FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

“reverence for wood”

Chipper | Posted in General Discussion on July 29, 2005 09:14am

just finished reading a book by Eric sloane, called “A Reverence for Wood”.  Publisher was Funk & Wagnalls, a division of readers digest books, inc. new york.

It was excellent, & highly recommended.  It was sorta a break from the traditional straight foward plain factual books.  It was written with satire, poetry, historical persepctives, woodworking in its relatedness to the colonial time period.  I would imagine it was written by a “woodsman”  it was like a old fashioned folk story, but with 100% factual info.

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. OldGuy | Jul 29, 2005 11:33pm | #1

    Chipper,
    Yes, a great read. My copy dates from the 70's. Here on the shelf somewhere - library in somewhat dissarray right now (only "now" - HA).

    I believe he wrote a couple other books but can't remember the titles.

    Cheers

  2. calvin | Jul 29, 2005 11:43pm | #2

    Thanks, got it when I started out in the 70's.  Should look for it and get rejuvenated.  30 yrs later it starts to get old.

    Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

    Quittin' Time

  3. DavidxDoud | Jul 30, 2005 12:25am | #3

     - the story of the 'Westfield Seek-no-further' apple -

    Eric Sloane wrote several books,  there are 24 listed in the flycover of the one I'm looking at - tools and weather and Americana - an artist also,  his pencil drawings are a pleasure -

    often packaged with 'Reverence for Wood' was 'A Museum of Early American Tools'  and 'A Diary of an Early American Boy' -

    I've never been disappointed

    try ebay under 'Eric Sloane'

     

     

    "there's enough for everyone"
    1. calvin | Jul 30, 2005 01:41am | #4

      david, did he do one on Barns?Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

      Quittin' Time

      1. DavidxDoud | Jul 30, 2005 02:44am | #6

        'Age of Barns'

        plus lots of stuff scattered thru several other books -

        'Eric Sloane's America' is a compilation of several shorter works - covered bridges,  tools,  farming,  construction,  churches,  too much -

        like Sphere says - neat stuff -

         

         "there's enough for everyone"

        1. calvin | Jul 30, 2005 02:50am | #7

          Thank you,

           I carry some of that in my mind, just didn't remember how it got there.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

          Quittin' Time

    2. User avater
      Sphere | Jul 30, 2005 02:33am | #5

      Ah, one of my heros..his work was also on exhibit at the Mercer Museum in Pa. or Moravian Tile works...my stomping grounds as a kid.

      A true, lover of all things neat.

      A mentor.  Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

      1. JerBear | Jul 30, 2005 03:14am | #8

        I love the Moravian Tile Works and the Mercer Museum. I live in Bucks Co and go there when i can. The Craft movement was a wonderful thing indeed.
        Another good read like Sloan's book is The Soul Of A Tree by George Nakashima who also operated his shop out of Bucks Co.Sloan's books are wonderful, especially about the tools and their use.

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Jul 30, 2005 03:37am | #9

          I graduated from Quakertown Comm HS in '78. I had many a visit w/ Geo N. in the ensueing yrs. I sold him some walnut from a harvert for a subdivison in Montg. Co. back then..

          Neat family, just a neat family.

          I miss that at a times..it was golden moments.  Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          1. JerBear | Jul 30, 2005 06:16am | #10

            Yeah.  I'm only sorry he passed on before we moved here.  I know people who worked for him and knew him well.  A real innovator, and I love to sit on his stuff and admire his work over at the Michner Museum.  That's cool you knew him.

          2. Hazlett | Jul 30, 2005 02:49pm | #12

             Hey sphere,

             My wife and I just bought an "old" house this spring

             Has a tiled fireplace surround----tiles came from the moravian tileworks

            ( Actually one of the top 3 reasons we bought the house)

             11 tiles depicting scenes from Chaucers " Canterbury Tales"

             Wild, wild stuff.

             In the last 3 months---I bet the wife has read every freaking book ever put out on Moravian Tileworks.

             BTW----- I had heard that the Nakishima studio is open to the public on Saturdays------and had long wanted to go-------- Now that I know the Mercer Museum and the Moravian tile works are nearby---- I think I can close the deal with the wife.

              how far is bucks county from---say Wilkes Barre( or Danville/ Bloomsburg) ?

      2. Chipper | Aug 04, 2005 08:41pm | #15

        went out to doylestown for 2days to visit the moravian tile museum and the mercer museum.  There was just soooooooooo much on display at the museums.  I sort of felt rushed thru the "mansion" by the guide.  Went thru 12 rooms out of 44, in about 45minutes.  I could have spent all day looking at stuff. My fiance & I really enjoyed the trip to doylestown!

        Was talking with one of the masons doing restoration work on one of the kilns at the moravian tile museum, & he was telling me that they used a layer of burlap that was wetted with water and applied to the ceilings and the finish masonry coats were applied atop the burlap.  He said the wet burlap helps to slow down the curing process  & give a more durable finish.

        is using burlap an outdated technique today, or is it purposefull with plaster work, stucco....?

        1. User avater
          Sphere | Aug 05, 2005 12:09am | #16

          I dunno, I don't hang around too much plaster work.  I'd think the advent of expeaned meatl lath may have superceeded the burlap. But the extra moisture to slao the cure is a good plan all in all.

          Glad ya had a good, trip.  I haven't been backin about 5 yrs, I bet it is all different. Rt 313 and 202 used to be nice easy roads.  611 up along the river was a favorite sunday drive too..I kinda miss it..but I love it here in KY.  Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks

          1. JerBear | Aug 05, 2005 02:45am | #18

            It's all still there. The drive along the river is wonderful all the way to Easton and beyond. I haven't been to the tileworks or the Museum in a few years and maybe I'll head up that way this Fall. Doylstown is great. It should be about and hour and a half (I'm guessing) from Scranton/Wilks Barre.

        2. JerBear | Aug 05, 2005 02:42am | #17

          Yes, burlap is still used in ornamental plaster restoration, mostly in making the molds and mother molds. It's a strengthener like rebar in concrete.
          As far as helping concrete to cure more slowly, I've never heard of that but I'm sure it's legit.

  4. User avater
    jazzdogg | Jul 30, 2005 08:54am | #11

    Chipper,

    A few other books in the same vein:

    "Adventures in Wood Finishing" by George Frank (ISBN 0-918804-06-X) Published by Taunton Press; first printing, March, 1981.

    "The Village Carpenter" by Walter Rose (ISBN 0-941533-18-2) Published by New Amsterdam Books. First published in 1937 by Cambridge University Press.

     

     

    -Jazzdogg-

    "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

    1. Hazlett | Jul 30, 2005 02:52pm | #13

       jazzdogg,

       I have read Walter Roses' book

       but I  OWN the  " Wheel Wrights Shop" by George Sturt------- look that one up.

       Stephen

      1. User avater
        jazzdogg | Jul 30, 2005 05:11pm | #14

        Thanks for the recommendation, Stephen!-Jazzdogg-

        "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business

Join some of the most experienced and recognized building professionals for two days of presentations, panel discussions, networking, and more.

Featured Video

Builder’s Advocate: An Interview With Viewrail

Learn more about affordable, modern floating stairs, from design to manufacturing to installation.

Related Stories

  • Grout-Free Shower Panels
  • Prep Faster With Peel-and-Stick
  • One-System Wonder
  • Versatile Vise

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data