A Cabinetmaker's Notebook (Woodworker's Library)

This was a very inspiring woodworking book. This is not your typical "how-to" book but instead more of a "why-do" book. It was interesting to read about Krenov's childhood, his travels around the world and his passion for wood. The many photos of Krenov's furniture pieces were also great - lots of good detail shots. This was the first Krenov book I've read, but it will definitely not be my last. If you want to be inspired to learn more and do better in your craft - read this book!

Reading this is like sitting at a table with an old craftsman, hearing about his life and his passion for wood and lumber. This book has little to offer the production woodworker or weekend hobbist building shelves out of plywood. Rather, this book delves into the life of James Krenov, his travels, his perspective, and his view of his life as a woodworker/cabinetmaker. If you have ever felled a tree, sawn it open, and discovered a beautiful piece of wood lying beneath the bark, then you will appreciate this book. It is well written, with a flow that suggests Mr. Krenov is talking with you as his apprentice, expressing his opinion of important observations he has made during his career. I found it fasicnating the he admitted he sometimes begins a project with building the drawers or doors first. He explains himself and his reasoning, which helps clarify his methodology. I was able to extract several new philosophical approaches that I shall incorporate into my own woodoworking. This book will likely appeal to a very small, but appreciative audience. I would recommend it highly to any woodworker who harvests his or her own wood, usually works with air-dried lumber, exotic lumbers, or custom pieces.

This could be a book about anyone with a true passion for his work. It's not just woodworking, anything could be the topic. Here is an artist with a vision and belief in what he does. It has great value to him and he refuses to compromise his values to make things easier. He shares a great amount of background/personal information, which gives the reader a base for understanding his passion in woodworking. A truely fantasic person. I only wish I could have spent some time visiting with him.

From a philosophical point of view this is more a journal of the relationship one man has with the timber he works with rather than a how to guide. I love it as, in my opinion, it ties the living energies of the maker and the materials he works with together. I have had similar experiences, while working with wood, that he describes and above all it made me realise that I wasn't mad or if I was I was in the good company of others that are more sensitive to the world around them than those focusing on the time sheets and making a quick buck. Inspirational reading for the right person.

This book is well written and James Krenov certainly has had much expertise and ability as a cabinet maker. His use of some very exotic woods is fascinating. Pictures of his work prove him to be an exceptional woodworker. It may be that it is not a book that will help me to progress from the little bit of knowledge and experience, I now have, to improve my craft that limits me from rating this book higher. I will never, ever, be able to work with many of the woods he has used; places he has visited; how he feels about things but not one step-by-step instruction or lesson on making any specific joint for instance. Unless one want to read about what a guy thinks about wood, craftsmanship...and several other things (i.e. pets) this may be an interesting book for you. It is written more like a diary (okay notebook) than a book of instruction / teaching / developing skills... It is not worth the price I paid - for me.

An enjoyable read but would have been nice if all the pictures were in color - only a few are. You might want to spring for a more expensive copy to see some of his pieces in their full glory. Krenov's story is an interesting one and although the text is not very structured (not divided in named sections) and tends to ramble, there were a lot of great anecdotes from his life as a woodworker.

Definitely entertaining and somewhat educational. This is not a "how-to" woodworking book as many have commented before. It is more of just thoughts and stories from James Krenov. Worth the read for me.

I was totaly surprised at the depth to this man James Krenov, his writing and ability to express his feelings for his life and craft are amazing. I felt very emotional at some of his coments, I had and have many of the feelings and experiences but had not and probably could not express them as he has done. For anyone whos heart is in woodwork, this is like reading a bible.

Non me la sento di dare un voto inferiore a cinque stelle. Tuttavia, benché il contenuto del libro sia fuori discussione, sarebbe ora che la casa editrice procedesse a rifare interamente la veste editoriale. Le immagini in bianco e nero sono una perdita enorme in questo caso.

It's an excellent read about the life and inspirations of James Krenov. Not many pictures but plenty of substance.

Huge doses of fundamental philosophy given with rare humility and a precious glimpse into an age when life was lived so differently from today. His writing is redolent of Charles Hayward, former "Woodworking Magazine" editor. As a worker in wood I have had difficulty in putting this book down and feel sure I will return to re-read it time and again. Couldn't be more highly recommended !

James Krenov a inspiré moultes aspirants hommes et femmes dans le domaine du design du meuble. Un de ses grands talents consiste à extirper le maximum de l'imaginaire de chaque personne sans l'influencer à devenir ce qu'il n'est pas. Autrement dit, il sait faire parler l'artist créatif qui dort dans chacun de ses disciples. Les images sont parlants. Ses propres meubles sont le temoignage d'un homme simple, pratique, et inspiré- parce qu'il l'est vraiment. Un maître.

É um clássico da marcenaria