Why do we make things? Why do we choose the emotionally and physically demanding work of bringing new objects into the world with creativity and skill? Why does it matter that we make things well? What is the nature of work? And what is the nature of a good life? Whether you're honing your craft or turning your hand to a new skill, discover the true value in what it means to be a craftsman in a mass-produced world. Part memoir, part polemic, part philosophical reflection, this is a book about the process of creation. For woodworker Peter Korn, the challenging work of bringing something new and meaningful into the world through one's own efforts is exactly what generates authenticity, meaning, and fulfilment, for which many of us yearn. This is not a 'how-to' book in any sense, Korn wants to get at the 'why' of craft in particular, and the satisfaction of creative work in general, to understand its essential nature. How does the making of objects shape our identities? How do the products of creative work inform society? In short, what does the process of making things reveal to us about ourselves? Korn draws on four decades of hands-on experience to answer these questions eloquently in this heartfelt, personal and revealing book. 'If you are in the building trade or just love creating things as a hobby, you will find this book fascinating' The Sun

A must-read for the craftsperson, artisan and artist. "In his beautiful book, Peter Korn invites us to understand craftsmanship as an activity that connects us to others, and affirms what is best in ourselves."-Matthew Crawford, author of Shop Class as Soulcraft Woodworking, handicrafts -the rewards of creative practice, bringing something new and meaningful into the world through one's own vision, make us fully alive. Peter Korn explains his search for meaning as an Ivy-educated child of the middle class who finds employment as a novice carpenter on Nantucket, transitions to self-employment as a designer/maker of fine furniture, takes a turn at teaching at Colorado's Anderson Ranch Arts Center, and finally founds a school in Maine: the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, an internationally respected, non-profit institution. How does the making of objects shape our identities? How does creative work enrich our communities and society? What does the process of making things reveal to us about ourselves? Korn poignantly probes for answers in this book that is for the artist, artisan, crafter, do-it-yourselfer inside us all.

The book takes a classical approach to teaching woodworking, introducing fundamental tools and shop practice. It is a solid, systematic learning tool for the advanced beginner seeking to master the basics of woodworking craftsmanship. This is a book with a strong point of view. It is the basis of the two-week basic woodworking college class that the author currently runs at the Centre for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Maine. It pushes the idea that learning basic skills is essential to craftsmanship. This is a valid teaching approach based on a long tradition of European apprenticeship (as espoused by Tage Frid, Alan Peters and James Krenov). There is good pedagogical precedent for the idea that learning it right (the techniques and the principles) is an essential foundation. One can always depart from it later, using shop aids and power tools to do a process more quickly or efficiently..