Most of us live, indisputably, in a throwaway culture. Mass marketing and consumer driven 'replace-don't-repair' are pervasive and destructive. The need to curb and reverse this 'trash culture' is global and if we're to survive, we're going to have to do everything we can as individuals and society to step up and find creative solutions. There are a small (but growing) number of designers, artists, recyclers and businesses who are contributing to the reclamation and reuse of raw materials.
As stated before, this is not really a tutorial book. There are a few tutorials included with isometric drawings at the end of each chapter; but it functions much better as a really gorgeous inspirational catalog for the advanced woodworker. It is exactly what the title states, a guide for ethically sourcing, reclaiming and using reclaimed wood in the woodworking studio. Individual artists are featured along with their work and some of their design philosophies.
The book is beautifully photographed and illustrated. It's arranged in chapter format with the illustrated items collected to support a central theme: restoring sourced materials, including hardware, designing pieces and developing artistic vision. There's a useful (basic) index at the back of the book. There are a few resource vendors mentioned in the book, but there's not a comprehensive vendor list anywhere.
One of the book quotes really resonated with me:
Reducing consumption, increasing product quality and
longevity, taming down the irresponsible chase for new
fashions and fads, reclaiming the discarded and rehabilitating
the old and worthy, will pave our way for a sustainable future.
This would make a really lovely gift for the artistically sensible reading woodworker. I got a lot out of reading the artists' statements and design philosophy and creator stories included in this book. I enjoyed it very much and can recommend it highly.
Four stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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