Thread: eBook of Woodwork Joints

Thank you looks helpful

I searched for the title "Woodwork Joints" on Bookfinder and found references to an edition published by Evans Brothers (the publishers of the original book republished by The Gutenburg Project) as far back as 1918. The title appears to have been published by Evans Brothers right through until about 1975. Since 1975, versions of the book have been published by a succession of publishers; Drake Publishers, Sterling Publishing and Harper Collins.

The credited author of the title has changed through the years. The Editorial Foreword of the Gutenburg version states that "In the preparation of this new edition the Publishers have secured the services of Mr. William Fairham, by whom the chapters have been carefully revised and re-illustrated." This would suggest that Mr. Fairham was not the original author. Later versions with the title are credited to Charles H. Hayward. Chris Schwarz, of Popular Woodworking and Woodworking magazine fame, notes that the first edition of the Hayward version was published in 1950. All subsequent versions of the title have been credited to Mr. Hayward. Note also that Chris Schwarz recommends the Hayward version (at least the early ones) as required reading.

The book has probably undergone a few changes over the years as evidenced by the subtitle. The Gutenburg version is subtitled "How they are set out, how made and where used," while versions of the Hayward revisions are subtitled "Kinds of joints, how they are cut and where used."

Returning to the original question relating to the publishing date of the Gutenburg version. There is a picture in the first few pages of the Gutenburg version reproduced from the September 1929 edition of "The Woodworker". Therefore, the publishing date has to be after 1929 but before the first Hayward version in 1950. I can't narrow it down any more than that.

Thanks for the link buffalobill. It looks like a good reference.

Thanks Buffalobill, a most excellent link 10/10. Interesting description on dovetail grooving and I don't think I've seen that block as described in Fig 318. I have bookmarked the link and will peruse it at my leisure. Thanks again.

Ian

There is quite a lot of info in TTTG News of a couple of years ago (my copies are currently hard to get to) on the history of The Woodworker. The Woodworker publishers recycled material all the time, and Fairham would have revised old articles. Woodwork Joints was the first of the Woodworker Series.

The Hayward was a new work, although he recycled material (his own and others) - a tradition carried on by Robert Wearing and others. Evans Bros dumbed down the Hayward titles after 1970, and so titles should be acquired with dates before that.

Good to see so many early titles being scanned, mainly in the US. Google Books has many, BUT they usually block international downloads. Wonder if some US woodworkers could download and email overseas to build up international availability?

As a collector of The Woodworker publications, I hope to scan material, however other time demands.......

Cheers Peter

Thanks for the info Peter,

Following the recommendation by Chris Schwarz in his Blog, but before buffalobill posted this link, I ordered a 1960 version of Woodwork Joints from Amazon UK. It should arrive next week. Fortunately my copy is from before the dumbing down that you refer to. This is more good luck than good management as I didn't know about the 1970 changes until you mentioned them.

Originally Posted by Heavansabove

Ian

Good to see so many early titles being scanned, mainly in the US. Google Books has many, BUT they usually block international downloads. Wonder if some US woodworkers could download and email overseas to build up international availability?

As a collector of The Woodworker publications, I hope to scan material, however other time demands.......

I know Google Books but where does one find these downloads? I could probably get them via a proxy and then set up a torrent - if they're freely distributable. The Gutenberg project is great - you can even volunteer to be a proofreader.

I look forward to any old scans. When you have the time, that is.

Regards
William

William, I don't know how Google filters out non-US people logging into the site. I am getting around to searching and recording the relevant titles, rather than just browsing. When I have a useful list I will post here, if you can figure out a proxy that would be a service. To search google books:

http://books.google.com/
Note the difference in the list when you select Limited as opposed to full. A sample -
Grimshaw on Saws
http://books.google.com/books?id=2uo...aw+saws&pgis=1
Here is one you can download, Nicholson on Carpentry
http://books.google.com/books?id=2uo...aw+saws&pgis=1

Also have a look at:
http://www.archive.org/details/texts
where you can download Grimshaw without restriction

Cheers
Peter