The Art of Fine Tools

This is a spectacular collection of color photographs. The author has obviously sought out tools of great beauty and the editors have assembled them with care. Anyone interested in handtools and their history will be delighted. Those who are unable to understand the words in the book's title will perhaps be disappointed as the book is about art in an unexpected form.

This is not a very practical book, no not at all. If you have a real appreciation for old tools it is well worth owning. Okay it is tool porn. That's right - unadulterated, unforgivable, unjustifiable tool porn. It is a shame that innocent tools are exploited like this, but you will love it.

Imagine a gazillion lovely old tools in bonerific condition, to use the standard Galoot rating for hand tools that are so perfectly preserved, so lovingly captured on shiny paper, that just touching them in two dimensions pulls you back into the past a century or two.Mr. Nagetc. has written and photographed the ultimate book of tool porn. My editor is a bird of the same feather, and the cheap (but thoughtful)bustard was kind enough to send me the reviewer's peek at the book, which so inflamed me with tool-lust that I ran out and bought a copy -- and quit smoking just so I could afford it. (Nicotine is a mild preference, compared to tool addiction.)This book goes in my coffin organizer. Don't even think about asking to borrow it. Do what I did: Buy two.

The first time I saw this book, I was literally overwhelmed by the quality of the images I was seeing: Beautiful, revealing color photographs of magnificent woodworking tools the likes of which I had never seen before. This is THE book for any tool enthusiast; an absolutely MUST HAVE book for any woodworker, or a terrific gift for the tool fancier on your gift list.

For all the woodworkers on your Christmas List - or birthday list - or whatever. This is a TERRIFIC book, beautifully photographed, intelligent text, and very reasonably priced for the value. Check it out!