We are actively working on four books this month. Here’s a quick update.
Richard Jones’s book on timber technology (we’re still fussing with the title) has been fully laid out. Kara Gebhart Uhl and I will give it a final edit this month and it should be to the printer in early January. That means it should be released in February or March 2018. (This assumes nothing goes haywire in the process.)
Jögge Sundqvist’s book “Slöjd in Wood” is almost ready for the designer. Megan Fitzpatrick has been sorting through both the translation and notes from Jögge and Peter Follansbee, who is assisting with the editing. This book has taken a lot longer than we hoped (and cost thousands of dollars more than we planned). But the result will be worth it. Look for it in early spring.
Christian Becksvoort has just turned in the materials for his new book with Lost Art Press. The book needs a title, but it’s going to be outstanding. It will feature plans for some of Becksvoort’s best projects from his career, plus advice on the craft and how to make a living at it. We are just beginning the editing process on the book, but it should go quickly. We hope for a summer release.
Finally, there is my book, “Ingenious Mechanicks: Early Workbenches & Workholding.” The writing will be complete by the end of 2017 – I have only about 1,000 more words to go. As always, as I get to the end of a book I have found at least 30 untrodden paths before me that I could go down. This book could easily consume another 20 years of my life – and still be incomplete.
Luckily, I have worked with authors who allow themselves to be sucked down the path of researching “one more detail” and then “Oooo, one more thing.” It can go on forever, and the work becomes blurred, ill-defined and all-consuming. You have to know when to cut bait or fish.
I’m ready to fish.
Look for “Ingenious Mechanicks” to be released by May at the latest.
— Christopher Schwarz
P.S. I forgot to mention Joshua Klein’s book on Jonathan Fisher. It’s in the good hands of designer Linda Watts and should be complete in the next couple months. Apologies for neglecting this important title – I have too many chainsaws in the air…. It’s late and it’s been a long day.
What is happening with the Jonathan Fisher book?
Hey Steve,
Joshua’s book is still in design – sorry I didn’t mention it. It’s in the good hands of designer Linda Watts and so it’s not on my list of things to be excorcised about. I’ll add it it to the entry.
An impressive list with plenty of good information! Are you still expecting to publish the books on The Welsh Stick Chairs of Brown and the Green Wood Chair in the style of Jennie Alexander?
Kent,
Both of those books are being worked on by the authors and are not in our hands yet.
Oh what I would give to see a book on crafting miniatures by Marco Terenzi. That being said, next year looks like it’s going to be fabulous! Can’t wait for Christian’s book.
I can’t wait Chris. Thanks to you, the authors and staff for being an inspiration and teacher.
While i look forward to Chris S book, i have to admit summer can not come quick enough for Chris B book. Thank you to the entire team for all the great books and videos. I am building another bookcase to house my collection..
Speaking of books, what books are on your shelf, that are out of print, and you would recommend to people to try tracking down a copy?
I’d say about 90 percent of the books I own are out of print. The great ones (Hayward, Roubo etc.) are what we reprint, translate and augment.
With Hammer in Hand: The Dominy Craftsmen of East Hampton, New York is one I recently got. Great so far.
Ingenious Mechanicks is on my “can’t wait” list… as is anything by Becksvoort
Hi Chris, is the second edition of ADB still in the works?
And a long time ago you mentioned a follow up to campaign furniture. Did that go anywhere?
It’s incredible how much you and the team accomplish as it is, I don’t know how you keep it all straight and on track.
Yup. Those are my next two personal projects. The expanded Design Book will come after I finish “Ingenious Mechanicks.” Then the next Campaign Furniture book.
Awesome, I can’t wait!
I read somewhere that you guys were contemplating a third and fourth roubo book. Are those in the works, or just fantasy at this point?
Thanks
Regarding a title for Richard Jones’s anticipated book, how about “The Bark and Beyond”?
Cheers, no royalties necessary.