The Traditional Bowyer's Bible: Volume Two

(This review pertains to the first three volumes as a whole. I do not own the new 4th volume ... yet.) The Traditional Bowyer's Bible can be reviewed fairly briefly. On the pro side: - The authors are traditional archery experts. - The content is wide-ranging, covering longbows, recurves, flatbows, backed bows, composite bows, takedowns, asymmetrical bows, arrows, nocks, fletching, backings, finishing, tools, etc. Virtually every bow type is represented and from every area of the world and from ancient history to the present day. - The books contain original material, such as information on hysterisis. - The content covers basics to very advanced topics. - Though the authors express individual preferences here and there(bow types, woods, etc.), taken as a whole the material is quite neutral and fact-based. - Design is emphasized as much as construction, perhaps more so. I'd go further and say the intent of the series is to teach foundational material and definitely not to present simple how-to instructions. I've made bows using these books, but see comments below, too. - There is very little throw-away material, here meaning text that preaches to the choir about the virtues of traditional archery. On the con side: - The material is topically organized (e.g., design, tillering, woods). While that's terrific for the topic, it isn't the best for the step-by-step how-do-I-make-a-bow reader. You really have to read the bulk of the material to put it together. - These may not be the best books for someone just starting out in traditional archery. The authors presume basic knowledge of archery and terminology. A newcomer, unless extraordinarily enthusiastic, will be overwhelmed. - There's a lot of line drawing illustrations. I would prefer photos. - The multiple volume approach isn't really necessary, given the size of each, drives up the price of the total, and I would like to see the series published in a single volume. The cons are nits, however. This book series provides an extremely comprehensive view of traditional archery and is a must-have on the bookshelf of anyone interested in the topic.

THIS IS the book series you are looking for to get a GREAT start in making hand made archery equipment !! Well written and insightful, It has much to add to the foundation of Volume #1 WHAT A BARGAIN - A MUST HAVE SERIES FOR THE BEGINNING BOWYER... SO MUCH HELP FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN CRAFTING ARCHERY EQUIPMENT.

This book isn't just about making bows. It has a great section on making bow strings from primative materials or modern ones. Includes design of stings, types, features. Great to learn to make a string for that bow you just made.

For those interested in making traditional bows these books come highly recommended. The instructions are simple enough for beginners, and detailed enough that experienced bowyers can learn several new techniques, a rare quality in many "how to" books. Explained very well are the theory's or why's behind the instruction. This volume, # 2 explains bow construction from boards, recurve bows, composite bows, bow strings from natural and manufactured materials, bending wood, steel points, and quivers. Bows from ancient Europe, and the eastern woodlands are studied and explained in detail. Chapters written on hints, shortcuts, and shooting accuracy improvement are also very valueable. The chapter on board bows was worth the price of the book by itself, as I am unable to cut bow staves from trees.

If, like me, you find yourself searching the internet endlessly for articles on making longbows, composite bows and everything in between, then look no further. Together, the three volumes in this set would have to be among, if not THE the most valuable texts on making archery tackle that there is. The photographs are in black and white, but they are excellent quality, and often appear within the well bound covers. Detailed illustrations also accompany the well thought out and clearly presented text. A lot of thought went into the production of these books, and I must say that the effort payed off. Living in another country and studying with no job, I had to save every bit of loose change I had for about 18 months to get these books, and they were worth every cent. I recommend these three books to all who aspire to one day loose arrows from their own hand crafted weapons of antiquity.This review does NOT refer to the paperback edition