Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Nagyszalanczy begins his book with this simple, declarative statement: "A well made tool is a thing of beauty that's as much a pleasure to look at as it is to use." Then, in nine chapters, 231 pages, and 300 color photographs, he backs it up beyond any possible argument. Never before has such a lavish and comprehensive exploration of stunningly elegant, exotic, plain but ingenious, and just flat-out gorgeous hand tools been assembled in one book. Making use of scores of private tool collections generously made available by private collectors and museums around the United States, the author doesn't merely write evocatively about a breathtaking variety of inventive and finely crafted tools, he also photographed them individually and in groupings that evoke nothing less than classic still lifes, as objects of art and craft. And that they are, without a doubt: silver measuring tools, ivory and gilt rulers, forged-iron double-calipers, cast-iron and brass levels, and jewelry-like plumb bobs made of exquisite materials like scrimshaw, brass, and fine steel. Hand planes of dizzying variety and configurations, designed for dozens of particular and exacting tasks, and made of rosewood, brass, steel, and ivory; cast-iron hammers with heads shaped like fish; drills and augers, axes and saws, and chisels; a bone-handled gouge; quirky and unusual combination tools; human-powered scroll saws and many more are described and pictured in delightful detail. This is truly a tool-lover's dream book. --Mark A. Hetts
Book Description
This collection features more than 250 unique tools built with beautiful materials, lavished with artistic decoration, and crafted with remarkable precision. Privately owned, many of these tools have never been photographed or shown in publications before. Included are measuring instruments, handplanes, saws and other cutting tools, striking and drilling tools, Asian treasures, miniatures, ingenious foot-powered machines from the 19th century, and improbable combination tools. Each photo is accompanied by detailed notes that provide historical and technical background. This handsome volume will appeal to collectors, those who use tools, and anyone who appreciates finely crafted utilitarian objects. "The Art of Fine Tools photographs clapboard planes and hand adzes, British spokeshaves, and Japanese ryoba saws as lavishly and seductively as a display of tarts in Martha Stewart Living." - Newsweek
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
The Art of Fine Tools,Sandor Nagyszalanczy,Taunton,1561582638,Crafts / Hobbies,Hand Tools,Hobbies/Crafts,House & Home,Pictorial works,Tools,Woodwork,Woodwork - Tools,Woodworking tools,Crafts & Hobbies / Woodwork
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