Coffin-Making and Undertaking

Now, this here is an interesting reprint of an old book, part of the "Mechanics Manuals" series. Apparently the series was intended to promote the learning of various trades in early 20th century Great Britain. This is not a book about undertaking as we would define it in this century. This book is a good introduction to nailing up a coffin. In the material is a clear discussion of how to construct curved sided coffins, also known as the Lancashire style coffin, toe pincher coffins, familiar to those of us who like watching westerns and tapered coffins. Don't expect great extrapolations on hand skills because the author expects you to understand such basics as how to use a handsaw and a hand plane.I'm an American. For me it was easy enough to get past the proper English language nomenclature found in this book. For most English speakers the old style of writing should not be an issue. Woefully not many Americans cherish their language any more. If you buy this allow me to save you a bit of trouble and define the word, PLINTH for you. Used in the wood working sense a plinth is a piece of trim that is fastened at the base of an object.I like this book and intend to put to use the information in it.

Love it

this is the best coffin making book i found. more detailed than others. reprint of a really old book very cool old fashioned techniques tools and jigs described and measurements like they were built back in the day

Good. Ook if you are thinking about making your own. I'd recommend Chris schwarz's furniture of necessity book also for a good description of the process.

was what I was looking for. just had to modify a little. but was just the book I needed.

I wasn't too impressed. I was hoping for a more beautiful design and got what you see pictured on the cover.

This book in an olde tyme style and and shows one the quality of explanation and the feel of history in its pages.

I HAVE MADE THREE COFFINS AND HAVE IDEAS FOR MORE!!!

Hugely informative. I'm looking forward to making some of the appliances and in particular the hand cart.