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A Museum of Early American Tools

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Description

Evoking a sense of nostalgia through vivid pen-and-ink sketches and engaging narratives, this book transports readers to a time of simpler, hands-on ingenuity and uncovers the tools and techniques used by early Americans to build, farm, and create traditional crafts. This absorbing book describes, in detail, farm tools and kitchen implements and how they were made. Includes devices used by curriers, wheelwrights, coopers, blacksmiths, loggers, tanners, coachmakers, and other craftsmen of the pre-industrial age. 184 black-and-white pen-and-ink sketches by the author accurately depict "special tools for every job," among them a hollowing gouge, hay fork, cornering chisel, apple butter paddle, boring auger, mortising chisel, a holding dog, hauling sledge, winnowing tray, reaping hooks, splitting wedge, felling axe, propping saw horse, and other traditional implements. An informal, expressively written book for cultural historians, woodcrafters, and Americana enthusiasts. Comprehensive Coverage – Explores an extensive range of vintage tools and techniques, from farm implements to blacksmithing gear, catering to various crafts and trades of the pre-industrial era. Practical Inspiration – Ideal for makers and artisans looking to recreate or understand traditional tools and methods, fostering hands-on learning and skill-building. Detailed Illustrations – Includes scores of expertly drawn pen-and-ink sketches that bring early American tools and artifacts to life, offering clarity and depth to every description. Cultural Significance – Rich in historical context, this book preserves the ingenuity and resourcefulness of early American craftsmen, making it an invaluable resource for cultural historians. Engaging Narrative – Written in an accessible and informal style, the book captures the spirit of early craftsmanship while entertaining and educating readers. Versatile Audience Appeal – Ideal for creators, repairers, woodworkers, and history enthusiasts seeking knowledge, inspiration, and connection to a bygone era. A Museum of Early American Tools is a captivating tribute to the tools and craftsmanship of pre-industrial America. Both educational and visually stunning, this book preserves the artistry of traditional trades while inspiring modern makers to honor and replicate age-old techniques. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Dover Publications


Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 14, 2002


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Print length ‏ : ‎ 128 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0486425606


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 03


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7 x 0.25 x 8.74 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #108,182 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #16 in Hand Tools (Books) #30 in Americana Antiques & Collectibles #3,378 in United States History (Books)


#16 in Hand Tools (Books):


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If you place your order now, the estimated arrival date for this product is: Saturday, Oct 10

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Top Amazon Reviews


  • Small but mighty!
I got this for my spouse for Father’s Day. Although it doesn’t appear at first to hold much info because of its size I can reassure you that is not the case!! This book is chock full of information and the illustrations are beautiful! My husband has commented several times to me how interesting and useful all the information is. We would highly recommend this and other books by this gifted and knowledgeable author! ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2023 by mrrozzle

  • Very informative, beautifully illustrated
Each item accurately depicted, excellent attention to detail, I can make reproductions from them easily. Elegant hand script used for notes. Historically accurate content, cleverly grouped. Well done, thank you.
Reviewed in the United States on April 4, 2023 by Bruce W. Jones

  • Entertaining and informative
Sloane loved his world of early American history, nature and folklore and his works welcome visitors to explore his world with him. Sloane was a significant collecter and historian of early American tools, but he doesn't write academically; rather, he writes as a friendly host who wants his guests to enjoy their visit, sharing his admiration of the tools, their materials, their makers and their users. This is a delightful and informative synthesis of early American history, traditional woodworking and folklore. If you've enjoyed Eric Sloane before, I think you won't be disappointed with this work. If you've never read him before, this is a great example of his work. This is well-illustrated by the author, with multiple sketches of each type of tool and descriptions that explain the use, and narrate the history of, the tools. I found this book enjoyable to read and use as reference. If I were to visit any of the historic interpretive or static museums of early American life, I think this is a book I'd take with me. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2019 by Cole Haney

  • This book is perfect for anyone who may have an interest in building ...
This book. This book was a gift for my boyfriend for Christmas. Not only did he read it, he's now read it many times. I've also read it. The book is extremely well written and goes through the history of American craftsmanship and tools. Different ways, in different regions, different woods, etc. This book is perfect for anyone who may have an interest in building their own tools one day, and even if you don't -- it's a beautifully written history of Americans and our evolution as farmers and hard work being done throughout the century. Full of discoveries and lost trades/ideas, I would give this book to anyone and know that I had made a solid choice. Even for someone who wouldn't normally read this kind of book, I found it to be enlightening and fun to read. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on July 23, 2016 by Kay B.

  • An excellent reference for the range of historical tools
An excellent reference for the range of historical tools. It is not an exhaustive reference of the range of tools or their variations but it provides a visual example of nearly every class of tool found in the colonial period. It has filled in a lot of gaps in my understanding of colonial industry.
Reviewed in the United States on February 16, 2017 by John Bush

  • Highly recommended!
This is one of Eric Sloane's BRILLIANT history books. Everything he published is worth getting, for young and old. Beautiful pen and ink drawings, well thought out, show you early American ingenuity in clear layouts. These mass-market paperbacks are superb in every way. Highly recommended.
Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2023 by Polaris300

  • Great experience would highly recommend.
Great experience would highly recommend.
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2023 by Keim L.

  • Eye opener
I thought I knew a lot about early American tools and methods. Lord! Was I wrong! If you enjoy the infinity of our ancestors on how they encountered, and then conquered a problem, you will enjoy reading this book
Reviewed in the United States on July 3, 2023 by doug dean

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