I love Schwarz's books for (a) his light-hearted writing style, (b) his clarity of description, (c) the quality photographs. I especially appreciate (c) because I've seen so many books for craftspeople that contain crappy, incomprehensible photos. And in this book, I also appreciate the designs themselves. Their simplicity appeals to me on an aesthetic level and as non-intimidating exemplars to try. ( )

very detailed, quite technical but solves some problems ( )

Discusses the idea of an anarchist approach to furniture and implement design that was a departure from the major styles imported to the colonies in early American times. Staked furniture using tapered mortise and tenon joinery are covered as well as forms that are designed using mainly boards as in the six-board chest, and other simple designs based on boards that were typically nailed together. A lot of material on historical techniques, and excellent sections on cut and handmade nails and choosing and using nails for furniture construction. ( )