“With the Grain: A Craftsman’s Guide to Understanding Wood” by Christian Becksvoort is a comprehensive and practical guide for woodworkers, focusing on the essential knowledge of wood necessary for furniture making.

Key Features:
– Author: Christian Becksvoort
– Publisher: Lost Art Press
– Third revised edition
– 160 pages
– Dimensions: 8-1/2″ x 11″
– Hardbound with green cotton cover
– Sewn binding
– Printed on acid-free paper in the United States

Content Highlights:
– Succinct explanation of how trees grow and respond to their environment
– Guide to identifying trees by silhouette, leaves, and shoots
– Detailed discussion on wood movement and how to accommodate it in furniture design
– Formulas relevant to furniture-making
– Information on North American wood species and their workshop characteristics
– Chapter on managing small forests or copses of trees
– Basics of cutting, stacking, and drying lumber

New in Third Edition:
– Added details on 10 North American trees:
Tamarack, White Spruce, Douglas Fir, True Poplar, Black Willow, Pecan, American Hornbeam, Live Oak, Mulberry, and Red Maple

Ideal for:
– Furniture makers
– Woodworking enthusiasts
– Those interested in sustainable and local wood sourcing
– Students of woodcraft and forestry

“With the Grain” stands out for its focused approach to wood knowledge specifically for furniture makers. It bridges the gap between scientific forestry texts and practical woodworking, providing just the right amount of information needed for crafting furniture.

Becksvoort’s emphasis on using local wood species and understanding their properties encourages a more sustainable and intimate approach to woodworking. The book’s practical advice on managing small woodlots and harvesting lumber adds a unique dimension, connecting furniture making to forestry.

The revised edition, with its additional tree species, further enhances the book’s value as a comprehensive guide to North American woods. Its high-quality production, typical of Lost Art Press publications, ensures it will serve as a durable workshop reference for years to come.