Country Woodcraft C)

Langsner's book is one of the finest and most comprehensible woodworking guides on the market. Langsner writes with an enthusiasm and clarity that keeps the reading engaging, though the book is more interesting to readers with at least rudimentary experience with woodworking. Most importantly, he is not so vague that his projects could not be duplicated by an amateur, but he is not so detailed as to discourage innovation. He uses hand tools almost exclusively, so don't expect directions on using a table saw or drill press. The author has included chapters on making shaving horses, milking stools, tables, brooms, hay rakes, wooden spoons and harrows, and his wife has added chapters on basketry and other crafts. Pictures and illustrations are in black-and-white, but they are well-placed and nicely illustrate the components of the project, as well as the finished item. I highly recommend this work to anyone interested in making wooden items with hand tools.