laugh and occasionally blush. She delves deep into the personalities that shaped the movement – John Ruskin and William Morris, plus C.F.A Voysey, Harris Lebus, Ernest Gimson and the Barnsleys. And she presents three projects that are directly tied to her narrative thread. It’s quite a trick, actually. It turns out that Hiller has written a project book with some very good information on tool use that happens to make me wonder about my motivation for making furniture for sale (now, where did I put my beret?). Among her other feats of legerdemain: Hiller’s research is impeccable and copiously footnoted, yet the book is a breezy read. Despite the high level of craftsmanship displayed in her project pieces, Hiller manages to slough off her ego by profiling all the people who helped her along the way to make these incredible works – the stained glass maker, the woman who made the rush seats, the guy who make the hardware for her sideboard. And she manages to pack an incredible number of ideas and beautiful images into a book that is just 144 pages long. In all, this is a rare woodworking book. The kind of book that makes me jealous that I didn’t write it myself. (Or at least come up with Hiller’s fascinating way of combining biography, history, sociology, workshop instruction and butt jokes.) [English Arts & Crafts Furniture]( &cid=DM114440&bid=1124849626) is available for purchase at the Popular Woodworking Store. -Christopher Schwarz [Feature]( &cid=DM114440&bid=1124849626) [30% Off Books with code BOOK30!]( &cid=DM114440&bid=1124849626) Woodworkers like books. Maybe it’s because they’re somehow still a wood product, but let’s face it, they travel into the shop well, offer great how-to instruction with pictures and words, and you can make notes in the margins if you like. Our fine woodworking books cover all the topics for which you’re looking: furniture plans; hand tool techniques; shop projects; wood finishing advice and much more. From now until April 20, use code BOOK30 to save 30% on bestseller books! [SHOP ALL NOW]( &cid=DM114440&bid=1124849626) * Must use code BOOK30 in cart to see price. Offer only valid on books category. Offer ends April 20, 2019 at 11:59pm MT. Other exclusions may apply. &p1={EMAIL}&p2=231981734 &p1={EMAIL}&p2=231981734 &p1={EMAIL}&p2=231981734 [Popular Woodworking on Facebook]( ) [Popular Woodworking on Instagram]( ) [Popular Woodworking on Pinterest]( ) [Popular Woodworking on Twitter]( ) [Popular Woodworking on YouTube]( ) Please do not reply to this email. We are happy to help you with any questions or concerns you may have. Please [click here to contact us]( ). This email was sent by: F+W, 10151 Carver Road, Suite 300, Blue Ash, OH, 45242 USA [Unsubscribe or Manage Subscriptions]( &p1=%40Tu%2BApmu4OJ6CuH9fecrjDQ%3D%3D) | [Web Version »]( &p1=%40yZW58NqCXkKsR44DAFhHb2NtGvIdwI%2FzwdLFG5FIosU%3D) We respect your right to privacy. [View our policy.]( )