Doormaking and Window-Making: By Anonymous

This unique hardbound book is a treasure trove of traditional joinery knowledge, preserving the art of handcrafted doors and windows from the brink of obscurity.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive guide to building doors and windows by hand
• Written by an anonymous joiner during the Industrial Revolution
• Combines two rare, illustrated booklets into one volume
• Focuses on fundamental construction techniques
• Progresses from basic to complex assemblies
• Includes handmade line drawings and clear, instructional text

Book Specifications:

• Dimensions: 4-1/2 inches wide x 7-1/4 inches high
• Hardcover, case-bound
• Sewn binding for durability
• 176 pages
• Printed on acid-free paper
• Entirely printed and bound in the United States

Content: This book stands out for its approach to teaching doormaking and window-making from the ground up. Unlike many modern texts that assume prior knowledge, it begins with the basics of construction, covering everything from layout to joinery to final assembly. The anonymous author’s expertise shines through in the voice of authority that guides readers through each step of the process.

Historical Significance: As mechanization threatened to replace traditional joinery skills during the Industrial Revolution, this book emerged as a crucial record of vanishing craftsmanship. Its survival and reproduction offer modern woodworkers a rare glimpse into historical techniques that might otherwise have been lost to time.

Illustrations and Text: The book features a wealth of handmade line drawings that complement the clear, instructive text. These illustrations provide visual guidance for each step, making complex processes easier to understand and replicate.

Additional Content: Enhancing the historical value of this reproduction is an essay by Richard Arnold, the English joiner who discovered these rare booklets. His account of how these workshop relics came into his possession adds a fascinating layer of context to the main text.

Ideal For:

• Woodworking enthusiasts interested in traditional techniques
• Professional joiners looking to expand their skill set
• Restoration specialists working on period-accurate projects
• Anyone interested in the history of craftsmanship

“Doormaking and Window-Making” is more than just a how-to guide; it’s a preservation of craft history. By bridging the gap between historical methods and modern practice, this book offers readers the opportunity to connect with the rich tradition of joinery while developing practical skills for contemporary projects. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or a curious beginner, this volume provides invaluable insights into the timeless art of creating doors and windows by hand.