Norwegian Wood: Chopping, Stacking, and Drying Wood the Scandinavian Way
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Description
Lars Mytting’s Norwegian Wood, a full-color practical book about the art and craft of handling wood for heating, is a gift-ready international bestseller. “You don’t need to have a wood-burning stove or fireplace to be captivated by the craft and lore surrounding a Stone Age method of creating heat.” ―Boston Globe Norwegian Wood provides useful advice on the hows and whys of taking care of your heating needs, but it’s also a thoughtful attempt to understand man’s age-old predilection for stacking wood and passion for open fires. Chapters include: The ColdThe ForestThe ToolsThe Chopping BlockThe WoodpileThe SeasoningThe StoveThe Fire The author, Lars Mytting, writes, “The factual material in this book represents the distilled wisdom of encounters with people who are passionate about wood, enthusiasts as well as professional researchers. I have benefitted greatly from my conversations with experts in the fields of combustion and silviculture. . . . Along the way I’ve tried out most of the techniques I’ve been introduced to. I’ve dried finely chopped oak in our kitchen oven, struggled to build a beehive woodpile, miscalculated the trajectory of a felled pine. And I’ve been on a quest to discover the soul of the wood fire.” With his help, you’ll begin your quest to discover the joys of wood and wood fire. An intriguing window into Scandinavian culture, the book also features interesting facts and anecdotes and inspired prose. The US edition is a fully updated version of the Norwegian original and includes an appendix of US-based resources and contacts. Read more
Publisher : Abrams Image
Publication date : October 6, 2015
Edition : Illustrated
Language : English
Print length : 192 pages
ISBN-10 : 1419717987
ISBN-13 : 87
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 6 x 0.75 x 9 inches
Best Sellers Rank: #61,592 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #4 in Hand Tools (Books) #16 in Outdoor & Recreational Area Gardening #23 in Carpentry
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Top Amazon Reviews
Format: Hardcover
One of the distinctive features of Lars Mytting’s cult classic, Norwegian Wood, is that is touches the heart, the head, and the hands in equal measure. It’s like an equilateral triangle of the literary arts, a rare feat in any language. You will want to go out and collect, chop, and stack wood while reading, even if don’t own an axe. You will fantasize about visiting Norway on your next extended vacation, drawn in by his evocative accounts of the Scandinavian woods and countryside, with its perfectly stacked wood piles and warm, cozy, wood-heated interiors. And your mind will be stimulated by his informative account of 20th century European history as modern societies morphed from predominately rural to majority urban and expanding communities, with all the energy and heat-related demands that such a fundamental transformation entails. Given the salient contemporary concerns with CO2 emissions and increasing average temperatures, the argument that wood-burning, high efficiency stoves may actually be better forms of heating a home than electric or natural gas may seem less convincing now than when first published in 2011, but the author makes his case quite well with a combination of precision and passion. The environmental arguments strike with less force than his philosophical and social anthropological ones, however. For many Norwegians, collecting firewood is a way of life, a means to survive harsh winters and dark nights, and a multi-generational method for living locally using resources widely available within their homeland. Norway famously has never joined the European Union, and traditions of self-sufficiency by struggling valiantly to survive in tune with the elements are deeply rooted in Norwegian culture. Global solutions are not on the table for Lars when it comes to his narrative of local axes, splitting wedges, mauls, chainsaws, and wood-burning stoves. He favors Scandinavian inventions, tools, and techniques – and so do the women and men he interviews. This is part of what makes Norwegian Wood such an equilateral triangle of a read, as mentioned earlier: Lars uses his hands, thinks with his head, and feels with his heart when he writes about firewood. It is not an abstract or overly technical topic. As an appreciative reader of his text - and admirer of his beautiful photographs that illustrate the chapters - I came to appreciate his unique perspective and inspired point of view. I realized that he wasn’t out to proselytize the value of Scandinavian wood stacking for the world as a whole. Each part of the planet, he seems to suggest, has its own traditions for warming, cooling, and providing their dwellings with a sense of “home.” For Lars, there is no Norwegian “home” without the warm glow, comforting crackle, and flickering light of an open hearth fireplace or energy efficient, ultra-modern wood stove. He sees things through the precise lens of science but also with the creative, wide-open eyes of an artist. Few books about a topic as specialized as wood chopping, stacking, and drying have this ability to engage their readers so deeply, even those who will never stack a cord of wood in their lives. That is why I personally find this book is so special and recommend it highly to others in search of something new to add to their lives, so that they might come to see their world differently. Norwegian Wood is a cult classic for a good reason!
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Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2019 by Camelia N.
Format: Hardcover
All right, I'll add to the chorus: This is a fabulous book. If you're even slightly curious, buy it. In my case, I've been heating my home exclusively with wood for 5+ years (I know, I know, "newb!" shout many). I went into the process of selecting and ordering a high-efficiency insert with my eyes open and did a LOT of research. Then I did a LOT of research on wood, wood sourcing, wood chopping, wood stacking, wood storing, wood moving, wood burning. A LOT of research. You name it, I read up on it. Mostly on-line, thanks to some terrific forums, as they seem to have the latest "state of the art" opinions on efficiently turning wood into heat. After all, processing wood is a whole mountain of backbreaking work, and as a city slicker recently converted to the suburbs, I wanted to make sure I was doing all that work as efficiently as possible. Given all that background research, I was hesitant to buy this book: "I doubt it'll have anything new. I'm sure it's a compendium of old news I've already seen." It can't teach *me* anything. But I found myself adding it to my cart anyway, on a whim (and, perhaps, for an opportunity to read through a book with a feeling of smug superiority? naw). Largely, if you're experienced and/or Scandinavian and/or well read on the topic, there's not a *lot* of new information here. But, it's all presented so charmingly, so engagingly, so compellingly that it's nearly impossible to put down. And even my over-researching self found a few new tidbits to try. There's something in here for everyone, and reading through the stuff you might already know is entertaining enough that it's still time well spent! It's so charming, in fact, that I repeatedly thought to myself, "I wish I could read Norwegian fluently, as I bet it loses some small touches between 'well written' and 'fantastic' in translation." Great, funny, informative, opinionated-without-being-off-putting book. Actually, maybe more than anything else, it made me start wondering about a vacation in Norway! Further, it should be commended for its physical presentation: This is a -beautiful- book, with a nice, heavy cover, lovely thick paper, nice pictures, great layout, etc. Just on that note, it would make a lovely gift presentation. Much care, effort, and cost went into publishing this. The pictures suffer a touch from being on matte paper instead of glossy, but I bet that was a choice made with environmental concerns in mind (or, perhaps, the thought that this book might need to be used as kindling in a dire situation! : ) ). I will be looking for books from Abrams Image publishing in the future, just because of this book. Great book. Punches way above its weight class and cost. Grab it. Worst case, you can light a month's worth of fires with it, if you disagree!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 3, 2016 by LFM
Format: Hardcover
Henry David Thoreau once said "Every man looks at his wood-pile with a kind of affection. I love to have mine before the window, and the more chips (around the chopping block) the better to remind me of my pleasing work." Thoreau has many quotes of course of the woods - one only needs to look upon pictures of Walden Pond and understand the reasoning behind the opening statement of “…I went into the woods…” and likely his more famous reflection by most people more familiar than I with his works. I look upon my own woodpile as a source of peace – my way of joining with the earth a natural reflective time of ages gone by and in understanding that my own ancestors chopped wood and used fires for cooking and heating and chatting in a more efficient way and more often than I do currently. Today, the only “cooking” I do on an opened fire would likely be with homemade sausages or the heating of Saki to a tolerable degree for drinking. Mostly, fires are nature’s television – a way to discuss history, battles, wars, Generals etc with good friends, tobacco, and libations – when sitting alone with the fire a calm like no other enters – the demons depart and one has the chance for a short while to look into a mirror that provides a spiritual reflection. This book is a masterpiece; a sort of reference book for persons who find fire wood a way of life and for those whose opportunity presents itself occasionally. I would like nothing better than to have a home where I would have to heat it by firewood and firewood only. Though I am completed with the book it certainly will not be collecting dust – Lars Mytting wrote a living book that not only provides for various methods of working the firewood but also told a much larger story of people and self-sufficiency; something that has been largely lost in current society because of all the electronic and digital noise. Slowly I will now follow sections of this book with a soon to be overtime collection of axes that will be used accordingly. I also received a Scandinavian method of various chain saws; though, I think in this category one will do. Chopping wood and having to pull out the die-cast iron splitting wedge and 10” hand held sledge hammer creates an exhilarating feeling of accomplishment when a tough block of wood won’t split – seeing and feeling it split just gives the excitement of “I won’t be beat” sort of thing. If you enjoy the art of all things related to nature, firewood, history of the same – then you will understand this book will bring you to a very direct relationship with the weather – you are your own thermostat.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2016 by Gerry
Format: Hardcover
Being currently immersed in the task of putting up the winter firewood, while also writing blog posts and making youtube videos about splitting firewood, the release of this book was good timing. I've been putting up my own firewood up for a long time, so I have some perspective on the subject. The book is very much written for the Norwegian audience and it's perspective is very much Norwegian/Scandinavian. It is as much a human and cultural interest book revealing a view of the Norwegian relationship with forests, wood, work and heat, as it is a practical book and has feet in both areas. As a very pragmatic person, I would have preferred to see more well laid out how to information. It is not a how-to manual that will show you how to put up firewood. However, it is still full of much of that kind of useful information, especially for those who live in a similar context to that in which the book is framed. This is a well written, well constructed, well researched and easy reading book. I think for anyone who lives in a Northern forest of birch and conifers would be glad they read this book. In fact, I'd say it's a must read. Also, anyone who is just a wood burning/cutting/splitting enthusiasts, as some of us are, would enjoy it and almost surely learn something new. Even as a fairly well seasoned wood geek, I learned some neat stuff. It also has a romantic aspect that will pluck the pragmatic heart strings of many firewood enthusiasts. You can see a more thorough review on my website, skillcult.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2015 by anonymous
Format: Hardcover
I am very much interested in all things Northern European and Scandinavian, because of my ancestry, but I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this book. I have always enjoyed chopping wood, building fires and relaxing beside them, so the book's description and reviews made me fairly certain that at the least I'd learn something valuable in reading it. The author managed to compile a load of useful information - from choosing axes and other tools to chopping and stacking wood to dry it properly and on to methods of burning, stoves, and heat efficiency - yet the book never feels overly factual or like reading an instruction manual. It reads more like a novel with stories from the author's travels throughout Norway to discover the different traditions and truths about the art of warming the home. Having been raised in an old house with a cast-iron woodstove and a large woodpile behind our garage, this book brought forth a flood of memories from the winters of my childhood. I was thoroughly engaged throughout and learned much more than I expected to. I highly recommend this book to anyone who comes across it and finds the description at all intriguing or nostalgic.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2020 by Nics3451
Format: Hardcover
Wonderful book on wood! A great read and interesting story of Scandinavian customs regarding wood.
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2026 by SAILOR
Format: Hardcover
I recently read "Norwegian Wood: Chopping, Stacking, and Drying Wood the Scandinavian Way." I found it to be the best book I've ever read on this subject. The author, Lars Mytting, is a Norwegian woodcutter and craftsman who has written extensively about his experiences and techniques. The book is filled with beautiful photographs and detailed instructions that make it easy to follow along. I especially enjoyed the historical context that Mytting provides. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about woodworking or who simply enjoys reading about the craft.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 2, 2024 by M Kirby
Format: Hardcover
I'm very pleased with this book. The author is a strong advocate of heating with wood and the activities that precede and surround the actual burning. As much as anything, I guess I'm impressed by the Norwegian awareness and appreciation of the importance of wood heat in their history and their current society. Promoting clean and efficient use of firewood for heating homes seems to be a national policy of energy independence and emergency preparedness. New homes are required by law to have an alternate source of heat that is not electricity dependent - and that is usually wood heat. A pile of firewood doesn't disappear when a blizzard brings down the power lines, it doesn't leak pollution when the fuel tank springs a leak, and the firewood will sit there unattended and useful for a very long time. The author covers a wide variety of associated topics in a clear and enjoyable style. Additionally, the book is illustrated with beautiful photos and is well bound and produced - it is as substantial as some of the woodpiles it discusses. It doesn't go into details about sharpening a chainsaw or ax but anyone interested in heating with wood will probably enjoy this book.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2016 by Been there before