Lost Art Press now has 300 copies of my new book “Handplane Essentials” in stock, signed and ready to ship. This 312-page book is a compilation of many of the things I’ve written about these fantastic tools during the last decade for Popular Woodworking, Woodworking Magazine, The Fine Tool Journal, Lee Valley Tools’s newsletter, my blog at Woodworking Magazine and my blog at Lost Art Press.
To be honest, if you have followed my work closely for the last 10 years you won’t find anything shockingly new in this book (not that there’s anything “new” in woodworking anyway). But I have tidied up the text, organized it so it makes sense, added a bit here and snipped out a bit there. And it’s collected all in one nice volume: hardbound, printed on nice paper with a full-color dust jacket. The book was produced entirely in the United States. All production occurred in our offices in Cincinnati. The book was printed at a plant in Ohio.
You can also purchase this book from my employer, F+W Media, and even get it for a discount from Lee Valley Tools starting in September. So why should you buy it from me?
A cool drawing of a sock monkey.
I have signed all of these 300 copies of “Handplane Essentials,” and my 8-year-old daughter, Katy, helped. Katy is learning woodworking and helps me on many projects. She signed most of the books, each with a unique little drawing. There are chickens, some smiley faces, a couple turkeys and even one very nice rendition of her beloved sock monkey.
If for some reason you don’t want a copy signed by Katy, just let us know on the order form. We have a box of books that are signed by me alone.
The book costs $35, plus $4 shipping anywhere in the United States. You can read more about the book or place an order by clicking here.
As always, thank you for your support. Lost Art Press wouldn’t exist without you.
— Christopher Schwarz
Unsolicited Testimonials for ‘Handplane Essentials’
“I have several books on hand tools, and the hand planes, written over the last 50 years. My woodworking library is bigger than any Barnes and Noble, Woodcraft, etc. I love books. I consider your book on Handplanes to be the definitive book on the topic.”
— David Ragan
“I read your book for the second time this weekend and it was better that the first reading! You not only hone the tools, you hone the woodworker as well.”
— Greg Barringer
“Sometimes woodworking books are just LAME and really repetitive. I am an advanced woodworker and I can’t get enough info on handtools (planes), they are just so much fun. Since having my kids I have really appreciated hand tools because they can be in the shop with me without a respirator and earplugs! Your writings and videos are excellent because you have a great way of not expressing the common, ‘experienced condescending arrogance,’ that is sooo annoying in woodworking. Great work.” — Mike Berkshire
Chris,
You’re making it hard for me to put this book on my Christmas list. I’m going to be very disappointed if I can wait that long, but don’t get one of Katy’s drawings. 🙁
Brian
I knew the little "Chicken" drawing in my copy of Workbenchs had some significance! If (budget permitting) I’m able to get a signed copy of Handplanes, I would like to formerly request another little "Chicken", although the sock monkey is tempting (only because I had a favorite one as a kid)…
Ah, David, I’m so sorry… I already have the Sock Monkey book coming my way. But I’m sure the matching chicken set will have higher intrinsic value…
I ended up with what is probably a smiley face on my Workbench book, but it really looks more like a Renee McIntosh rose (that’s how I see it, anyway).
I think it’s fantastic that she’s developed such an interest in what her father does. What dad wouldn’t be just pleased as punch their eight year old daughter wants to spend time along side them at the work bench?
Chris,
Um, do you have any copies that are signed ONLY by Katy?
Just kidding, of course. I’ve been eagerly awaiting this news. Off to place an order, with credit card in trembling-with-anticipation hand!
Larry
When I ordered the book, it didn’t occur to me I could request which category of Katy signature I could receive. Oh well, I’ll just have to be suprised.
SOCK MONKEY!! (Thanks Sharon!!!) It arrived Saturday, and prevented me from getting much else done this weekend. It’s a beautiful book and I can’t wait to put what I’m learning to work.
Thanks again,